With
a possibility of a covering of snow on the airfield this morning, some
of the younger members turned up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in hope of
a magical winter wonderland. Well actually it was mostly just one
member, duty instructor John P. To clarify for those of you struggling
with the whole 'younger' and 'John P' thing, youth is a state of mind
not a number. Those lucky enough to share a lift with John this morning
were greeted by a cup of espresso waiting in the car from his spangly
new espresso machine. He explained how it had been carefully calibrated
by turning all dials to 11. The journey to North Hill then involved a
detailed explanation of the fun that was going to be had involving a
tyre, a piece of rope and a vehicle on a field full of snow. All of
this to the soundtrack of one of his favourite bands, Simple Minds . . .
.
Unfortunately
on arrival all of these dreams were smashed in teeny tiny pieces. The
field was mostly green, although frozen reasonably hard. There were
also some menacing looking clouds hanging around at the west end of the
field. Not only could we not do whatever it was that involves a tyre,
rope and vehicle, we couldn't start gliding either. After an hour or so
of DI'ing vehicles and the winch, drinking tea/eating bacon and
watching a paltry few flakes of sleety/snowy stuff fall out of the sky,
Mark C announced it was time to begin.
John
began his role as Duty Instructor. As those present couldn't fail to
notice, he was sporting the latest Duty Instructor uniform - fluorescent
orange gloves. Any instructors needing a pair, please see John for
supplier details. Apparently they have a surplus. Most of John's
students were of a similar youthful age to himself. Oscar was sent off
in a K21 solo after an initial dual flight, and Mia practised her
approaches and landings, flying the whole of her final flight herself -
congrats! Matthew Wi meanwhile was continuing the early stages of his
BI training. This apparently involves Mark C pulling and pushing a
random selection of cockpit controls during flight in an attempt to
'simulate' students. I'm sure it's probably more scientific and
controlled than it sounds . . ?
 |
| Ready to launch (Marie W) |
By lunchtime,
the thawing process had begun and the field was starting to take on a
slightly brown hue as it thawed. Pete St could be observed 'helping
out', although most members now realise this is just a ploy to police
glider tracks for signs of excessive braking. Jonathan S and Phil G
took the opportunity of available two seaters to have a fly. Conditions
were fairly benign with a gentle westerly wind on the ground. The ridge was
providing some extended flights if you timed it right and were gentle
enough. Roly took the honours of longest flight of the day - 36 minutes
in a Junior.
 |
| Sheep's-eye view of the launchpoint (Marie W) |
As
members all realise, progression through the DSGC card scheme means you
have to get 'signed off' on not just flying skills but also ground
tasks to progress. One of the early tasks required is winch driving.
Stuart P therefore had a couple of sessions with Jonathan S learning the
ropes. "The instructor Stuart?" I hear you ask. Yes that's him. I'll
preempt your next question but won't bore you with the finer details.
Suffice to say he has a reasonably plausible sounding excuse/explanation
involving him being an instructor for a very long time, a club member
for an even longer time, and a different winch type 'back in the day'. Benefit of the doubt given.
Roly
was adequately punished by the glider gods for having the longest
flight of the day. When launches suddenly stopped, he was found at the
winch with a broken cable, lots of mud and a pair of gloves. Such fun!
James
H and Pete H both had sessions in the Rotax Falke with Ian, James continuing
his training and Pete to get 'reaquainted'. Pete was back in half an
hour or so, mission complete. It's fair to say Mark C was magnanimous
on hearing of Pete's excellent progress..........
Towards
the end of the day Lizzie flew with Mark C. Lizzie isn't yet solo but
seems to be progressing well judging by the well executed loop, beat up
behind the trees and expertly judged sideslip approach. In exchange for
flying lessons, Lizzie is teaching Mark how to solve a Rubik's Cube.
She demonstrated in the clubhouse and had it complete in around two
minutes flat, explaining as she went. It was then handed to Mark to
try. I think it's fair to say Lizzie will make a better glider pilot
than Mark will Rubik's Cube solver.
Well done to James F for passing his Bronze exam.
No snow, but a good day nonetheless. - Tim P
