Good evening fellow Aviators.
RASP predicted great potential for Saturdays flying at the Park, but the soaring opportunities arrived with strong gusting winds to add a little extra excitement to the days proceedings, (see screen shots below).
Severe gusting cross winds delayed progress in the morning, and a change in wind direction required a change of ends at the Park. As the morning drew on the gusting wind component eased, and club members were treated to some very strong thermal activity, with members regularly sustaining climb rates of 4 – 10 knots up to cloud base at 5000 – 5500 ft.
The gusting winds didn’t ease of completely however, and provided excellent cross wind training for students.
Club members were treated to an aerobatic master class from John Hull in one of our club Puchacz, including Loops, Stall Turns, 3G turns, a Quarter Clover, and final ‘bow to the crowd’ Hammer Head Stall.
Chris Chappell had seen it all before (picture below)
Dan Weston had a valiant attempt at his 100k, but after encountering an impassable stretch of blue sky with a 6 knots down component, he was forced to land out at Beckhampton. A safe and well executed field landing ensued, and Dan waited in the conveniently located local pub for his retrieval. Many thanks to Jorn Schuster for leading Dan’s retrieval, particularly as Jorn wasn’t even at the Park on Saturday and agreed to be on standby at home for Dan’s retrieval.
Pictures of Dan’s well executed field landing below.
All in all, another excellent days flying at the Park, with the club achieving 15 Winch Launches, and 1 Aero Tow.
Kind regards.
Damien.
Great blog Damian and a good read. Glad there is no sound I might have been snoring!!
Chris C
Dan was considerate enough to choose a very picturesque spot, even with archaeological interest, as it was almost in view of Silbury Hill.
If only he had listened to my well-considered advice that thermalling is basically just a horizontal loop 😉