Members' area

What a busy day!

The poor visibility didn't hamper flying as several private owners ventured out for short soaring flights and in the evening Jean-Benoit (JB) Semichon completed his first solo.

Many thanks to all the duty team members who worked hard all day and gave us 55 flights, possibly the most so far this year. Roll on summertime.

Adrian

After a run of excellent flying days this week, the weather gods decided to mark the start of official summer time with an overcast sky and fresh wind from the East. As the cloudbase went up in the morning, we were able to get the gliders out for some flying on runway 09. A group of keen students kept the launch point running smoothly, making sure everyone got a chance to fly in the challenging conditions. There was a brief window of soarable weather in the afternoon which gave a couple of students their first soaring experience. Two members also completed their winter refreshers. Many thanks to Martin and Richard for driving the winch.

Sunday was a bright day but with a biting wind. The club instructors were kept busy with trial lessons, club flying and the flying part of winter refreshers following the theory briefing in the clubhouse. A few private owners came out to play to enjoy the thermals in the middle part of the day.

Monday was the start of another course for Tony, a former Navy helicopter pilot and a member at Culdrose, Mike a former paraglider and member at Dorset GC and another Mike returning after some previous courses at AD. A little confusing with three Mike's at the launchpoint!. Quite thermic from the first flight though a little broken because of the wind and all the course members enjoyed some lengthy flights with some good visibility throughout the day.
We managed to avoid the B52's that were flying around us on their way in to Fairford.

The forecast for the rest of the week looks good.

...Mike

A surprisingly good soaring day. Cloudbase 3300 above the airfield and thermal strength up to 3 knots average in places, when the sun came through fully. Upper cloud came and sent which caused the thermals to diminish from time to time. Plenty of soaring flights in the Ka8 and Ka18. 2 private gliders out to play as well.

Cloudbases rising during the day to 2000ft +, winds 230/20 at height. 7/8 cloud cover

Another great day,

The K13 came out for an airing and Alistair learnt about spinning and recoveries before going off solo in the K13.

Eric and David continued practice with the K18 and using the logger.

Howard reached his goal by flying several good unprompted circuits.

Barry Taylor joined us and completed his annual flight reviews before converting to the K18. Always worth asking during the week, if we have spare capacity 2 seater training is always possible.

Back at the ranch Mike Randle completed the Arc on the K23 in readiness for the weekend---thanks Mike.

We all went home happy but tired, a very successful first week. The picture shows the team for Friday.

I will be at Talgarth next week helping coach on the Royal navy adventure training week. If anyone fancies a day ot two out---please contact me and I will try to squeeze you in for some hill soaring training.

Don

wind 210/05, low cloud to start, visisbility 25Kcloud bases rising to 1500ft QFE

Another really good day.

the course doing well with Howard getting to grips with circuit planning and Alistair reinforcing his solo flying.

good to see some club members here. Adrian Giles took the opportunity to try out the K18. barry Taylor popped in for a few hours to say hello and lend a hand.

the evening briefing was Spinning and how to recover, ready for tomorrow,

A convivial dinner in the club room cooked by david, most enjoyable

wind 230/10 with low cloud to start. Cloud lifting later to around 1500ft.

Good to see so many club members out and taking advantage of the improved weather.

The course is progressing well and Alistair Worsley went solo for the first time, congratulations to him.

Pat and Roger kept the club show on the road and several pilots had refresher flights and resoloed after a winter break. Simon 9our CFI) undertook a number of refresher flights in the k13.

The pictures show Alistair preparing to launch and Collin being helped to refit the K13 canopy after it accidentally slipped forward off its pins.

winds 250/15, low cloud to start lifting pm.Early mist.

Another great day, Alistair and Howard are now flying unprompted circuits and have practised a wide range of stalls and unusual attitude rcovery.

Eric and David flew the K18 for the first time, well done to them. many thanks to Robin for help and advice.

Club day tomorrow, and spag bol for those that fancy it (after flying)

winds 260/10 good visibility and cloud bases lowering to 1100ft at times with light rain

Welcome to Howard Bunn ( a returnee from last year) Alistair Worsley (a newbie to CGC) Eric Lomas and David Hart who are CGC solo pilots.

We managed to get flying and Eric and David resoloed after a winter break. Alistair and Howard pressed on with the presolo syllabus.

Briefing in the evening was on approach control followed by a pleasant meal in the club room.

Strong winds, 40 knots at flying heights and gusty.

Despite that, I am always amazed at the many different activities happening around the club.

Dave Roberts , Roger Bagley and directors of Aston down farms are deep in conversation unravelling the intricacies of the club finances and CASC.

Simon our CFI meanwhile giving us guidance on various changes within operations.

Richard fixing stuff and planning what he is going to fix next.

Robin Birch quietly humming to himself while he fettles gliders.

A few club members chatting amiably in a corner,

Mike and assistant from Skylaunch now servicing the 2nd winch.

Welcome to Grant Needham who has returned from his overseas travel in his mobile home (5000 miles worth of travelling).

Dave, Gill and I continue to prepare for the season start on Monday.-----A quiet day really! Thanks everyone, where would be without you.