Rain, Wind and Aerobatics – Flying Report Fri 29 Mar 24

We thought that we had seen the end of the run of bad weather, but March had decided to go out with a bang.  A day of mixed fortune, thermic activity for those who got away early enough, aerobatics training and then a mix of heavy showers and a wind out of limits put an end to the day at 15:00.

Despite Cosford on break it was great to see two of our MEF students join us for the day.  We met Oliver on the Cosford FIT4life day and he susequently joined the club for his first flight today.   Welcome Oliver and hope you enjoyed your introduction to the world of unpowered flight.

The threat of rain was always in the air as, following on from last week, Stevie continued her training with Will with recognition of the stall, amongst other things, on the agenda…….

…..none of it good for the stomach when there is cake to be enjoyed back in the bus (delicious blueberry muffins this week with thanks to Mrs #vulcan bomber)!

With the approaching front, the wind was picking up in strength and once airborne it was evident that the ground was saturated.

For those who got away early there was some strong lift around, but caution had to be taken not to be blown downwind past the airfield.  Jack took advantage of the conditions to continue his Bronze test with Ian in K13 (R46).  Getting off the tow at 1,200ft, they manged a trip of 45mins in thermic conditions joining, at one stage, Geoff C in Astir EEO

A break for rain and then it was the turn of the aerobaticists to get their act together.  Having attended an early morning briefing by Ian, three members planned to take trips to 4,000ft to practice their routines and, in the conditions, the tuggy did well to get both Laura and Matthew to launch height.  Unfortunately, worsening conditions did not allow Richard to get airborne but there’s always tomorrow.

As the wind picked up the final launch went to 15 year old Leah, friend of Darcey.  Leah enjoyed a trip in R46 with Colin and, we think, may have got hooked by the gliding bug.  We hope to see you again soon Leah.