A bitterly cold day in Wiltshire. However those which braved the elements were rewarded with absolutely smooth conditions. Ideal for getting the Barge it’s first flight in 2016.
With a visitor too – sneaking across the background
After several weeks of inactivity due to an exercise taking place on the airfield followed by some pretty miserable weather the hangar doors finally opened on New Year’s Day. Although it was bitterly cold and windy together with a waterlogged airfield flying took place. Sadly we weren’t quite man enough to fly the open cockpit gliders we did at least fly the Swallow.
The start of a great day. A rare photo of the 4 out together at the launch point.
Sedburgh in a rather unusual attitude…
… we do try to be gentle with her.
We’ve been flying – just not writing about it – must do better…
After a dull start the day developed in to a warm afternoon. Ian soloed in the Barge for the first time – well done! Several check flights kept people on their toes. There was also some mid September soaring.
After Friday being so wet we could not have asked for better weather on Saturday. Although slightly breezy at times this was more than made up for by the strength of the thermals. The site of open cockpit gliders sharing thermals with the Venture with its engine off was different to say the least.
A small amount of flying took place on both days at the weekend with every flight on Saturday being a soaring flight in the region of an hour. Sunday produced probably the best visibility in terms of both distance and clarity of the year so far.
The Historic Flight was busy today with the T.21, Prefect, Mk3 & Venture out. Unfortunately the Annual maintenance on the Swallow was not completed in time to make it a full house. 615 VGS from Kenley came to experience the ‘wooden era’ with each of the visitors having a go in the T.21, T.31 and Venture. A day with absolutely fantastic visibility and reasonable thermals was forced to finish slightly early due to the wind steadily increasing throughout the day until it was out of limits. The day was rounded off with a well attended excellent BBQ.
A busy day in North Wilts today at the Historic Flight. Yet again we were blessed with soarable weather. Several good flights were made in the T.21 in an effort to stay cool.
Great conditions today with soaring starting from the first launch of the day. Barge, Prefect and Venture all soaring.
…. picture must have been taken after the kettle boiled 😉
We don’t always get to use the airfield, sometimes it’s used by the Army for exercises. We don’t mind – as long as they don’t dent it! We were flying again today though!
