Overcast at Mendlesham

I had my name for towing on both Saturday and Sunday, but I could only manage one day. Rain was forecasted for Saturday, so Sunday looked to be the better option so I travelled to Mendlesham on Sunday morning. At 11am the sky looked overcast with a moderately low cloud base. The wind blew with a gentle westerly breeze.

As we rigged our gliders a few drops of rain fell. By the time I had rigged my own, I ended up sheltered underneath it as the heavens opened! The hanger then became the focal point as Mike prepared cups of tea and hot chocolate for all. This was also a good opportunity for Chris T, a pilot from the Southern Club, to get acquainted with everyone and to sort his chest release system.

Soon the rain had passed and winching commenced. Richard H would take the first two tows. With minimal height gains, Richard's verdict was of lots of sinking air.

Flight 1

My first launch was fine, but soon after first release, my glider yawed from side to side and it didn't want to climb, no matter what I tried. My glider simply felt awful and I was convinced that I had miss-rigged it. With that thought seeded in mind, I waggled my legs and released early - I wanted down!

Fortunately, from the moment I released, my glider settled down and felt normal. I then dashed back to launch where I touched down. That must have been that horrible air that Richard had mentioned.

Flight 2

My second tow was much better, the sinking air had gone and my tow up was very smooth. On release it was simply a slow return back to earth, concluded with another non eventful landing on the runway; just the sort of landings that I like!

Flight 3

By my third tow I had regressed back to being a numpty! During the tow I didn't feel the tension back off for my first release, so pulled the bar in and operated the release lever. Everything went quiet and after a few seconds of confusion I realised I'd double released! Numpty! I contemplated if I had enough time to turn back towards launch, but quickly realised that's how the majority of accidents happen so continued on my flight path where I safely landed!

Flight 4

After my double release, my brain had engaged and my fourth flight was uneventful. The wind had increased which resulted in a higher top release, but as before, not a whiff of lift on my journey back to launch.

Flight 5

My fifth tow had a good tow and release and on the way down, with such benign air, I flew the glider fast and embarked on several tight turns. My head began to spin when the scenery around me spiralled and I felt the g’s pushing my chest into my harness! I quickly decided I’d had enough of that and landed.

Flight 6

On my sixth flight, I bumbled around the sky and tried to seek some lift. It wasn't until I was almost over the hanger when I spotted some skylarks. I decided to join them and connected with some air 'slightly' rising above the hanger. After 2 360's and a couple of s-turns, I was too low to push my luck further and landed.

Flight 7

For my seventh and last flight of the day, I experienced a very nice smooth take-off and tow to around 700 feet. After release, I didn't connect with any lift until I was near launch and decided on a couple of 360's. I didn’t notice the approach of the Shadow microlight which was low on the horizon and about to pass under me. I spotted it when exited my final 360. Surprised by its approach, I quickly I landed and when I heard a whistle from launch, I turned to see the Shadow on final approach. I quickly moved my glider clear of the runway [into the crop] and the Shadow landed. After it had passed, I carried my glider back to launch, collapsed it and packed it away. Considering the conditions, I had had an exceptionally good time and returned home with a big smile on my face!