Winching in Suffolk

Summary of flying for Saturday 3 September 2011
Total Hours0h 16m
Best Height Gain0 feet
Total Flights4

It had been a while since I visited the tow fields of Suffolk, and with the season slowly drawing to a close, it was time to return for one last day.

The southerly wind forecast suggested Mickfield as the site for the day and as I arrived, everyone was readying the airfield. I parked the car next to the hedge, unloaded and rigged my glider.

The wind was stronger than the forecast had suggested and as my turn to launch came, I was felt a little nervous. As soon as the launch started I concentrated on the flying. At a height of 200 feet, the tension increased on the towline followed by a jolt as weak link conceded ending the tow. I was high enough to loop back launch where I safely landed.

Three more successful flights followed, but with conditions being far from ideal, after my final flight, I flew the short distance back to the Mendlesham hanger where I landed and packed up. It was a lot of effort for 16 minutes of flying, and with a 120 mile return trip to West Sussex, I was eager to get going!

Flying Log(s)


TypeWinch Launch
DateSat, 03 Sep 2011 - 11:30
GliderAirBorne Sting 3:168
SiteMickfield Hall
Duration00h 01m
CommentsFirst tow in a while; weak link failed. Looped around and landed.
Height Gain0 ft
Distance
Total Hours48h 01m

TypeWinch Launch
DateSat, 03 Sep 2011 - 12:00
GliderAirBorne Sting 3:168
SiteMickfield Hall
Duration00h 05m
CommentsDifficult conditions - no lift.
Height Gain0 ft
Distance
Total Hours48h 06m

TypeWinch Launch
DateSat, 03 Sep 2011 - 13:30
GliderAirBorne Sting 3:168
SiteMickfield Hall
Duration00h 05m
CommentsDifficult conditions - no lift.
Height Gain0 ft
Distance
Total Hours48h 11m

TypeWinch Launch
DateSat, 03 Sep 2011 - 15:00
GliderAirBorne Sting 3:168
SiteMickfield Hall
Duration00h 05m
CommentsMini XC back to the hanger where I packed up.
Height Gain0 ft
Distance
Total Hours48h 16m

Total Flying Statistics

The total flying statistics up to and including 03 Sep 2011:

Total Hours48h 16m
Longest Flight1h 15m
Gliders Flown4
Unique Sites Flown20
Best Height Gain3,000 feet
Total Distance20.4 km
Furthest Flown13.4 km
Total Flights204
Hill Launches94
Winch Launches95
Aerotow Launches15