Return to Suffolk

It was another trip to Suffolk's Mendlesham Airfield. The forecast had predicted an easterly wind, so the set-up was the opposite orientation to that of my previous visit. The drive up from West Sussex took a little longer this time, mostly contributed to the exceptionally large abnormal load travelling along the M25.

I arrived at Mendlesham and after I found a track that led to the opposite end of the runway [we're not supposed to drive along the runway], I dropped off my glider before returning my car to the hanger.

Walking the length of the runway, I returned to my glider where I rigged it and slipped it to one side. Soon after, towing commenced.

Tow 1

For my first tow, the wind was non-existent, possibly slightly tailwind? After I instructed "All Out!", I was hauled forward but not upwards - damn, you're required to run fast for these nil wind launches! I released the first cable prematurely and as the full tension transferred from the top line to the bottom, the bridle cut into my left hand. It hurt like hell, but I had to concentrate on my flying. A short while later I top released, probably around 400 ft and headed back to launch. I wasn't that high and I wasn't sure if I'd make it all the way back, but squeezed a good landing in as close to launch as possible. As I carried my glider the short distance back, my hand slipped and I noticed blood all over the control frame! That premature release had resulted in the tow bridle slicing deeply into my left hand. Ouch - I must get some gloves!

Tow 2

By my second launch, there was a gentle breeze that blew but across the runway. It appeared to be more southerly than easterly which was in contrast to the forecast! To make things easier, it was decided to use a launch trolley. Unfortunately, after its first use, both the leading axles were bent and it was rendered useless! My next tow would have to be another foot launch! Nursing my now very sore left hand, I launched again and I was able to gain a little more height and make it back to the launch area where I landed.

Tow 3

The launch area had now got busy with pilots waiting to launch which resulted in some confusion as to who was up for the next tow. To address this, a helmet queue was formed, that is, we place our helmets in order of launch. My helmet ended up pretty close to the start so it wasn't long before I was hauled along the runway and up into the air again! Conditions had improved and one lucky pilot had already vanished into the clouds. I was less fortunate and only managed to bump and probably bounce off a few lumps of rising air. On my way down, I squeezed in a few 360s but didn't really connect with anything and before I knew it, I had landed.

Tow 4

Steve had already launched and was flying just to the left of the runway and another pilot was walking his glider the length of the runway back to take-off. So a perfect time to launch!?! It was quite interesting as I passed Steve headed downward and myself being towed upward! With each tow of the day I gained more and more height, mostly due to increased wind speed and improving skill. This of course resulted in more airtime and time to explore the air on the way down!

Tow 5

My 5th tow of the day was uneventful until the landing! I landed very close to the take-off area but as I flared, a thermic gust caught the nose and lifted me vertical! I was able to get my feet on the ground but when the keel touched the ground, like a pole vault, the glider continued to rotate upward and lifted my feet off the ground! I was now convinced a ground loop was imminent and I shrieked a cry of help! No-one heard [fortunately] and at that moment, the breezed eased and nose fell and I was able to re-gain control of my glider!

Tow 6

Tow 6 was my last of the day and the team had decided on an impromptu spot landing competition! My tow was good and I released at a reasonable height of 800 feet where I found myself directly above the winch. After I wiggled my leg, I released then flew over the ploughed field where I tried to find some rising air. With limited success I was now on my way to attempt a spot landing! I think it was Keith that had launched before me and he'd had more success at finding lift which ended up in us both headed for landing at roughly the same time. For a moment I thought we'd both converge at the landing spot, but I descended much quicker, landing close to the spot, but not on the runway! Keith however, did a much better job and ultimately won the competition!

After I had packed up, I contemplated heading to the pub with the guys, but the 122 mile return journey won and I hit the road in an attempt to get back home at a fairly reasonable hour.