Spring Flying

I was headed to Suffolk, but first had to pick up Jim and his new Rio 2 before we stopped at the little thief for breakfast! By the time Jim and I arrived at Mendlesham the airfield was already being set-up. With an easterly wind, gliders had to be dropped off at the far end of the runway. Jim, not yet winch endorsed, had to wait for a more appropriate breeze before he could start tow training. It was expected that would develop later as the sea breeze came through. In the meantime, it was the perfect opportunity for Jim to get familiar with the goings on of the club.

The forecast had been light winds with a possible overdevelopment later. Everyone was hopeful of the first XC of the year, so gliders were quickly rigged. To assist with a faster turnaround, the club had dragged out two of their winches. That meant 4 lines were available and it didn't take long before the winch operators patiently waited for gliders to launch.

By the time of my first launch there wasn't much wind and I only achieved 500 ft. On my downward glide I connected with a little bit of something and briefly maintained for an extra minute of flight.

My flights that followed were almost near identical repeats of my first. In between my sled rides, Steve B. had managed to get away on a short XC and John C. had somehow managed to climb to 4,000ft above the airfield. By the time he'd landed, he had a huge grin on his face!

After my fifth and final flight of the day I decided that was enough for me. The sea breeze was now established and blew straight down the runway. Jim had his chance to fly. Unfortunately, Jim didn't own a release or suitable harness, so I loaned him my own equipment. After 4 tows, Jim really started to get the hang of winching but due to the diminshed sea breeze, tow training ceased until another day.