Booker Gliding Club

Another busy gliding day

2012-01-14T21:12:00.004Z

After a frosty start the sun brought lots of keen pilots to Booker. Some began the day with the Bronze briefing on Theory of Flight and instrumentation, there followed a variety of flying. This included trial lessons, course flying, cadets taking advantage of the flights they had earned, field landing practice, instructor prep and just having fun.

With all this going on there was no time to go to the clubhouse for tea so we were delighted when the Tea Dragon turned up in the shape of Nick with his campervan.

The day ended with some more aerobatics flown by the US Army colonel who had come over from Germany to fly with ace instructor Graham (they won't let him fly upside down in Germany). The view of the manoeuvres against the sunset and the evening star was the perfect end to the day.

Waving not drowning

2012-01-07T19:19:00.005Z

After a week of howling gales and tropical rain it was a real treat to see classic wave as far south as Booker. It was a glorious day with clear blue skies and the long flights were a delight. For some pilots it was their first experience of 'proper' wave and this will have encouraged them to join us on our annual trip to Aboyne .

Those on the aerobatics course led by Graham and Alun had less time to enjoy the view and no chance to get into the wave but they flew 3 sorties each and all benefitted from the expert tuition. Flying went on till late, we don't usually see the evening star with 3 gliders still aloft.

Plenty of fun to be had in the winter, gliding isn't just a summer activity!

Important Safety Information

2012-01-06T21:33:00.003Z

And just how important is all that advice you get about parachutes. Although this video is not by Booker Gliding Club, I thought it was worth posting as it contains some important safety information from one of our ex-members; to protect his anonymity, we'll call him Dave.

If, in the wind, you accidentally deploy your parachute with just the chest strap buckled, you risk a broken neck or strangulation.

Thanks must go to the safety aware Glen Alison for bringing this to my attention.

Next week; Bicester K13 Ejector Seat trials.

Festive flying

2011-12-24T17:15:00.003Z

A handful of people saw that there were alternatives to shopping and we took advantage of the tower being closed to launch from hard Runway 24, which was pleasantly smooth compared to the usual grass. A few aeros in the calm air and then a right hand circuit, just to make the most of being on the 'forbidden' side of the airfield. The occasional power traffic slotted in nicely without the need for ATC. There was also some model flying, including slope soarers and a jet. A very relaxing and enjoyable day.

Flying saucers??

2011-12-23T14:00:00.004Z

For some dramatic recent photos of wave clouds (lenticulars) over Yorkshire, take a look at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-16302606.

The text refers to wave clouds as 'rare' and only occurring near large mountains like the Himalayas, we glider pilots of course know better. Though not as impressive as in these pics, wave occurs at Booker more often than you would think, especially in the winter when there are no pesky thermals to mess it up.

A brace of landouts!

2011-12-19T11:43:00.025Z

Following on from Jim and Mike's adventure on Friday, FZA took off to clear sky but was cut off from the airfield by a snow shower that appeared from nowhere! Rather than try to fly through the snow and sleet, height was maintained in the lift on the edge of the shower and a good field selected in plenty of time and a safe field landing made. The retrieve was made in near darkness as HNK had to be rigged to make room for FZA!

Twas the Weekend before Christmas

Twas the weekend before Christmas, when all through the clubhouse,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The gliders were packed in the hanger with care,
In hopes that summer thermals soon would be there.

The pilots were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of final glides danced in their heads.
And Sheilagh in her ‘kerchief, and Sue in her cap,
Had just settled their brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the launch point there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the clubhouse to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The wind so strong blowing north side of west,
Gave Jim the idea, fly to the ridge at its best.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But the Pawneee and K21 to the rear.

With a little old driver, so lively and steady,
I knew in a moment it must be St Heggy.
More rapid than eagles his launches so stout,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called “launch All Out!”

Out on the ridge with good beats west and east,
Maintaining their height, 1400 feet at least.
Come says Jim this all very good but now let us press on,
Crossing Risborough a doddle and then on to Halton.

The joint decision is made and it’s time for best glide,
Setting course to the north what a wonderful ride.
The snow on Coombe Hill so fluffy and swell,
With height running out it’s not going well.

Children looked up low over the roof tiles of Wendover,
As a hearty cry went out – I have control the flight it is over.
The landing was smooth in the Aylsebury clay,
A soft muddy landing for Mike and his sleigh.

Elves duly arrived and carried it out all covered in mud,
An epic rig by the FOGers to much cursing sweat and blood.
The ground so crisp and icy that Crockett used his head,
He bashed into the tailplane – concussion, phew not dead!

Back at the apron where rumours’ abound,
Sat flying school planes tied firm to the ground.
The Duchess looked drained, things right on the verge,
But outcomes look up following a merge.

Sunday looms glorious so FZA with Rob has to fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, cloud showers in the sky.
Return to the airfield no longer an option it’s time to land out,
Field selection was good – winter wheat and not Sprout!

"Now Cooling! now, Phelps! now, Parker and Herman!
On, Williams! On, Hilary! On Davey and Richardson!
To the trailer park! to the top of the wall!
Now retrieve away! retrieve away! Retrieve away all!"

So off to Rockwell End they flew,
With the trailer full of HNK! and trestles too.
The light getting dim, cross field they plodded
The mud thick and sticky their shoes they were clodded.

With glider derigged all hearty and hale,
It was time to head back to the old Grouse and Ale.
But on arriving back at the clubhouse all frosty and cold,
Was an old man dressed in red standingever so bold.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a guffaw,
And away they all flew down the line of 24.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘noise abatement to the right’,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Anon

Ridge Day!

2011-12-18T11:42:00.000Z

Unable to help ourselves, Mike and I set off for the ridge on Friday once the cloud lifted high enough. Local ridge seemed to work OK to about 1300 so, despite the lack of a decent vario we started off toward Halton.

What could possibly go wrong? I didn't do well....

Funny thing gliding...30 minutes flying, 3 hours retrieve, 3 hours cleaning and rerigging. What else would one want to do at the weekend??

Massive thanks to Heggy, Sue, and the ever resourceful Will for coming out to get us, Richard, Sarah, Glyn, and Steve B for helping clean and rig, and Mike for not being cross!

Jim

Serres 2012 & Bronze Lectures

2011-12-14T13:54:00.003Z

The list for Booker Gliding Club’s trip to the French Alps (Serres) next year will be going up on the notice board on Saturday the 17^th December. The dates that are currently being planned for are the 9^th – 23^rd June. If you are interested please ensure you put your name on the list. This will again be an essentially two seater trip so if you are considering bringing your own glider please talk to Mike Collett, Doug Hilton and Geoff Tabbner. Due to the high-expected interest there will be a deposit of £150, which will be taken from your account. Any questions please feel free to ask.

Just in case you’re wondering why we go have a look at the following:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPvWblvIBp4&hd=1

Bronze Lectures

Also dates for your diaries the Bronze lectures which will be taking place on the following dates:

7^th January- Theory of Flight

14^th January- Theory of Flight part 2 & Instruments

21^st January- Navigation

28^th January- Meteorology

4^th February- Radio, Airmanship and Bronze C Exam

10:00am in the Briefing Room

The first frost of winter...

2011-12-10T19:30:00.007Z

....and a glorious sunny day, with plenty of action at Booker. The FOG briefing on ground handling and the arcane art of glider parking was followed by a practical session on splicing, the participants all did very well. As to flying, there were instructor checks, aerobatics, members flying, and a visitor from Weston on the Green escaping from heavy objects falling from the sky at his usual airfield. The weather was ideal for all levels of experience.

The end of the day saw an attempt on the record for the maximum number of people required to derig a K21.

And then as we thawed out with hot tea in the clubhouse we were treated to a magnificent sunset.

Doctor Who fans look away

2011-11-25T18:20:00.006Z

After last weeks days of low mist and fog, the weather has cleared each afternoon to be flyable and Friday has been particularly clear if somewhat breezy. This has enabled a fair amount of two seater training to take place plus several solo flights. The forecast for the weekend is good, so no excuses for not being there!

A reminder that there will be a meeting from 10.00 am in the Clubhouse this Sunday 27th to discuss our operations during the period of the 2012 Olympic Airspace Restrictions. Your input will be very welcome.

Other activities on the airfield included the fabulous noise from the Yak 11's radial engine as it was doing some high speed runs down the runway - hopefully it will be flying soon.

The other slightly unusual activity was the sight of Doctor Who's Tardis flying around the north western end of the airfield - fortunately it was not being flown underneath a New Zealand helicopter delivering Christmas trees so we should be safe from the Daleks for a while yet.

More November Sunshine

2011-11-17T19:36:00.004Z

After a few days of very depressing low cloud and mist, the cold front went through around midday today and presented us with an excellent sky and visibility for the afternoon. Flights were taken by a couple of members in the K18 with the rest of the flying being taken by members on Basic and Intro courses. For a short period there were a couple of streets evident and one flight in the K21 managed 30 minutes soaring in the reduced sink that could be found under the cumulus - excellent considering the time of year and the fact that it was unflyable until 13:00.

John Herman with one of his students preparing to launch under a good looking sky

One note of caution for anyone flying with the low sun and low temperatures (especially on 24) is to ensure that canopies are spotlessly clean (as they should always be!) as visibility into sun is not always what it could be.

To infinity and beyond!

2011-11-14T09:29:00.000Z

Well, it was a bloody long way to Aerospool in Slovakia and back. I took a leisurely 3 days to go down through France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, and Austria -1122 miles from Booker. Despite that I managed to get nicked by German Hitler Yoof Politzei for overtaking a lorry where I should not have and then got stopped again in Slovakia for being foreign.

Aerospool are an interesting company, very friendly and very busy. In addition to refinishing gliders they are completing gliders for Schempp Hirth for which they have the agency, building parts such as tailplanes for SH, and build nearly 500 Dynamics / year (The Dynamic is a very nicely designed and built Rotax powered ultralight which can aerotow two seaters and cruise at 250KPH).

They have a nice airfield with a flying club just W of the Tatra mountains and say that the soaring in March and April is very good. We have an invite for an expedition!

The highlight of the tour was however the German motorised toilet. So good in fact that I had to bring you home a video!

More November sunshine

2011-11-13T20:05:00.009Z

More warm November sunshine today - our hardier members were in T shirts - and plenty of flying, with a mix of trial lessons, course flying and members just having fun. With Graham around this of course included aerobatics, one of the K13s did most of one downwind leg looping.

The low inversion made horizontal visibility a bit murky.....

.........but looking down was just fine!

Bob Smith went for a flight in order to take some photos for his forthcoming FOG (Fundamentals of Gliding) briefing which will include tips on cable break options. Come along on Saturday 26 November at 0930 for a discussion on the fields shown below. Better still, come at 0845 and help unpack the hangar first.

November Barbecue and Gardening

2011-11-06T08:05:00.008Z

Before anyone thinks we have lost the plot, Booker is still first and foremost a Gliding Club, however every now and again there is the need to do some necessary husbandry around the launch point and airfield boundaries.

There was an incredible turnout of members complete with a wide variety of loppers, chain saws and parangs who under Will Ellis' direction set about clearing part of the boundary on the south west corner of the airfield and a massive cleanup around the launch point and trailer park. It was very refreshing to see so many willing workers who stuck with it all day.

An impromptu barbecue was provided by Marnie and Dave Humprey to feed the masses for lunch which was extremely well received. Be warned there are more 'work parties' planned as there is still lots more to do but the effort is well worth it for the benefits you will get - please be willing to do your bit - notices will be put up and sent out for further dates.

A BIG thank you to all those who turned up and helped out, it is really appreciated.

With regard to flying, there is still plenty of activity weather permitting - the Aerobatics weekends are running as well as more general training, soaring and other activities planned.

Strong Southerly Winds, Convection and Wave

2011-10-24T17:09:00.008+01:00

The strong southerly wind over the weekend made every take off and landing one with a full on 90 degree cross wind but all the pilots who flew rose to the challenge and acquitted themselves admirably. This was one of the few weekends where the use of runway 17 might have been an advantage, on Sunday the wind was obviously sufficiently challenging for the power traffic to not bother as there were virtually no power planes operating all day.

Saturday produced some good soaring conditions in the afternoon which went on quite late but honours for the day go to Mark Wolfe who rigged his Libelle and had a good soaring flight.

Sunday was windier with a Met Office Strong Wind warning with 25 knot gusts predicted. Fortunately the gusts didn't affect us but as most people found out, the upper wind was definitely in the region of 40 knots as forecast. On the plus side though, there was a lot of wave about and climbs of 2/4 knots were to be found. Unfortunately one of the stronger wave bars was aligned east west just south of the 2500' airspace boundary and the climb had to be abandoned so we never found out how high it went!

Martin Kicks climbing in wave over Marlow Bottom

The end of a windy weekend

October's Indian Summer continues

2011-10-18T13:47:00.008+01:00

Whilst many members have been enjoying the delights of Aboyne's wave, the Indian Summer has produced many good flying days at Booker. The end of last week saw several days with multiple soaring flights averaging 90 minutes occurring.

The weather was good enough to see a reasonable level of activity in the trailer park and gliders being rigged to take advantage of the weather. There was a mixture of good thermals with strong climbs (under a low cloud base) and some weak wave that was working up to 3,000ft.

Chris Arnold enjoying Wave and Thermals

Saturday was another good day and the launch point looked more like the middle of summer than the middle of October with nearly 40 launches throughout the day.

Congratulations to Booker Cadet Ben Followell who went solo in EBZ on Sunday.

Thanks also to the Duty Crew who helped out with a minor issue on Sunday

Something is very odd though when you are still wondering around in tee shirts and shorts and then go into John Lewis to be surrounded by Christmas decorations??

Southerly wave returns

2011-10-14T18:23:00.005+01:00

More wave flying today. Congratulations to Rob Kehr on a good solo flight in 318 climbing to 6,450. It doesn't sound very high, but this was about the best anyone did in the cloudy conditions. We launched early and had magnificent views towards Aberdeen with a gap up the Dee Valley and line of wave smoothed cumulus all the way from Aboyne out to Braemar.

The most notable feature today was the low launch heights needed to get into the wave, some pilots managing to get away with releasing at 1100 feet.

Everybody flew today and there were a number of flights over five hours. Cloud at many layers prevented any good climbs, but William Parker found an edge over Glen Tanar and then a few climbed to 8,000 ft or more.

Great pic from Rob K that shows the East-West wave bar with a line of cumulus leading off towards Aberdeen. You can also see the layer of cloud at 6,000 feet that stopped many from getting any higher.
Despite the weaker climbs and lower cloudbase, Jane 118 still made it out to Braemar, but don't let J1M know.
We ended the day with some radio controlled rocketry, which entertained locals and visitors alike.

The wind has dropped North of the border

2011-10-13T17:40:00.006+01:00

Photo taken by Rolf a couple of days ago. Barry Michael waiting to launch in JDV. Proof that there is a DG300 at the end of the rainbow.

Wednesday and Thursday have been a little quieter and those that have been looking at the synoptics will know that we are stuck with some slack weather. Hopefully the wind will return soon.

315 has been doing some circuit training and Rob Kehr has just returned from a short flight in evening wave and a T shirt, Jeremy has just launched with another 25 minutes until sunset.

Yesterday John H, Heggie, Glyn and Phil went fishing in a boat on the loch at Glen Tanar, we still don't know whether they caught anything.
Jim has been practising his golf swing.
Today everyone has been off walking around Loch Kinord and up Burn o'Vat.

Some of us went to the outdoor clothing shop in Ballater for lunch and spotted this old bus in the depot. The destination board pretty much described our flying tasks for this week (sorry, you have to know the local landmarks to get this one).

Showers and wave

2011-10-11T18:28:00.010+01:00

A good forecast for Tuesday but the showers appeared again. Despite this, the wave kept working and people were climbing above 10,000 feet all day long.
Everyone from Booker flew today except for JDV.
As the pic below from Rob Kehr shows, there were times when it was difficult to avoid the clouds, and this morning the clouds kept forming between 3,000 ft and 9,000ft. It was a bit like climbing up the middle of a packet of polos.

Congratulations to Steve Williams on his first solo in the Pegase (yesterday). His briefings for other first Peg solos should now be even better.
Steve 318, John HXH, Phil 315, Rolf 318, Rob 315, Bob 208, Bob 279, Sarah 315, Jane 118, Richard 2R, Dave 315, Denis 370, William LC, Graham 315, all had good flights. Pete Wyld and Adrian Hegner spent the day towing. Glyn was exploring other interests at the Black Faced Sheep tea rooms.

Geoff flew off in his RV and we wait to find out whether he got through the band of rain that is forecast to be across Northern England for the next few days.

J1M at 11,000 feet over Aboyne Airfield.

We have our third badge claim with Jim White climbing high over the airfield for a Gold Height.

A few of the gang got high, but above 12,000 feet the winds increased above 70 Kts, and any cross country had to be at a lower altitude.

Denis went to Killin on Loch Tay. Jane and Richard went to Braemar, Richard getting to 16,000 feet. Bob S flew for about seven hours for his second Silver duration flight of the week.

Blair Atholl Town and Castle taken by Denis from 370

Aboyne wave update

2011-10-10T19:42:00.003+01:00

The wave is still working and the airfield is busier this week with a bigger contingent from Lasham also on site. Some of us have held on at Aboyne for another week. Dave Byass is now wave bashing in 315 with the newcomers, and all have had at least one wave flight. Rob Kehr's first experience of Aboyne was a 12,000 foot wave flight.
Mike C took a break today by flying his own glider, HA, around the Don Valley.
There has still been a fair bit of cloud around, but there has been good wave and it has been possible to get high on both Sunday and Monday. The local hot spot of Logie Coldstone still the favoured release point.

Today we had our second badge claim, a Gold Height, Jeremy Gilbey taking FGT to 15,000 feet over Dinnet.

Your correspondent has not had time to check out all of the flights over the past couple of days. We've been flying until sunset and derigging with the help of light from car headlights. Hopefully there will be a more extensive update tomorrow; then again, we do have another good wave forecast for tomorrow ....

There's action at Booker (but doesn't equal Aboyne's)

2011-10-08T19:50:00.002+01:00

The expedition to Aboyne seems to be having a fantastic time with some brilliant flying and socialising afterwards - all things that make being a part of Booker Gliding Club so worthwhile. Keep giving us the updates!

Life and flying continues at Booker (albeit without the sunshine and wave), flying has continued this week in spite of the very strong winds with a lot of training and several soaring flights in rough and turbulent thermals. Saturday with lighter winds produced a day of general training and a bit of a wait whilst the Goodyear Airship navigated its way through the ATZ.

Soaring until sunset

2011-10-08T11:07:00.005+01:00

Loch Muich from the K6 wing cam.

Friday turned out to be another good wave day, although most didn't launch until mid afternoon. Mike and Graham set off for Loch Tay in 315, Will and Denis declaring the same task, the Ventus Turbo turned back, but the K6 made it. The K6 was also the last landing at 18:45.

Pitlochry

As always with the Autumn flying at Aboyne there were some great sunset views through the clouds late in the day.

Sunset from 10,000 feet above Logie Coldstone

Changeover day today, we did have eighteen club members here yesterday, Geoff Tabbner making the hop from Chiltern Park in his RV6.

Dinner in Birkelunn steak, chips, peas and onions or an indian from the new restaurant in Ballater.
Those lucky enough to be staying in Birkelunn have also been treated to Rolf Kern's pastry making skills with the Kern signature dish, tarte tatin, and chocolate bread and butter pudding.

Link to the BGA height ladder for flights.

The soaring is never ending

2011-10-06T18:43:00.006+01:00

There is so much flying going on here at Aboyne that we are losing track of who is doing what. Lots of flying on Wednesday and Will could be seen at 22,000 feet in his K6; this flight qualified for a Diamond, but Will is unwilling to sponsor the BGA with the claim fee.

See the BGA ladder as most of the flights are appearing when we get the time to load them. Booker GC is leading the height ladder and it doesn't look like anyone is going to catch us.

First flights today had a great view of the first snow on the Cairngorms, but the low wave faded away at lunchtime and most landed back.

Another round of flights above 10,000 feet in the afternoon, with 315 launching for 90 minute flights all day long.

318 has been busy with Ashley and Rolf flying this morning and Robert Turner flying it out to Loch Muick this evening.

Some great air-to-air shots from our new friends from the gliding club at Bremen. Attention seeking 315 crept up and got into the shots.

Adrian Hegner arrived yesterday, but despite this the weather is still good. Glyn has booked first flight of the day in 315 tomorrow so there must be more good wave on the way.

Toad in the hole at Birkellun!

Aboyne Pics

2011-10-05T22:23:00.006+01:00

Quick escape

While flying we must keep a good look out..................

15,000ft over Ballater

Arne Over Tarland

Try and set that shot up again.....

Tuesday Climbs and Cloud

2011-10-05T10:53:00.004+01:00

Another good wave day North of the border. A little too windy for cross country with 60 Kts at 15,000 feet and lots of height lost when crossing in-to-wind wave bars. Lots of flights, with 315 going well above 10k on five flights.
Cloudbase was 4k and the gaps kept easing closed only to open up again. A few of us climbing to around 15k in the strong lift then descending below cloudbase only to repeat the fun later. Best climbs, as so often, just North of the lochs.
Some launched late in the day for some filming, the results are in the editing suite, hopefully there will be a new Aboyne video soon.
Daily heights and flights, provisional. (Flights will be on the ladder soon).
Mike & Russell, 315, 13,500ft
Ashley, 318, 15,400ft and then a second flight to 8,500ft
Mike & Arne, 315, 13,000ft
Denis 370 (evening flight to 10k)
Graham & Mike 315, 13,500ft
Mike & others, details to follow
Barry, JDV, 19,200ft, not quite a Diamond.
Bob, 279, 19,400ft (17,200 gain)
Bob, 208, 15,000ft
Robert & Mike, 315, 13,500

As I write this on Weds morning, 315 is climbing in wave for the second time today and 118 has just launched, so we're all off to do it again.
Rolf has arrived taking Booker numbers up to fifteen and the forecast is looking good for a busy few days.
Photos to follow.

Aboyne on Monday

2011-10-03T21:12:00.007+01:00

Aboyne Wave Working Well

2011-10-03T18:16:00.008+01:00

Over the weekend the first group of fourteen Booker pilots arrived at Deeside Gliding club for the annual wave soaring expedition.
Sunday was wet, but it dried out enough for the first round of model flying. Will Ellis demonstrating his electrified Discus, Pete Wyld dug out his micro video camera and we taped it to the Cub. In flight video to follow.

In the evening we had the first group dinner in Birkelunn; we know how keen our blog readers are to hear about the culinary aspects of any expedition. A Roast Beef dinner of the finest quality, ten out of ten for Chefs Will and Graham. Will's melt-in-the-mouth steamed treacle and marmalade pudding ensuring that we met our daily calorie allowance.

Monday was the first flying day. A classic wave sky (see the photos). Team Booker were first to rig despite not arriving till 08:30, Ashley and Mike launching around 9 in 315.

After a few fettling issues for some private owners most flew.
The roll call of achievements follows.

Bob D, 208, 17,623 ft over the lochs.

Mike & Ashley, 315. 10,000 feet, Lochnagar then Braemar.
Denis, 370, 10,000 ft, Lochnagar then Braemar.
Jane, 118, Flat tyre, barograph inop, oxygen broke, then 10,500 Ft over Cambus o May.

Bob S, 279, 8,000 ft, Ballater
Mike & Robert T, 315, (TBA)

Will, 10,000 ft, Lochnagar & Braemar - Distance flight of the day!

Will is flying his K6 and the wind at 6,000 feet was 50 Knots SW!

The circuits were sporty, and we packed up when the cloud arrived after lunch.
Not sure about tomorrow, the wind may be too strong, but might be OK with an early start.

Photos courtesy of Ashley Birkbeck and Robert Turner.

September sizzling summary and October openers

2011-10-01T20:26:00.007+01:00

With headlines like that I should be consigned to the News of the World - lucky it is no more.

September really did deliver an Indian Summer and there were only 4 days in September when the club didn't fly. Over 450 launches were achieved during the month that inlcuded several cross country flights late into the month and a significant amount of soaring.

Several instructors have been frantically getting hours in before renewals expire (the message here is to do it sooner!) and the Bronze course run by Richard C was a success with Phil Binnee and John Lambe getting their Bronze badges, 1st solo for Neil Parkinson and type conversions with Ali Elliott on the K18 and Sam Gervais on the Junior. This list doesn't include the other achievements already mentioned in earlier September Blogs.

Jonathan Morris chose Booker as the best place to learn aerobatics having been awarded an Air League scholarship and went away having achieved his Basic level award under Graham Saw's excellent tuition.

The 1st October arrived hot and sunny and even though a large contingent of the club are wending their way to Aboyne, there were still 38 launches on one of hottest October days known. The sunshine brought out the T21 and all the flying was done in shirtsleves.
Jim White giving a pre-flight brief (?)

Jonathan Morris after gaining his Aerobatic badge

Chris and Jeremy take to the skies in the T21

Vannessa Faulkner after her Trial Lesson that she won in a Borlase School Raffle

Prize winning flight

2011-09-27T21:49:00.003+01:00

On Saturday we welcomed Claire, the winner of the competition in the Riverside Journal, who came to take up her prize of a trial lesson. It looks from the smile as though she enjoyed it.

Hurricane Sunday

2011-09-11T20:17:00.003+01:00

It was a busy day at the launch point despite the approach of Hurricane Katia. The instability gave opportunities for long soaring flights for some members, and our Trial Lesson and Course members also made good use of the conditions. One of our visitors was Frances who was celebrating her 90th birthday with a glider flight. Her family's concerns about possible turbulence were brushed aside when we learned that she was just back from some off-roading in the Falklands. We look forward to her returning with some of her 10 pin bowling gang.

Booker at the Henley show one more time

2011-09-10T21:15:00.003+01:00

We had a good outing to the Henley show today. The cold front produced only a few gusts and some spots of rain and we had plenty of visitors to our stand whom we look forward to seeing again at the launch point very soon.

Many thanks to Davids F and H and John H for helping out, and to Bobs D and S for help with setting up and taking down the stand.

Good start to September

2011-09-03T21:11:00.007+01:00

The season hasn't finished (yet). The 1st September brought a reasonable forecast and several members took advantage of what the day offered. First cumulus clouds were popping before 09:30 and the day looked to be over developing but fortunately didn't even if the cloud base took a long time to get above 2,500ft. JIM, JC and 315 set off on 270k tasks, first into the Cotswolds and then across to East Anglia before returning home. Paul Wigginton (this seasons tuggy) also completed his Silver Distance flying a Peg to Enstone. Not the best or easiest of days but great fun for those that flew.

315 landing back after BOB-SHP-GRW-BIC-BO1-BOO

Other achievements during the week include conversions into the Pegasus 318 for John Lambie and Stuart Whiteside. Today also resulted in a first solo for Nick Merveldt in CFA which he also managed to soar for 40 minutes. Congratulations to them.

Nick Mervelt after his first solo with instructor Emily Todd

The overcast and low cloudbase prevented launching early on Saturday morning and we were fortunate to see a good formation take off of the Fiat G-46 and Yak 50 to then join up with another Yak 50 presumably off to an air display somewhere. All didn't go quite to plan for the Fiat which suffered a minor technical issue with its undercarriage and it had to return to Booker - the pilot dealt with the situation very professionally and it was off flying again later in the day.

Competition successes

2011-08-29T20:16:00.003+01:00

Whilst the weather for the last week and the Bank Holiday Weekend has been less than seasonal, there has still been a lot of activity around the launch point and a lot of flying going on. Don't miss out on the opportunities to fly during the rest of the soaring season - the forecast for the rest of the week is looking good!

Other successes come by way of Booker pilots competing in the Open Class and 15Metre Class Nationals and the Gransden Lodge Regionals.

Richard Crockett was flying his Nimbus 2 in the Open Class Nationals at Lasham and came in 26h overall. Shack Roberts was flying his Ventus in the 15Mtr Class at Hus Bos and came in 16th.

William Parker competed in the Gransden Lodge Regionals in his Discus and finished 3rd overall. Highlight of the week for William was his day win on Saturday. Hopefully he will 'tell us how he did it' at some point as none of us were there to hear his report at the briefing the following day.

Of particular interest is how William started the season with some specific goals, one of which was to win a day in a Regionals competition - it goes to prove the worth of having goals and objectives at the start of each season and not losing sight of them at whatever level your flying. It doesn't matter whether your goal is to be World Champion in 2 seasons time or going solo before the end of the season, they are all valid goals and achievable if you put the time and effort in.

2011-08-21T22:14:00.004+01:00

Another interesting and fulfilling week at Booker. The Task Week didn't provide the most promising of weather, however the most was made of it and some great flying was undertaken on Monday and Friday. Monday produced high cloudbases and strong thermals with several pilots doing the task 300k of Chievely, Towster, Cambridge, Mursley and home and others achieving personal bests.
Friday was forecast to be another good day but the conditions proved quite tricky after all the rain the day before and took a while to get going. The sky around Booker was full of gliders all trying to stay airborne under a cloudbase that refused to go above 2,500' for a long time before some intrepid soles set off on the task of 219k (Burbage, Basingstoke, Faringdon, Booker). Judging by the comments from pilots afterwards, it was as difficult as it looked and most pilots regretfully abandoned the task (except for Tim Scott in his new ASW29) and opted for other tasks.
Friday did produce a first solo with Ali Elliott in CFA. Ali only started in June on an Basic course and clearly liked it enough to top with extra flying to go solo. Her comment after her solo was that she intends to carry on doing more flying and cannot wait for the chance to experience cross country flying.

The grid ready to launch under a promising sky

987 soaring over Bicester during the task week

Ali Elliott beside CFA after her first solo

Other achievements during the week include Rob Turner completing his first 100k (that he's ever claimed), Simon Vardigan flying the K18 for the first time, James Cooling (one of our regular tuggies) becoming a power flying instructor and Will Hilton being checked out as a new tuggy. Congratulations to them and apologies to any one who has achieved something new and different this week who has been missed out.

Steve Baker MP

2011-08-16T11:39:00.004+01:00

Steve Baker, MP for Wycombe paid us a visit on Friday. Steve, a keen free fall parachutist, sailor and motorcyclist is not your average MP. He was keen to get a deeper understanding of what we do at the Club. So we consigned him to the front seat of the Duo for a flight with Jim White.

Steve was very helpful to our Olympic airspace team and asked a question in the house about our Club and subsequently arranged an appointment with the Minister, Theresa Villiers. The Booker team consisted of Denis Campbell, Alan Green and Emily Todd. Their good work has resulted in the reduction of restrictions from two months to one month. The Club was visited last Monday by the government team responsible for for setting up and managing the Olympic airspace, to discuss how we will operate during that period.

Jim was very complimentary about Steve Baker’s potential as a glider pilot! Thanks for the visit Steve and for listening to us so well.

Booker Cadets triumph at Lasham Aerobatics competition and other Booker pilots successes

2011-08-14T23:24:00.010+01:00

In a similar vein to Booker's Easter Egg Cup, Lasham run an aerobatics competition for a group of their pilots who meet each week on a Sunday to train. Care of Graham Saw an invitation was received from Lasham to take part and 3 pilots were ordered to compete (having been given 24 hours notice!) to ensure Booker's reputation was upheld.

The format of the competition followed the BAeA schedule for Beginners and Sports level sequences with all manoeuvres being flown in K21's. The standard of flying at both levels was extremely high and competition was fierce.

When the final results were in, Booker Cadets Guy Trees and Will Hilton were placed First in Beginners and Second Place in Sports respectively. David Humphries made up the remainder of the team and also flew a creditable sequence at Sport level.

Lasham members made us very welcome and ran a well organised competition, our thanks go to Charles Baker who organised the event.

Also over the weekend Will Ellis continued his winning streak by winning the Interservices Regionals (Open Class) flying a Duo Discus. As well as the pressure of competition flying, Will also had to contend with taking some of the senior Directors from his employer along on some of the flights.

Emily Todd returned from Conington having secured 3rd place in the Mazda Junior Nationals competing at Intermediate level and flying in an aptly named Pitts S1t "G-WILD". More details can be found on the BAeA web site http://www.aerobatics.org.uk/

On top of all this, there was the immensely successful BBQ in the Blister hangar to celebrate the decision not to build a stadium on WAP. This was attended by over 150 guests from GASP and BGC. A huge amount of effort went into organising this and thanks to all who helped to make it such an enjoyable evening.

Booker Gliding Club is truly a great place with a fabulous future made possible with all the skills and talent around allied with the enthusiasm shown by all.

"Gentlemen, you are the best of the best"

David Humphries after completing the Sports sequence

Beginners and Sports sequences

Guy Trees receiving his prize for First place at Beginners level

Will Hilton receiving his prize for Second place at Sports level

A wave flight... of sorts!

2011-08-12T20:49:00.003+01:00

I missed the lift on Tuesday evening (damn work getting in the way again), but I didn't miss the fantastic views near sunset.

And this evening didn't look that promising, but I had my first wave flight!

Okay - the wave was tiny, both in strength and area, but it was fascinating flying in and around the small, long, misty clouds perpendicular to the wind at 1800ft.

East Anglia

2011-08-09T22:19:00.005+01:00

Despite an overcast start at Booker the day just got better. The sky looked great in East Anglia, but it was tricky finding the strong climbs, although there were some very good lines of energy.

Norfolk

Suffolk

It's behind you!

2011-08-02T22:06:00.002+01:00

There was quite an impressive cloud behind CFA this evening!

Monday 1st Aug

2011-08-02T07:47:00.000+01:00

Summer has arrived at last. Yesterday was the most fun I have had all year. Short task but fantastic conditions. Started probably an hour too late not expecting much on BOB BUL BUC BO1 BOO 208k.

1500 Local

By 1420 the sea air was blown on a moderate SE'ly beyond OVE cutting off my approach to BUL (see left). After a bit of dithering I took a climb at KGS to cloudbase, now 5000ft, and glid at best LD in and out of BUL back to NES over the top of the slice in still, gently advecting air. It was like being in weak wave. Never done that before, great! At NEW the sky went ballistic again with 6000ft bases and 7kt climbs. A climb to 5000ft S of BUC gave me an easy 63k final glide home into a 12kt S'ly. Looking N from BUC it was just the same as far as the eye could see and I heard on the radio two guys having a great time around Wittering.

1700 local

By the time I left the field at 1730 the sea air had come all the way up the plain as far as DID, don't recall seeing that before either.

Jim

Bicester Regionals

2011-08-01T07:53:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to Will Ellis on winning the sports class at the Bicester Regionals with 5032 points after 7 days competition, 350 points ahead of the next placed pilot. Pretty good in glider that doesn't climb!

It was a bit of wait for scoring yesterday as they landed most of the field out again, including Watty. Having led the field all week a little whoopsy on the last day let Owain and Derren through to win the Open class.

Jim

K18 - thermal divining rod?

2011-07-29T16:19:00.011+01:00

Yesterday, 28th July 2011, the conditions looked good enough for another attempt at a 1 hour flight. To my surprise the K18 had been removed from its unwarranted position at the back of the hangar and was in the air with me next to fly.

In I popped, and off we took.

Pundits on the ground reported conditions weren't as good as they looked, with sink under the big clouds, and lift either in the blue or under the wisps.

Things didn't look great to begin with, there was plenty of bubbles but lots of strong sink under the 'obvious' clouds. As I worked back to High Wycombe I was getting lower and lower. At 1300ft I had to think fast or we would be landing very shortly: I have always noticed regular lift over the dump on the downwind leg, but its too broken to use when you are in the circuit. So this time I said, "Let's see if the lift is useable over 1000ft"... The vario moaned through 4 down sink but then it bubbled and the vario sighed, then gently beeped, and gently beeped some more. With heaps of concentration and flying as efficiently as possible the lithe K18 danced about the sky revealing the secrets of lift and slowly the beeps and lift got more frequent and we were back at 2000ft. The flight was back on!

I was in the 2000ft airspace, so it was time to look around for lift elsewhere. Over the town looked the best, and as I drew closer I could see 2 gliders circling in different circles. The sink was strong, but I took a deep breath and aimed for the higher glider at the back of the Cressix Estate, not the closer glider. Whoomp - beeep beepp BEEEPPPP!!!! What a fantastic thermal! The best of the flight, with 4 to 6 knots of lift. That was the first time I've seen the altimeter visibly winding up.

At 3000ft over the town, and with seagulls joining my thermal I let out a whoop of joy and gave the K18 a metaphorical pat. Now we had the height to explore the 4000ft airspace and make the flight last longer.

More than any flight so far, this was a fascinating exercise in figuring out where to find lift and I reckon the sky was doing the following:

The air was encouraging strong thermals.
But the tops of the cloud were being capped low.
So any clouds quickly grew sideways rather than up, killing the thermals by creating a large shadow, and then their decay brought strong sink before the cycle repeated itself.
So as long as you kept yourself on the sunny side of big clouds you could usually find lift by searching.
There was a sweet spot in the big clouds where the thermals were stonking - both wide and strong. But if you got the timing wrong you could easily lose 1000ft in the sink looking for lift so it was a bit of a gamble to go under.
Interestingly some of my best climbs were blue - whatever lift I was in had yet to condense into cloud.

The wonderful K18 with its powers of thermal divination had danced me into thermals often enough to stay up for 2 hours and 15 minutes... Really far beyond anything I expected and it got me back up from 1000ft over the dump one more time before eventually the large cloud over High Wycombe sent all of the local sky into sink and that was the end of the flight.

A thousand apologies to the previous pilot who waited patiently for the K18 to land, but he was gallant enough to help me pack the K18 in the hangar at the end of the day.

Booker hosts 332 Squadron ATC evening

2011-07-27T21:15:00.005+01:00

Last night saw about 25 cadets and officers from 332 Squadron Air Training Corps, High Wycombe visit the club to have a general introduction to sport gliding in a GA environment rather than their more normal experience in a military environment.
The cadets were initially given a short briefing on gliding and what can be achieved by gliders before taking the cadets out to have a close look at a couple of gliders and one of the tugs in the trailer park. This proved to be extremely popular with the Air Cadets who all had a chance to sit in the gliders and tug after they had been shown around the gliders and introduced to how they work. Thanks to Richard Crockett and Will Hilton who helped make the evening such a success.

Initial briefing to 332 Squadron in the BAS workshop

Will Hilton in BI role (rather than Flt Sgt 332 Squadron) showing cadets the Duo Discus

Richard Crockett showing cadets the Pawnee

A squad of cadets being shown 987

Woo hoo!!! An evening flight of nearly 90 minutes!

2011-07-23T23:06:00.004+01:00

What a cracking evenings flying ...again! I took the afternoon off as the RASP predicted conditions would be good. Would it be too greedy to wish for two times one hour flights and get the Bronze legs done and dusted in one day?

As I rode along the M40, I saw the silhouette of a K13 near Stokenchurch. "Great", I thought, "Conditions look good. I suspect it will land soon and I can have a crack at 1 hour in the air"... Silly me. 1 hour 30 minutes later with no sign of the K13 landing. We went to the hangar to dig out the K18. The K18 was literally at the back of the hangar so two hangar unpacking beginners pushed, pulled, scratched heads, and swore until the puzzle was solved and the K18 was out.

It was nearly 4pm and an overcast sky was blotting out the sun. The K18 was sent up with the more experienced pilot, and I took a launch in the K13 to get familiar with the 35 circuit. The tow was pretty gentle, with little bits of scratchy lift about. These were worked for forms sake extending the flight to 18 minutes.

The sky "turned off" when it was my turn in the K18, but frankly I was happy with that. The conditions were great for a glider conversion. Once the K18 popped off the ground I could tell I was in for a treat: What a wonderfully crisp handling glider. It is crisp without being flighty. I really am looking forward to many more hours in that lovely glider.

Time was marching by, and with it any chance of a long flight. As the evening group assembled Rob turned up and was quickly dispatched in the K18. There was a gap in the thick stratus cloud slowly approaching Booker through which the sun still looked strong. Rob took a high tow, and looked like he would be in the air for a while. So it was decision time - hang about for the K18, or take the K13 and see if the conditions would allow one last bit of lift. Stuff it - let's have a play in the K13.

So we took off at 18:03 into a sky which might just have some gentle evening lift. Roy circled the tug round a promising cloud with lift at about 1600ft. I made a note of the position and hung on a little longer so that I could come back and connect with the lift higher up.

At about 1900ft I came off tow and headed back to the cloud. There was definitely lift, but it wasn't that strong and it was tricky to stay constantly in lift. I admit I was starting to get a bit grumpy. I had obviously missed the best part of the day and this was going to be my third, and last, short sled ride of the day.

But then I saw Rob in the K18 MUCH higher, and I made a quick bee line under him. Woosh... lift varied from 0 to 2 knots but I was determined to go up. With the glider as close to 40kn as I dared, and lots of bank we were going up! As the lift was quite weak, the gentle wind had blown me back into the 3000ft airspace. Once at the 3000ft I pushed forwards to cross the line of the motorway bridge and Saunderton train station. And joy of joys, I was heading towards a little street of promisingly grey clouds. I had been so busy thermalling, I had forgotten to start my flying timer. I made a mental note to add a couple of minutes to the flight time.

As I pushed forwards, the sink was impressive - 6kn down! But I persevered and was rewarded by a fantastic 'whoomp' of lift and a 2-4 knot thermal. Up I turned, round and around to 4000ft. By this time I had been in the air for 20 minutes, and I was beginning to think... you know what, with cloudbase well above airspace, I'm at 4000ft, and the clouds in my vicinity look good. Dare I think an hour might just be a possibility?

I love the view from 4000ft - it is pregnant with possibility. With the excellent visibility I could see London, Didcot, Heathrow and more. To my left was the airfield, the tarmac runway and large blue hangars making it such an easy landmark, and as I peered to my right I could see the trading estates of Thame and a little to the right Haddenham airfield. The bit of my brain I'm preparing for cross country said, "You know what, you could probably dolphin fly to Haddenham from this height in the K13 against a 5kn headwind".

The local sky was filled with little streets of clouds all proclaiming lift that could be explored and topped up. So off I toddled, exploring the lift and practising the art of dolphin flying. Rob had disappeared towards the Hambledon valley whilst I was thermalling lower. As time passed, I kept an occasionally check on my watch - at the 30 minute mark I was still well above 3000ft and I knew this was destined to be my longest flight.

As I periodically checked the airfield I saw Rob had landed, but a white glider had joined me much lower down. I was in pretty weak lift at the time, so thought whoever was below was probably finding it very tricky! I think I should put a warning note on the outside of the glider saying, "Early solo pilot - I will turn in any and all lift, no matter how weak!".

At 45 minutes, I was jubilant. I was still above 3000ft and the sky still had lift to play with. Unless the sky instantly turned into 10 knots down everywhere, I had got my first 1 hour flight!

At the 1 hour 10 minute mark, I thought it was time to come down. They had moved the bus 30 minutes ago, the tug was packed away and I could just make out two cars and a buggy at launchpoint. I imagined somewhere a loudhailer was calling, "Come in EBZ your time is up!"

It was after 7pm, the lift was decaying to just hints of zero's so back we went to Lane End. I still had 3000ft to play with, so with a HASSLL check I practiced stalls, and dives followed by tight climbing turns. Oh the unabashed luxury of exchanging 1000ft of height for a couple of minutes joy of slinging a glider about the sky!

Below 2000ft I had a quick look at the wind sock to see if the wind had changed direction, or strength. It was lighter, but still more or less from the North. Having spent most of the last hour between 3000-4000ft, 2000ft looks very low! And to think on my first flight of the day I was determinedly circling in zero to 1/2 knot lift at 1100ft.

We plonked down at 19:30 and to say I was jubilant would be an understatement. Although my knees were killing me, I jumped out of the cockpit and did a dance of joy. I had been in the air nearly 1 hour and 30 minutes, and all of that after 6pm!! It just goes to show if you get yourself in the air often enough, even in the evenings, lady luck eventually comes knocking on your door.

I would like to say a heartfelt thanks to those Tuesday and Friday evening volunteers without whom I probably wouldn't find the time to fly: Symeon, Roy, Paul, Graham, Geoff, Robin, Chris and also Richard, Sue, Paul, and Mike.

I also have to buy Rob a beer - that's the second flight he's marked a climb that's "got me in the game".

I'm going to leave my last paragraph to a fantastic book I'm reading by Ann & Lorne Welch, which I feel most closely captures the emotions of my gliding flight, "It is easy to get an impression of gliding as a sort of aerial pot-hunting.. But that is not true. The challenge... is not to gain a man-made trophy, but to pit skill and intellect against the strengths and weaknesses of the unknown sky - a sort of modern voyage of discovery in which the difficulties, even dangers, which might beset the traveller are unknown. Each flight is different, with moments of deep despair when no lift can be located, and the glider would be in imminent risk of being back on the ground, followed by relief and elation when some tiny scrap of lift was found and worked with care and skill until, once again, the pilot was literally on top of the world."

Happy flying.

No Stadium - Club chairman's message

2011-07-23T09:58:00.002+01:00

Folks,
By now, you will all have heard the fabulous news, that WDC have scrapped the stadium scheme. It’s great news for us, as a gliding club, but it is also a great re-affirmation that we live in a democracy and that good politicians listen to their electorate.
A big thank you to all of you who did so much to fight the huge threat that the proposal represented. So many of you helped in so many ways, the members of the club committee, the members of the ‘Saving Booker’ Committee and the members of GASP, so ably led by Gary Nuttall, and, of course, all of you, the members and staff, who value Booker Gliding Club, have stuck with us during this tough time and rallied round to energise and maintain the spirit of our wonderful club.

Thank you everyone. As Friedrich Nietzsche said “That which doesn’t kill us, only makes us stronger!”

We are planning a party to celebrate, club members and GASP supporters keep an eye on your email for details.

Breaking - stadium plans axed!

2011-07-19T00:05:00.001+01:00

Great news. The plans for the stadium have been axed. Details in the link here Breaking news

White Elephant Parade

2011-07-16T22:30:00.004+01:00

Despite early torrential rain Booker Gliding Club members joined the parade today organised by GASP (Groups Against the Stadium Proposals) aimed at concentrating the minds of Wycombe District Council before their crunch meeting on Monday. Mickey Mouse, who voted for the stadium in the Council's original consultation, has since had a change of heart and came along to lend support.

2011-07-16T19:01:00.005+01:00

Down in Dorset

Thursday 16 July looked like it might be a good gliding day over a good part of England, so perhaps a chance to do the boring Gainsborough Bullington 500K again (Not done it for a couple of years). On the morning sat24 showed the reality was slightly different with a mass of cyclonic cloud covering an area from the Wash down to the South coast with a tendency to move westwards. So rapid change to lets go towards the West Country. Eventually deciding on a Booker Bridge- Fordingbridge- Axeminster- Stockbridge-Booker. 373k.

Almost ready to go and Jim asked if I’d got a passenger in mind, and to the answer “no” said well I know someone that would like to come I’ve given Bill your mobile number. Before we took off I had suggested to Bill that a landout was always possible to which he replied “It’s all part of the fun”.

The run to just short of Axeminster was great and views of the coast around Portland Bill, Sidmouth and Lyme Regis were well worth seeing. Unfortunately Bill’s camera had lost battery power so only our eyes and those of Doug, and Richard have captured them, and as we have no USB port in our heads that is where they remain.

The gamble came as we climbed very slowly over Axeminster that a cloud over Bridport looked good so I decided to go for it. Silly me it didn’t work and we were looking for fields. They are quite small in that area although I had spotted 2 fields that would do when Bill said “That looks like an airfield over there” . That was it then so after a few bubbles made us thing we could get away it wasn’t to be. The decision to land being taken we then waited to see if the model about to take off would or not, so when it taxied back to it’s owner in we went.

We were made to feel most welcome by the members of the model club especially Howard (who had been the one about to launch) He explained the field was used by the model club and a few micro lights but we were the first glider to land there. Amazingly the model club rent the field for use all year for peanuts. As micro lights also operate from there know to keeps there eyes peeled.

Here is the site from a Google earth screen dump:-

The time being just 14:26 it was difficult to get hold of anyone at Booker (they were all still flying) and my phone contacts was woefully short of names. Nevertheless thanks to Graham I was able to get hold of Heggie and then Glyn who eventually managed to organise a retrieve from a choice a people and Geoff Lyons was the stalwart who did the deed. Many thanks must go to Geoff, who having rigged, flown Devizes-Olney and then derigged spent over 7 hours driving. The sight of the trailer driving down the A35 in Bridport at 9oclock in the evening put new life into Bill and I.

Geoff did have a camera that was working and took the following whilst Bill and I were organising the Duo for the trailer.

How else can one turn it without a tail dolly?

A smile before the heavy lifting.

Thanks again to Bill for his cheerful acceptance of the day and to Geoff for an absolute sterling performance on the retrieve.

A good weeks flying (and trip to the seaside)

2011-07-16T07:48:00.006+01:00

This last week has produced some excellent soaring for local training and cross country flights.

Conditions were good for 300's on Monday with J1M, 325 & 944 pilots doing tasks going south-north. It was probably the 'buggiest' day this year (not appreciated by J1M who lost a wiper around Corby). I acquired a rather nasty bug that accompanied me for about 50km before a particularly bad thermal entry finally dislodged it.

Nasty bug!
Thursday saw a more challenging day - not because the conditions were bad but to try and avoid all the airspace restrictions due to Fairford, parachute dropping and Red Arrows RAT's (oh and a minor rant from Mike C wondering where everyone was on such a good day! - good point Mike)

Dave C came up with a 375km task that avoided all the airspace issues and took advantage of the best of the weather (Booker Bridge, Fordingbridge, Axminster, Stockbridge, Booker) - a long way south and west.

315, A2, 944 and 987 (with Minigat) set off to the south west where the conditions rapidly improved and cloud base rose to 4,500 (eventually over 5,500 later in the day).

It was interesting (different?) flying along the second leg with the Dorset coastline to the south so close and the New Forrest underneath.

Conditions were clearly very good as there were several paragliders that needed avoiding at all heights.

Unfortunately Axminster was in a rather large blue hole and this resulted in Dave C landing out at Lyme Regis. A long retrieve but there are far worst places to spend an afternoon.

J1M declared and completed a very creditable 500km topping the club ladder for the day.
Paraglider around Blandford Forum at 4,500'
Chesil Beach and Portland Bill in the far distance.

The good conditions continued on Friday with more cross country flying going on - unfortunately I couldn't be there so not sure of all that went on but well done to all who flew (and the others not mentioned from earlier days in the week who achieved something new or just enjoyed the flying they did).

Don't forget to support the club at the GASP protest rally this afternoon- we don't want to loose the ability to do what we all enjoy doing.

Evening ridge lift or wave?

2011-07-15T23:51:00.006+01:00

There was some intriguing soaring this evening. The wind was fairly brisk, 15 knots, but it wasn't as turbulent as Tuesday, The thermals were long gone at 7pm but something was definitely happening downwind of the Borstal between 1000 and 1400 feet.

The air would start to bubble and turn into a gentle 'whoosh' of lift. Strangely, the lift was stronger at 1200 feet than it was at 1400 feet. It was also very difficult to stay in if you circled.

Could this be a tiny bit of wave, or a dollop of ridge lift?

I think next time these conditions re-occur we'll fly along the 'contours' and see if we can stay at 1200 feet by making 'beats' back and forth on our side of the airfield. If it is ridge lift, then we should be able to stay up for ages!

Evening flying does make you very determined to stay up - and patient enough to work every hint of lift!

Whispering wardrobes

2011-07-03T10:06:00.007+01:00

There are some gorgeous gliders flying this weekend.

Graham's Petrel has to be seen to be believed: The finish, and woodworking is simply stunning. It seemed to take off in 10 walking paces... in fact, when it landed the buggy had to be driven especially slow in case it took off again!

Here is Robin enjoying another Slingsby:

Some more vintage gliders about to pop into the sky for a medicinal gin and tonic at 2000ft.

Yippee - a 45 minute flight! Past 6pm!

2011-07-02T20:53:00.006+01:00

The conditions looked great this morning, then the cloud started to blot out the sun as forecast and the afternoon was the only time I had free. But I've learnt very early on, that you get your best fights when you least expect them, so turn up and fly is my motto. If it's a 14 minute sled, so be it: It's still great practice.

The sky had been blocking the sun for ages, so I wasn't expecting much of the first flight. The aerotow was lovely and smooth, which was nice, but it didn't promise much lift. Off we pop at 2000ft and trundle back to high key on the look out for lift. There was little bubbles, but nothing positive. Then over high key the bubbles were a bit stronger, and with a little work we were holding station in zero knots lift at 1200ft. I had a poke around for better lift, but that was it. So with a bit of determination I set about staying up as long as possible and although it was modest we turned a 14 minute sled ride into a 19 minute soaring flight!

The sun was starting to poke through the cloud just as I was in the circuit, and although it was nearly 6pm I thought it was definitely worth another flight in case this sunshine kicks off some pent-up evening thermals.

Another 2 gliders had just taken off and I was having to work much harder on the aerotow as we punched through thermals. As we flew up hambledon valley I could see the wonderful sight of a glider above me circling in lift. Ping... goes the rope. Get the glider lined up on the opposite side of the thermal, going the same way, and yazookks... 4 knots of lift at 6pm! Once I got to 3000ft and the lift kept coming, I was like a kid that has got all of the sweets. Still we turned until I had to pull off as we hit the 4000ft airspace: I felt elated and proud - I knew I had just added at least 20 minutes to my flight, but by the looks of the sky there was a wonderful street of lift to be explored.

Here is a piccie at 3500ft going back to the thermal for a top up:

At the 30 minute mark, it was getting harder to find lift and sink was starting to predominate. So it was time to push back to high key and have a 'poke about' (technical term). Alas, I would only find 1/2 knot down and given that was over hambledon valley elected to call it a day. As I got into the circuit there were 3 gliders strung across the airfield, so it was time to set the reference point a little further up the field, and closer to the bus.

Down we plonked. I unclipped, jumped out of the glider and did a dance of glee. I don't know how long the flight had been, but it was definitely my longest. And I had been to 4000ft three times! I am now, very, very fond of CFA.

Serres Expedition 2011 - Back to Blighty

2011-06-28T18:55:00.006+01:00

Well its back to a bit of reality after the very successful Booker Club Expedition to Serres. I am very pleased to update you all that John Herman is back at the airfield at Serres with his wife Christine and enjoying a few days R&R in the sunshine before he comes back to England. If I know him he will probably be off fishing again - whats on the menu for supper tonight John - poached trout?

315, KCZ and 580 all returned to the UK on Sunday, a 1200km XC. 315 had a low scrape with a puncture on the M25 but climbed away for a safe return, KCZ landed out about 50km short of Calais and had to finish the trip on a low loader. 580 would have won the day for speed, but picked up some penalty points for a motorway lane bust. All 3 gliders are safely back at Booker and ready to fly.

Back at Booker over the last couple of weeks things have not stood still, there have been first solos for Matt Hocker (who only recently had a trial lesson, liked it so much he bought an intensive course and has now joined the club - welcome Matt), and a first solo for Booker Cadet Peter Richards. Adrian Hegner has also re-soloed after a longish layoff from gliding in 318 - its good to have him back gliding again as he has been a really long standing club member! Sally Longstaff converted to 318 and Booker Cadet Will Hilton has exercised the privileges of his recently acquired BI rating. Congratulations to them and to anyone else who has achieved anything that I have not found out about

There is a Vintage Gliding Club Weekend at Booker this weekend as well as some better weather so put it in your diaries to be here, lots to see and do.

Mirror formation after the thunderstorms today

John Herman

2011-06-26T11:41:00.001+01:00

The Serres expedition ended with a little extra excitement yesterday when John Herman, with his new HD quality camera, decided that he wanted a new glider. Rather than persuade Steve to part with some cash he decided it was easier to dispose of the glider in multiple pieces across the mountain top . He also wanted wanted value for money from his PLB, which he set off with the air ambulance promptly arriving. After sampling a number of French hospitals, none of which knew what to do with our tame plumber, he eventually ended up in Grenoble. Thankfully I can use this jovial tone to describe yesterday’s events as John is only slightly battered and bruised, sat up chatting as usual and with his wife Christine. We hope he will be out very soon.

Serres 2011 - day 14

2011-06-24T22:37:00.008+01:00

A long hot scorcher of a day. Big tasks were planned with destinations such as Grenoble, Mont Blanc and Fayence being mentioned but as it happened the strong Mistral didn't materialise and several pilots reported varying wind directions and strengths - not what the briefing forecast. This didn't stop the main gaggle doing around 400km going north to Aubenasson, east to Lac de Serre-Poncon, south to Mt Ventoux and then north again via the Ecrins/Parcours.

It was a big mix of ridge, thermal and wave. Flights were made by T6, GA, AJ, JH, JRG, 580, A9, 768 and Booker Club Gliders 315 and KCZ. Most pilots flew in excess of 5 hours and the K21 put in over 7.5 hours (possibly its longest single flight?) and only coming down as plumbing facilities had been exhausted.

And the forecast for next week is even better!

Looking south east from the K21KCZ into the wave at Mtgne de l'Aup

T6 alongside
Pic de Bure from the wave looking north

KCZ in the wave approaching Pic de Bure

Mont Ventoux from 768

580 following 768 down the Ecrins

Serres 2011 - day 13

2011-06-23T22:32:00.009+01:00

Mixed day of weather without a good forecast having woken up to an overcast sky and light rain - as Klaus Olhmann said at briefing "perhaps you should fly where the weather is good?"

As it turned out the day improved with a mixed group of pilots, those who had already flown a lot having a rest day and the newer arrivals flying from about 14:00 to 18:00 but mostly not venturing far away today and with a forecast of good conditions tomorrow with a strong Mistral wind.

Opportunity was taken to refill oxygen and try fishing for supper. On this occasion we can confirm the tale of "the one that got away".

There was a short period when we got worried about the Chairman and the CFI after they didn't return from their short walk on Saint Genis and were late for dinner, but it may be better if they describe the tale. Suffice to say they considered it good news when they found a sign post saying the car park was only 5km away.

Likely to be an early start tomorrow???

Refilling KCZ's oxygenJohn with his new fishing mate - "CluckCluck"

Glider over St Genis

T6 - the smile says it all

Serres 2011 - day 12

2011-06-22T21:50:00.004+01:00

The thunderstorms came last night with heavy rain and lightning (and car alarms) to disturb the nights sleep. The aftermath was a day that dawned with significant cloud cover and still raining.

The briefing was optimistic (as ever) about possibilities later in the day and sure enough the air cleared and temperatures rose along with a southerly air flow to enable launching to commence at 16:00 local to Aspres about 9km to the north.

Flying continued until 20:00 local in ridge, thermal and wave to 11,000 ft.

View back to Serres from Aspres
Running into the circuitEssential maintenance
Packing up at the end of the day

Serres 2011 - day 11

2011-06-21T20:24:00.011+01:00

Phew - so hot, so far. The longest day with sun set at 21:21 on the 21st meant long tasks had to be flown. All 9 gliders that are here (315, KCZ, 768, GA, JH, 580, A9, JRG & AJ) flew around 5 hours (again!). Forecast was for light winds with little dynamic lift but thermals on any of the ridges facing the sun and possible showers/thunderstorms. The main team did over 320kms going deep into the higher mountains.

Good runs were encountered running down the Parcours and everyone arrived back having had a brilliant day out with KCZ managing 130kms.

Another day finished in the pool!

Waiting to launch
GA and JH on Parcours

GA getting stuck into the ridge

Lac de Serre Poncon
Today's task

PS - As I type this at 21:48 an ASW15 has just done a finish to land before being illegal - who knows how far he went?

Serres 2011 - day 10

2011-06-21T06:43:00.005+01:00

Today was a scorcher - 29 degrees and blue with a light north westerly breeze.
Launching didn't start until 13:30 local but fabulous lift was encountered off the sun facing slopes (which is just as well as the tugs seem to have a negative rate of climb a lot of the time)

Tasks were flown to the Grenoble valley to the north via Pic de Bure where some wave was encountered again and then south to Malaup. Landings didn't occur until around 19:00 local except for 580 who made a safe outlanding in the Col de Cabre about 25km to the North West.

Debrief and pre-dinner drinks in the pool.

Soaring before gridding

Launching into the blue

Wave over Pic de Bure

KCZ in Wave

580 safely on the ground at Col de Cabre

2011-06-20T10:47:00.007+01:00

Serres 2011 - day 9

2011-06-20T06:42:00.006+01:00

Another different day at Serres. Woke up to a stiff northerly breeze which was later forecast to become much stronger (50kts at 3000m) and the day to go blue. In the end the wind wasn't quite that strong but did mean the day was set up for wave.

Most gliders flew in excess of 5 hours with 315 amassing 8 hours. Wave was contacted with several getting to 15,000, 580 broke of his climb at 19,200 (just under the airspace). Getting into the wave meant working the very rough rotor and all pilots came back having been well battered. Cross countries were achived with a mix of wave and ridge soaring. Approaches to land were done with pleanty of speed and then time for well earned beers!

Serres 2011 - day 8

2011-06-19T06:33:00.003+01:00

A late start today due to the lowish cloud and rain in the morning but which allowed for the new arrivals to get a site briefing (and catch up on sleep). The day later cleared up with brilliant clear skys and a gentle southerly on the ground and a westerly higher up.

315 and KCZ were launched to familairise this weeks team with the local area and local ridges. 580 and AJ also took launches with both landing out - 580 at Aspres-sur-Buech (an airfield about 8k away), AJ needing his engine to ensure getting back from Sisteron after being hit by a prolonged period of 8kts down.

It was also a chance to refill to oxygen on 315 and KCZ -always an exciting experience!

Ben with his new found friends at Aspres - not sure about the Agincourt salute though

Serres 2011 - day 7 (a day of rest)

2011-06-18T07:50:00.006+01:00

As predicted Friday was a rest day. A chance for some essential food shopping,

minor modification of kit, checking out fishing opportunities and seeing local scenery.

Friday also saw most of next weeks pilots arriving (well those who hadn't already arrived on Wednesday or Thursday).

Soaring around Pic du Bure

Return from Italy
Dodging showers
Not dodging showersaghhh horribleMoon Eclipse

Serres? There's fun to be had with Booker evenings

2011-06-16T21:13:00.002+01:00

Here's another testimonial from Brian O'Sullivan on the fun to be had after sitting in an office all day:

Stolen moments...

What a cracking flight! 2000ft over High Wycombe in the 3000ft space, climbing in a 2kt thermal with the Junior above for company and Graham in the other K13 in a downwind thermal... at 7pm! I can't believe how often I look out the window at work during the day thinking, "No - you can't fly in that. Or if you can, there will be no lift!". Then I get to the field, and not only is it flyable but there is often lift around too!

As an early solo pilot, I spend most of the day before a flight worrying about the day's challenge. Be that high wind, no wind, cross wind, too much lift, too much sink, wrong colour glider paint, dirty rudder pedals, an insect on the leading edge of a K13 destroying the glide angle etc... Today the condition "out to get me" was the 8kt, 90 degree crosswind from the South. So with rope on, full right rudder in anticipation of a swing, and ready to stop the left wing lifting we set off with no complications: Turns out all the training works!

I managed to climb 600ft before I ran back upwind to high key... but dammit, I climbed 600ft on my own! These modest gains feel like winning gold medals as a low airtime solo pilot. The K13 and Junior were also on the way back, and each time I looked to the airfield, I saw different sides of Graham's K13 as he looped into the circuit! As I turned into finals, the K13 and Junior presented me with a landing challenge. I suspect there were some intakes of breath and perhaps the helpers at launch point had already started to fill in the paperwork for glider damage - however I had a secret weapon....

Steve had taken me up in the Falke on Saturday and joked, "okay I've messed up the altimeter. Have a crack at landing Lewknor" to which I had replied, "Erm... I can't see any airfields. All I can see is that bizarre straight public footpath through the middle of a field". Steve grinned in a way that was impossible to misunderstand. That is a runway! Gulp... still on the second attempt it lined up nicely. And with that in mind I told myself the gap between the gliders was significantly bigger than Lewknor is wide, so down we plonked in the middle and rolled to a stop nice and early.

What a cracking couple of evenings we've had. In fact, so far there has only been one evening I haven't flown in couple of months of flying. Even when the conditions are 'challenging' I've had some great accompanied flights - two Fridays ago Paul Clarke and I in the K21, and Symeon and another in the K13 engaged in a 45 minute battle to stay up the longest. The wind was 20kt+, but the lift was stonking!

Roll on the next one: I reckon with a bit of practice, there's a 1 hour bronze flight in there somewhere...

Serres expedition 2011 - day 6

2011-06-16T17:14:00.010+01:00

A late evening last night looking at an eclipse of the Moon by the Earth, shooting stars and watching the International Space Station pass overhead.
A different and challenging day with forecasts of 28 degrees, showers and potentially thunderstorms which required some careful route planning and escape plans.
GA, 768, JH and 315 all decided to head off to the high mountains to the north east to make the best of the weather. Getting out of the main Serres/Aspres valley into the higher ranges required some courage but it was well rewarded. 768 made it to Italy with a final 7.6kt climb in a convergence to 13,500 feet. GA and 315 also hit the convergence with climbs to 12,000. The return to Serres had some challenges as showers started to move in from the north west and JH used much of his experience from earlier flights in the week and watching other local experts to work his way back.

Enjoy the photos - they probably give a better idea of what its all about than words can describe, tomorrow may be a rest day - the 2 seaters have already done 25 hours flying each this week!

Serres Expedition 2011 - day 5

2011-06-15T22:45:00.013+01:00

Too much sun and fun - yesterdays blog was actually day 4!

Now onto day 5. Not such a good days forecast with an inversion predicted at 3,200 metres (if only we had bad days like this in the UK!).

315, JH and 768 set off with plans to largely recreate the previous days flight but early conditions didn't really allow for this, however with in flight replanning they all achieved around 300km each, all doing similar but different tasks. There was a bit of fun when 315 and 768 met up in the later part of the flight with some air to air photography (pictures to follow).

KCZ flew a more discrete 120k checking out various ridges and climbing up to Pic to Bure towards the end of the day and finishing with a 10kt climb from the circuit to 9,000 feet in wave before trying to land for a second time.

Aero tows have a different perspective
Running into Pic du Bure

Pic du Bure

We had one retreive to do after Iron Man "Mr T" needed fetching home after running out of puff on his bike in the mountains about 20 miles away. His biggest concern was that the cyclist who had overtaken him didn't see him being given a lift?

Will received a beer shortly after landing in the bar, the rest of us had to wait and Pre-dinner drinks were served in the swimming pool after a hot and great days adventure.

Lets not forget the flying back home at Booker where we understand that there has been some great flying and achievements - 100k diploma flight by Sally, Phil the tuggie converted to 318 and we have a new BI but parental pride prevents me from naming him - well done to them all and any others that we haven't heard about.

Serres expedition 2011 - day 3

2011-06-14T22:08:00.007+01:00

Another hard day in the Alps.

Plan was for GA, 315, 768 and JH to head south to Puimoisson, then north via the ridges of the Par Cour to Mont Dauphin Saint Crepin and home - around 300k. KCZ tagged along for about 30k but wasn't able to match the performance of the hotter ships so set off on its own smaller task.

The main gaggle had a great time running the ridges and apart from one major save by Mike in 315 had a great run generally (but never think its simple in the Alps). Whilst climbs of 8kts were available the sink if you go to the wrong place can be ear poppingly painful.

A 45k final glide from Pic de Bure finished a fantastic day off. And KCZ put in a creditable 160ks.

The beers were well earned!

Serres 2011 - Day 3

2011-06-14T06:26:00.005+01:00

The photos say it all - enjoy.

Mike passing Arambre after Geoff had climbed to the top for some exercise - we are not sure which part of his fitness regime 'ducking' comes in.

Will Ellis approaching Pic de Bure at about 6,000ft, the peak is around 8,800.

Serres expedition 2011 - day 2

2011-06-13T07:46:00.007+01:00

Woke up to a good sky followed by the communal breakfast on the veranda of one of the chalets where it provides the opportunity to discuss the previous days flying and start considering the current days plans (always open to change after the briefing from the Serres experts at Quo Vadis).

It was decided that the day would be a bit of a "Tabbner Tour" to get familiar with the more local area before anyone starts going further afield.

This proved to be an excellent approach with a Booker gaggle of GA, JH, 768, 315 and ECZ doing around 110k initially going north past Col de Cabre before routing east to Pic du Bure

and then south abeam Gap

to Chabre (a couple carried on to Lure) before a safe return to Serres via St Genis.

Pic de Bure proved to be very busy with about 10 gliders there at one point and proved to be the high point at 10,500 feet. The day had varied conditions with good cumulus mostly, a surprise wave climb in the blue on the crossing to Pic du Bure and the best climb of the day at 8.7kts on the averager by 315 late on.

Yeeehaaaa

Serres Expedition 2011

2011-06-12T18:47:00.003+01:00

The club expedition to Serres got off to a good (and early!) start.

The 1179 km lead and follow of 315, JH, HA, GA and 768 kept together throughout France and achieved over 90kph without incident but did generate a massive traffic jam driving down the final 60km into Serres itself.

Having held point for most of the journey, Mr Tabbner executed a daring overtaking move on the last hairpin into Serres so he could arrive first and grab the glory (he claims it was to lead us into the difficult entrance to the airfield?).
Trailers were all parked up by 21:00 local when it was time for a well earned beer.

The beer had to wait a few minutes whilst we did our first retrieve after Barry decided to check out the local plumbing by driving into a septic tank outside the chalets.

Staturday started with the 'new to Serres' pilots having check rides with local instructor Robin before everyone set off for the first days adventure into the mountains. The main party set off to the north and did a gentle 100k O/R to Col de Rousesset to the west of the Vercors range in the Alps. All went well apart from a very short period when a nameless plumber became uncertain of his position - however the rest of the team were able to to put him straight.

All in all a great start to the expedition.

ps - Jane the foods good as well

First week of June

2011-06-05T20:25:00.004+01:00

The weather continues to provide plenty of soaring so far this month, if a little challenging in the increasing winds as the week went on - but practice and being current makes it easier.

Cross country flights were made on most days of the week with Dave C taking the Duo Discus on trips on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and others doing various tasks alongside. Check the Club Ladder to see just what was done.

The new range of courses are proving a success with a notable achievement by Stuart Whitehouse who initially started on a Basic Course and with a couple of top-ups went solo during the week. Congratulations to him.

On the cadet front, Guy Trees gained his first Bronze leg, Will Hilton has started his BI training and 4 new cadets started with the club on Saturday with Richard Crockett giving them an opening induction and showing them the ropes out on the field - a warm welcome to Ben, Sam, Peter and Daniel.

Sunday wasn't the brightest of days but fly pasts of the Royal Navy Historic Flight of a Jet Provost and Sea Fury livened thing up.

Bottesford revisited and the perils of littering

2011-05-31T20:18:00.005+01:00

Bottesford

The perils of a discarded tissue!

One of the models showed the possibility of a good flight so despite the gathering rain clouds I set off for BOT and CBN. Unfortunately after a bit of a shower I had to "relight" and have another go. Having restarted the day just got better and better. Unfortunately I discarded a tissue half way up the first leg and it stuck to the TE tube rendering it useless. It did make locating the good cores a bit difficult.

A nice XC day

2011-05-21T22:34:00.002+01:00

Shack Roberts and A9 over Milton Keynes

The forecast was not that great, but fortunately conditions were significantly better than forecast. Several pilots set off on Newbury/Peterborough 310kms and enjoyed some good 4-5kt climbs to 4500' amsl. The 20kt wind made coming home a bit slower, but the good streets helped compensate. John Herman visited a field near Grafham Water and by all accounts needs to tell the tale of the aerotow retrieve!

Booker wave

2011-05-15T17:30:00.002+01:00

The brisk northwesterly produced some tantalising wave clouds this morning, before the front arrived and we retired from the rain. If we get anything like this on our expedition to Aboyne in October we will be well pleased. As it was, we had a couple of hours of strong thermals - and equally strong sink. T6 went off to explore the ridge and had a bit of fun before the rain.

Booker Rules 2011 Competition - Concludes

2011-05-09T09:57:00.006+01:00

The Booker Rules 2011 competition has successfully concluded having met its objectives of rewarding speed and distance flown as well as allowing a wider range of pilot experience and glider performance to complete. 5 competition days were achieved under Contest Director Jim White's excellent efforts. Jim did the initial ground work to define the rules and build a scoring system as well as setting challenging and varied tasks for the conditions (as well as competing himself). There were finishers on all but one day when everyone landed out.

Contest Director Jim White checking the weather

Jim was ably assisted by Met man Nils Wedi who gave daily masterclasses on the weather, forecast conditions and likely daily situation. He also gave a more simple "good/bad/maybe" of the conditions - what is uncanny though is how accurate his forecasts proved to be.

Nils daily weather briefing

The last day of the competition had everyone land out (either genuinely, photo land out or engine start land out) and whilst it was possible to work out the final results, the prize giving had every possibility of being a Marie Celeste affair.

The potential Marie Celeste prize giving

Fortunately thanks to turbos, aerotow or road retrieves enough competitors were around to enjoy the delights of Marnie's barbecue and for prize giving to occur.

First place went to Denis Campbell (again - he does seem to be making it 'his' competition!), second place to Alan Johnston and 3rd to Jim Pengelly. Congratulations to them and all the other competitors.

There had been a daily prize for the best team pair of pilots and it was unanimously agreed that the best "team prize" for the week should go to Shelagh and Hilary who had undoubtedly assisted all the pilots as some point in the week.

Follow the link to the Competition Blog on the panel alongside for details of the tasks, results and which also has links to a number of fabulous photos from various days of the competition.

A great week flying all in all - watch out for the Booker Rules Competition 2012.

Spanish Plume - Booker Rules Competition 2011

2011-05-06T22:03:00.003+01:00

The Booker Rules Competition 2011 has been underway this week and has resulted in 4 contest days so far for the 20 competitors. The weather has been challenging with strong winds and blue skies but this hasn't dampened down the enthusiasm of those taking part.

The days have been 'bracketed' with Marni's excellent barbecue breakfasts in the morning and burger and beers in the evening - several pilots have been seen weighing themselves to check out maximum cockpit loads just in case.

Competition Director Jim White has set interesting and varied tasks and as things stand Denis is in the lead with his starship 370 and the rest of the field hoping the "Spanish Plume" won't wash out the rest of the weekend and their chances of gaining first place overall.

Marnie has posted a load of excellent photos from the week on Flicker (check out the link in the Competition Blog site).

Booker Gliding Club also gets a mention in Pilot Magazine after one of their reporters came down to fly with Graham Saw and find out why glider pilots make such good pilots.

Competition Director with his wind resistant hat

All action at the launch point

Gridded up waiting for the 'off'

Lasham's 776 visits Buckinghamshire

2011-04-27T16:39:00.000+01:00

There be dragons in them Chiltern Hills!

An Easter treat

2011-04-24T20:38:00.003+01:00

The downpours yesterday gave us a misty morning and it didn't get hot enough for a good cross country day, but there were thermals and it was possible to enjoy local soaring and some training flights. One person who was very happy with the day was 92 year old Alan, who had waited until now to mention to his family that he'd always wanted to try gliding. He was delighted with his flight and full of praise for his instructor Chris. He also said that he was impressed at how friendly and welcoming the club was.

One more satisfied customer.

Easter Saturday - XC and Easter Egg Cup

2011-04-23T21:47:00.004+01:00

XC Flying
Brilliant day all round with the forecast showers holding off until the end of the day allowing several pilots to set over 300k. Generally the conditions were excellent except for the flat sky running into Norman Cross for those that were flying 320k (BOB-DID-NOR-CHV-BOO). The high cloudbase and strong climbs made up for that though. Check out the flights on the club ladder.

Easter Egg Aerobatics competition

Back at Booker the Easter Egg competition was in full flow with a very high standard of flying and high scores all round. Graham and Emily who organised the event ensured the flying and scoring were conducted to a high and safe standard. With the last aerobatic flight being conducted in front of a building CuNim and occasional lightning bolts there was a 'new' winner - Sienna Whiteside with a very creditable score of 83%. Equal 2nd place went to old competition lags Will Hilton and Alun Jenkins with 3rd place going to Guy Trees - congratulations to them and all the other competitors and hearty thanks to Graham and Emily for organising the event.

All eyes to the sky watching and scoring

Graham And Emily awarding 1st place to a virtual Sienna Whiteside who had to leave before collecting her trophy for 1st place

Equal 2nd place Will Hilton and (virtual Alun Jenkins)

3rd place Guy Trees

4th Place David Humphries

5th place Jane Moore

The catering team of Crockett and Herman laid on another great barbecue and the day was rounded off with a couple of nice finishes. All this and the weekend isn't over yet!

A very "Good Friday"

2011-04-22T20:29:00.003+01:00

The very high temperatures from the week continued today and whilst several members rigged and flew there was no lack of activity and launches around the launch point.

Lunch by way of a barbecue was laid on by the well known team of caterers, "Crockett and Herman" and was definitely enjoyed by all.

In spite of the high temperatures, Glyn's Alula hand launched glider provided a lot of entertainment for the onlookers and wore out the launching team of Oli, Will and John.

The day concluded with a couple of nice finishes, don't forget the Easter Egg Aerobatic Competition on Saturday - should prove entertaining.

Another grand day

2011-04-22T18:48:00.003+01:00

Having decided not to rig and fly G1 Glyn takes to the air using strong arm tactics.

Busy Sunday

2011-04-18T21:05:00.004+01:00

We did lots of flying, including practice for the Easter Egg Cup aerobatics comp next Saturday. There's still time to get your entry in, and it's not regarded as cheating to practise beforehand. The exuberance with which the cross country pilots returned to the airfield suggested that they'd had a good time. The pilots of the Duo Discus which ended up in a field in Frieth probably had a very good view of the finishers.

An evening flying testimonial

2011-04-14T20:10:00.007+01:00

Member Brian O'Sullivan says: What do you normally do between 6pm and 8pm on a weekday evening? Travel home, eat dinner, browse the web, watch telly? Living so far above the equator our lengthening daylight hours gift us time to play. As a dad with a young family but a desire to fly gliders again finding time to train is a real struggle. I've 'negotiated' Saturday mornings, but so far have missed 1 in every 2. That just isn't enough to stay current, let alone make good progress, so I've been looking for alternatives. And I think I've found it with evening flying. What perfect conditions for training! Now the experienced flyers amongst us should stop reading now... when you are trying to master the multi-dimensional skills of co-ordination, thermals are a pain in the rear end: Heresy I know, but true nonetheless. Once above about 500 feet on the aerotow something quite magical happened. The conditions were so smooth, I relaxed! With a bit of fine tuning with the trim, the stick barely needed any attention. I can't tell you what a massive confidence boost this is for a student. I however made the mistake of telling Chris this after we landed and his retort was, "Relaxing on the aerotow. I need to give you more work. Next time box the tow!". Sigh... after an early degree of success boxing the tow, an oscillation set in which I initially attributed to the tug pilot trying to fling me about the sky. Silly me... I of course say this with tongue in cheek. Chris was a very patient instructor. The evenings are great - I can't recommend them highly enough. It's as if you've reclaimed time that would otherwise be wasted. Thanks to the guys and girls who freely volunteer their time to make it happen.

Booker Rules Competition

2011-04-14T16:14:00.000+01:00

Hurry, hurry, places going fast! We now have 21 paid up entries to our competition. If you were holding back for a better offer now is the time to commit. Click the link on the right for more information.

Back at Booker...

2011-04-10T17:08:00.004+01:00

........and with the temperature soaring to record levels for April, the prospects for cross country weren't good but they were ideal for instructing. Nicholas Moschi, seen below ready to launch in CFA, enjoyed his Intro course so much that he's planning to sign up for a longer course.

Talgarth Saturday

2011-04-10T08:40:00.003+01:00

Despite a warm and blue forecast that was not the best for soaring, Jane Moore managed one last attempt to improve her rock polishing technique around the southern bowl. She nearly learnt the hard way that those cairns are taller than they look.

Taken from the back of the Talgarth Cabriolet K13 that went into service at the beginning of this month. For those of a less adventurous nature this run can also be practiced in the Talgarth Gliding Simulator.

Talgarth round up

2011-04-09T09:50:00.011+01:00

Friday was one of those hot blue days when the best thing to do is to fly a T21. So we did. One of the locals, Robbie Robertson, kindly chauffeured us round the mountains in 'Snoopy', enabling us to get excellent close up views of the walkers plodding along the ridges. And it gave us the chance to take some pics:

Snoopy on tow behind UU

Heading for the south bowl

Shadow on the wind

Looking down on the Talgarth K13

Lingham's Lake

And here is a bit of rock polishing from the previous day:

And finally, a preview of John's new partner and family inspecting their new acquisition.

Many thanks to all at Black Mountains Gliding Club for their hospitality and for showing us how to fly next to the hard stuff. We had a fantastic week and learnt a huge amount, not least that the sound of sheep bleating is much to be preferred to helicopters.

Talgarth Thursday

2011-04-08T09:46:00.002+01:00

The forecast was for high pressure light winds, and the fact that the cloud soon descended onto the hill seemed to confirm this. But the weather gods had plainly not read the forecast, and they produced a very nice northwesterly, so we were able to zap up and down the ridge to Hay Bluff and back. It was also possible to get across the valley to Llangorse Lake and back, so the 'boys' spent their time seeing how fast they could do the whole run. Cloudbase never got much above 2000ft but with the ridges working so well this was not a problem. No pics, it's enough to concentrate on avoiding rocks and other traffic without getting out the camera.

Talgarth update

2011-04-07T09:55:00.004+01:00

No report yesterday, sitting in the sun reflecting on the day's flying - and waiting for William to land - seemed infinitely preferable to turning on a pc. Tuesday was a bit too breezy for flying, so the merry band sought alternative entertainment. One party went down the mine, specifically the NCB museum near Abergavenny, reportedly an excellent day out. Party 2 drove round to the foot of Hay Bluff and decided that it would be foolhardy to attempt the ascent in view of the howling gale whipping around the top. The Youth Wing (and those with aspirations) went canoeing. And they all came back, although it was in doubt at one point when Richard discovered he hadn't mastered the Eskimo Roll. Yesterday offered a bit of everything, wave and ridge and thermal, sometimes all at the same time. The early birds got into the wave and had fun exploring the system, too much fun to spend time taking pics. Jim says he got to 8653ft amsl. The rest became more acquainted with the Black Mountain ridges, and did some thermalling amidst spectacular scenery. No airborne pics, but here are a few of the gang on the ground.

UU getting ready for the day

A pair of Richards and the local K13

The retrieve vehicle

William giving Mike a few tips on his guitar technique

Booker goes to Talgarth

2011-04-04T14:08:00.004+01:00

On Saturday a hardy band of Booker pilots headed west to Black Mountains Gliding Club to learn about ridge flying. Tug UU has come along for a holiday too. So far we have flown every day, doing check flights and getting to know the local scenery. For those of us used to flying over flat land it's a new and interesting experience. Our hosts are very friendly and welcoming, full of helpful advice. The weather on Saturday was superb, enabling flights along to Hay Bluff and down the Cwmdu valley to Crickhowell. Today we did a few more check flights, and Jim had a go before we decided that gliding was more of a spectator sport and the toys went away. This is a fantastic place to play, the scenery is magnificent, especially when viewed from close up, and it's a great opportunity to learn new skills.

UU launching from Talgarth

The Weekends Flying

2011-03-20T19:43:00.003Z

Saturday's sunny start and forecast of good soaring made the launch point the busiest so far this year with the first grid of 2011 being set up but the sky lacked any obvious cumulus. Modest tasks of around 100k were declared and launching for the xc pilots started around midday into a very blue sky. Climbs were available up to around 3,000' but with no obvious places to find lift there was no great rush to set off - however a few of the stalwarts felt that it was time to set off around 12:30 but calls were soon coming in of one or two low points.

One such pilot certainly exercised the ANO rule about no flying within 500' of vehicles, vessels or structures except for gliders flying on a ridge (but with the wind only showing 2/3kts from the south west that was unlikely) - he did however have his wheel down so was flying below that height for the purpose of takeoff or landing. 45 minutes of working marginal lift on Chinnor Ridge finally resulted in a climb to enable the task to continue - proves the point that you need to get up an fly and practice (a lesson we could all benefit from).

I'm only aware of 3 people completing the declared 100k task - apologies if there were more and well done those who stuck with it!

Being the first busy day of the year also highlighted how rusty some of us have become over the winter months - everyone who flew (and those that will do soon) should reflect on their standards of airmanship, lookout, entering and leaving thermals, circuits and approaches. If you have any doubt now is a great time for a check ride (or two).

The busy day led to over 60 launches and the launch point coped very well , big thanks to everyone who made it a success- roll on summer.

Sunday was quieter with highlights being the first flight in 314 by its new syndicate owners Simon and David (gentle reminder - 314 is now a privately owned glider so don't be tempted to jump in if you see it sitting at the launch point).

We also saw Richard Crockett being checked out to fly the Pawnee - brings to mind the old Chinese proverb "don't send a boy to do a man's job!"

Lastly - don't forget to get your entry in for the Booker Rules 2011 Competition - see the link alongside.

Booker at Windsor

2011-03-12T19:21:00.003Z

The Sales & Marketing team is currently at the British Leisure Show at Windsor Racecourse, busy promoting the delights of gliding. We hope to see some of the people we have met at the launchpoint very soon.

Monday Solo and Sundays Flying

2011-03-07T17:16:00.007Z

Sunday 6th

Sunday's early cloud cleared to give mostly blue skies and a few thin scattered cumulus clouds but which were generating good thermals to allow for several long soaring flights. The sun also brought several single seaters out of winter hibernation. A couple of the more intrepid aviators set off cross country and only began to question their sanity when they turned Bicester at 16:00 for their run back to Booker (which all worked out OK in the end). With over 30 launches, good soaring conditions and sunshine throughout day there was a great 'buzz' around the club - the season is coming - make sure you are ready!

Club Members checking out the conditions (and what they were looking at below)

Monday 7th - 1st Solo

Congratulations to Booker Cadet Guy Trees who went solo in CFA (today was his 16th Birthday). He has been working hard for this recently doing the extra flying necessary to get him up to a satisfactory standard. Arrangements were made to ensure the club was operating today and the weather co-operated on his birthday - he provided the final ingredient by being up to standard.

Guy with his mum Lorna after landing

If Guy had been old enough to buy the celebratory drinks for his solo it would have been a cheep round as the only people around to witness it were his tug pilot, instructor and mum Lorna. We can all congratulate him when he does his next Cadet Duty day.

Aerobatics and another 1st Solo

2011-03-05T19:24:00.003Z

Mixed weather with Friday 4th March being sunny, calm and warm(ish) with convection up to 1,600 ft and enabling several soaring flights of up to an hour.

Saturday came around with low cloudbase and a biting easterly wind - ideal conditions for the Aerobatics course! The morning started with a bit of hanger shuffling to enable putting ECZ back into its trailer ready for the Windsor Outdoor Show next week where the club has a stand and more excitingly putting the wings back onto the motor glider in readiness for it being back in operation very soon.

Once the cloudbase had risen sufficiently the Aerobatics flying took place in anger with launches to 3,000 ft.

Whilst all this was going on Marc Selzer was being put through his paces and later in the day was sent solo for the first time - Congratulations to Marc on his 1st solo.

Barrier key renewal

2011-03-03T13:10:00.000Z

A reminder that all barrier keys need to be renewed before the end of March. To do this please either take your key to the AFC office in the base of the tower and they will update it, or if you are not at the airfield phone them on 01494529261 and give them the number on the card. It can take a few days to register so it is best to do it before it expires.

Booker Rules Competition

2011-02-22T11:54:00.001Z

The Booker Rules Competition web site is up and now accepting entries for our 2011 competition. Even if pilots cannot get the week off they can still fly 5 weekend days for only £20 entry fee. More details via the link on the right.

The sun brought them out

2011-02-12T19:09:00.003Z

Last week I suggested the season was here and today reinforced that with over 40 launches, several soaring flights and one cross country to Membury (but which did need a slight bit of assistance from an iron thermal on the way back).

The shiny clean bus

The early low cloud base meant things got going slowly to start with but soon the sun started to break through and the cloud base rose fairly quickly. The early flights with the low cloud based limited flights for circuit training but soon the better weather started to bring out the members in droves. The brisk wind had the potential to catch a few people out and some of the circuits were not as well executed as they could and should have been and some words of wisdom were passed on by the CFI to miscreants. If you aren't as current as you would like to be, now is the time to have a check ride or three - there is always something new to learn and skills to polish. Make sure you are fully prepared for the season now and not when it has started in anger.

Some of the streeting evident through the day

The day finished with a couple of aerobatic flights, the last one into the evening gloom but everyone was down safely before sunset (plus 30).

The Season is here (if still a bit variable)

2011-02-06T17:40:00.005Z

The high winds this weekend put paid to the Aerobatics course and were a turnaround from the previous weekend when nearly 50 launches were taken over the weekend and several soaring flights made.

The January Bronze lectures have been a success again with the exams being taken and passed by Phil Binnee, Jon Sugdeon and John Lambie. Saturday 29th Jan also provided some unexpected soaring under what looked like total cloud cover at 1,400 feet and a biting cold wind but surprising all of us with 4 knot (yes really!) climbs up to the low cloudbase.

Sunday 30th was even better and the weather encouraged Nils to rig and launch and have 2 soaring flights of well over an hour. The conditions also encouraged some big wings to be rigged. Mike C with his Ventus starship and Richard C with his shiny refinished Nimbus. Both of them must have been cold after their 2 hour flights!

Other achievements included David Baker, Phil Binnee and Nik Merkhart converting to the K18 and Will Ellis completing his BI course (which he later celebrated by pirouetting around the launch point several times throwing a seagull like glider into the sky). Congratulations to everyone on whatever their achievements last weekend.

The only thing to mar what had been an otherwise lovely couple of days was the sad news about Richard Clark who will be greatly missed as reported in the previous blog item.

Those of us lucky enough to have been at the airfield last Thursday would have seen the Spitfire land and taxi back past the bus having had to wait for the K18 to clear the landing area before it was able to land on our side of the airfield into the strong South Westerly wind.

Booker Cadet Will Hilton has also returned from 2 weeks work experience at Delta Jets in Kemble where he mostly got to work on a Spitfire and which culminated with him sitting in on the engine running checks.

Richard's funeral

2011-02-04T10:42:00.002Z

Richard's funeral will be on Thursday 10 February 2011, 13.45 at Amersham Crematorium.

Tea and cake afterwards at The Swan Hotel, Amersham.

For those wishing to contribute, donations to either Michael Sobell House or Ian Rennie Hospice, cheques made payable to either of the above can be posted direct or given to Skinners Funeral Directors (Chalfont St Peter) on the day.

All welcome.

Richard Clark

2011-01-30T22:11:00.004Z

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected death of Richard Clark last night (29/1/11).

Richard began gliding in 2008 after the death of his wife, and he soon established himself in the life of the club, flying mainly midweek. He made rapid progress and ended the season by joining the club’s expedition to Aboyne, where the view of Braemar from 14,500ft converted him to wave flying and the annual trip to Scotland. The following spring he spent two weeks in Cerdanya, Spanish Pyrenees with the club expedition, exploring mountain flying, and he was looking forward to the Serres expedition this coming June. He was also a budding cross country pilot, having gained his silver distance in April 2010. He had recently bought an ASW20, sadly he had yet to fly it.

As well as his flying, he was a stalwart member of the Sales and Marketing Team, always the first to volunteer for events. Quiet and unassuming, he ‘got on with it’ with the minimum of fuss, and proved to be an excellent salesman and promoter of gliding.

For his presence both on and off the airfield, he will be greatly missed.