Last Thursday - corny gliding photo

For those that didn't fly their own glider on Thursday (ie everyone except me), it was probably better than you thought and anyone more adventurous than me probably would have gone somewhere - but not far.  Blue but soarable.  I feel I let the side down as there are now quite a few flights on the BGA Ladder and we should get a few Booker XC flights loaded. Here is one of those corny "look how good my thermal was" photos, just to prove there really has been nearly 4 knots for 20 seconds on one day this year.

This looks as though somebody is paying attenton:-http://www.generalaviationappg.uk/all-party-parliamentary-group-brands-brize-and-oxford-airspace-proposals-unsafe/

Aeros in the sun

The sunshine today brought out a fair few members onto the airfield, which was a bit soggy in places but usable. Amongst them was Maddi who did a bit of practice with Graham and then flew a solo sequence for her Standard Aerobatics badge. Well done Maddi!

Filling in the paperwork

The famous Easter Egg Cup aerobatics comp has been postponed from this weekend until better weather is assured. Watch this space.

The evening groups are back.........soon

 

Evening flying starts again on Tuesday 17th April. The groups will, as last year, be run by:

Graham Saw - Tuesdays
Chris Rowland - Wednesdays
Symeon Economou - Fridays

Evenings are a great time to make progress with your flying - circuits, aerobatics (on Tuesdays), spot landing, aerotowing .......... or just enjoying a peaceful evening flight as the sun sets. It's also a good time for group visits - a (special price) trial lesson and a picnic, or maybe a trip to a local pub - just contact the office to make arrangements.

Don't sit indoors on a warm sunny evening, come on down to the airfield and make some new friends.

Good bye Sutton Bank

Friday was very windy indeed so the only flying was a couple of winch launches by the locals. We derigged the Duo Discus and LS7 in the shelter of the hangar and turned all the trailers round ready for leaving in the morning. Some of us then went for a bit of ground level sight seeing around the North York Moors, having seen a bit from above. This morning we said good bye and set off south to the Chilterns.

Many thanks to the Yorkshire Gliding Club for making us so welcome, and to Richard for organising us all.



Skoda convoy

Westerly winds again

Yesterday was a busy day with the wind in the west and opportunities for ridge, thermal and wave soaring. Having got his Bronze 1 hour the previous day Max flew again for 2 hours, congratulations Max. The day ended with Richard taking a couple of people in 315 on runs along the length of the ridge, just before sunset.

315 above cloud somewhere in Yorkshire

Max heading for Bronze

More flying at Sutton Bank

Today the wind was westerly so we were launching on 24 - a bit different from Booker, off the edge of the airfield and suddenly the valley is spread out below. The ridge was working well and there were strong thermals so staying up was not a problem. We had use of the local DG1000 as well as the Booker gliders, so everyone had a go.

Yorkshire

Chilly launch queue

John auditioning for Lollipop Man

Nick models the new Spring fashions

Sutton Bank expedition week 2

Those that arrived for the weekend had plenty of snow to admire, but not a lot of opportunity to fly.

On Monday the sky cleared and white stuff stopped falling so we got the toys out. Conditions were, shall we say, bracing with a stiff NE wind which flayed any exposed skin, but there were strong thermals and plenty of interesting scenery - and a circuit which required concentration. Excellent fun.

Spot the (snow)ball

Today started with rain but our CFI promised us a clearance and lo and behold in the afternoon the sky cleared and the wind dropped and the views were stunning.

The view from the tractor

More fun tomorrow.

 

Sutton Bank expedition update

The team had a good day yesterday with weak thermals allowing for flights of almost an hour. Everyone flew, including most of the single seaters. After a lovely sunset they retired to the Three Tuns in Thirsk for steak and quiz night - no word on whether or not they won!

Somewhere over Yorkshire

View of the airfield

Yorkshire looking a bit wet

Day's end

Local beer tasting

Booker Spring expedition

The Spring expedition to Sutton Bank is now well underway. The week 1 contingent made it up the 1-in-4 hairpin bend to the airfield in safety and yesterday they all had check flights to get the lie of the land. Today it has been wet, as it was down south, but they are expecting a good day tomorrow.

A fine view of the White Horse

The gang looking happy