Not Quite the Epic Expected

The day started cold but sunny. Ahead of me was the 121 mile drive to Mendlesham which included a detour to Redhill to collect Andy H.

We arrived at Mendlesham around 11am and the airfield was already being prepared. RASP and other weather forecasts had suggested today may be an epic and this, in part, was probably the reason why I and so many pilots were out. It was likely to had been last chance for an XC this season!

After a very relaxed start, towing commenced and a helmet queue formed. I didn’t wait long before I was at launch!

Tow 1

My first tow wasn't one of my best as I popped the nose a little on take-off and promptly over corrected and induced a mild but short PIO. Both releases were fine after which I started searching the sky for lift. I hit one or two bumps and maintained for minimal time before I landed.

Tow 2

The sky began to look promising, little white fluffy clouds had formed everywhere but not over the runway! Shortly after launch I had difficulty keeping the glider on track. Something invisible and close lifted my wing! Convinced I'd hook a thermal, I released prematurely, turned and hit sink. Eventually I hit some zeros and tried desperately to find where the rising air was but to no avail.

Shortly after I landed and Richard H. briefed me, that if I'd turned right as soon as I got off the winch line, I would have connected with the thermal! Instead I had completely flown around the edge of the thermal and missed it altogether!

Tow 3

Later, the sky overdeveloped and the wind reduced to a light westerly breeze. After I had towed to 750 feet, I departed the winch line and decided to have a bit of fun with the glider by stuffing the bar back to my knees to accelerate the glider. It responded and a rush of air indicated my increased airspeed. I rushed back towards launch and eased the bar out then executed a couple of highly banked turns to lose height and landed.

Tow 4

For my fourth and final tow, there was a bit of moisture in the air and no detectable wind. A nil wind launch was required! After I had watched two earlier launches that demonstrated why wheels are compulsory, I was determined to perfect my launch.

As I launched I had to run like Forest Gump before I was lifted off the ground! Once up, I reached for the camera and snapped a photograph, then, as before, stuffed the bar and had some fun. With a little more height I embarked on some high speed turns where I felt some notable g's, then, on my, which was directly over launch, I exited and set up for my final landing of the day.