Both days were ok, but Sunday in particular was verging on epic - certainly tricky, but there were good consistant climbs (one of them was 7knots on the averager). I wished my glider wasnt away for its annual, as I reckoned a quick blast to Braemar - Rhynie was on the cards.
Good to see so many people out - the car park was effectively full, and a number of training flights were conducted - over 20 launches when I left.
30 April 2012
22 April 2012
Weekend
Although I was not at the airfield this weekend, the weather didnt look much cop - was any flying done?
Myself and member Ali Bridges decided to take a different route to 3800ft by climbing Lochnagar......
Myself and member Ali Bridges decided to take a different route to 3800ft by climbing Lochnagar......
18 April 2012
17 April 2012
Club Class - Request for crew
I am flying the Club Class Nationals at Gransden Lodge from 21-29 July...
I did also have a crew, but they have pulled out.
If anyone fancies a week in Cambridgeshire, experiencing competition environment and seeing a nice area (and multiple fields) please let me know...there would be beer and food on offer for the willing candidate.
For those slightly newer to gliding, crews are required at gliding competitions to retrieve pilots from fields - it often means adventures across rural England with the trailer strapped on the back. Also, crews need to be available on the airfield for ground handling the glider and helping rig/get ready for the flight.
If anyone would be willing to help out, I would be very appreciative.
Please email charlie.jordan@bibbyoffshore.com
I did also have a crew, but they have pulled out.
If anyone fancies a week in Cambridgeshire, experiencing competition environment and seeing a nice area (and multiple fields) please let me know...there would be beer and food on offer for the willing candidate.
For those slightly newer to gliding, crews are required at gliding competitions to retrieve pilots from fields - it often means adventures across rural England with the trailer strapped on the back. Also, crews need to be available on the airfield for ground handling the glider and helping rig/get ready for the flight.
If anyone would be willing to help out, I would be very appreciative.
Please email charlie.jordan@bibbyoffshore.com
16 April 2012
The Weekend
As predicted, the ridge was working well combined with some strong thermals in a very unstable airmass.
England had the best of it with numerous 750km flights flown, and a Junior friend completing his first 500km in a Cirrus.
I have a little video camera which I have been playing with (see the screenshot). Shall post some videos once I figure it all out...
12 April 2012
Fran's Weekend Report
The Open Weekend was a great success - thanks to Alex for the inspiration, it will definitely be repeated. 18 people flew over the weekend, with one new member and a few coming back for more. Helen Mann was an inescapable first point of contact for the visitors on Saturday; Charlie invented the need for a collective noun for beat ups. Tuggies were brilliant, Graham Mann as Duty Pilot included in his duties making a sign for the road. Sunday was quieter, but Susie Mc went around the car park by the road and persuaded unsuspecting watchers. Ereyone seemed to muck in to make it a good time. Richard and Davie were on sheep removal duty....Davie fell over chasing them (his explanation for muddy knees) "They werent even pretty!"
Sooty said he couldnt make it as he would be 'sipping beers in a nice bar overlooking the fortress in Corfu' and Hazel is working away in Norway 'strolling by the sea in the evening'.
Saturday evening found 16 of us being fed in the clubhouse... Janet Mc provided a choice of starter [oat cakes and mackerel pate or soup] and wonderful puds [cheesecake and strawberry pavlova] and in between we had pasta with tomato/basil/chilli sauce with chicken and bacon provided by Gill. Amazing. The BBQ was inundated with hungry folk both days, thanks to Murdo, who declared himself open to 'favours' for sausages.
The prophesy I made last week of beers being drunk came true....(not hard!) and whisky/gin etc etc. The McGregor ladies redefining "Life and Soul of the Party". Susie thought she had a bad hair day on Sunday morning, but it was only melted bits of the duvet where she kept putting the hair straighteners down.
Kevin had a couple of training flights, and Graham helped Ron with his forthcoming Ass Cat rating. Graham also flew with Charlie M who is a power pilot taking up gliding.
The Juniors C of A is done, despite Roy W and Dave S "Dropping balls"?? probably due to smaking their heads together hard when going to peer into the tail. A resounding 'twock' was heard.
Mike has finished GCA with polishing help from John and Kevin. Welcome to new members Aaron and Sue.
Andy and Alex flew in from Easterton with their Chipmunk for its annual.
Sooty said he couldnt make it as he would be 'sipping beers in a nice bar overlooking the fortress in Corfu' and Hazel is working away in Norway 'strolling by the sea in the evening'.
Saturday evening found 16 of us being fed in the clubhouse... Janet Mc provided a choice of starter [oat cakes and mackerel pate or soup] and wonderful puds [cheesecake and strawberry pavlova] and in between we had pasta with tomato/basil/chilli sauce with chicken and bacon provided by Gill. Amazing. The BBQ was inundated with hungry folk both days, thanks to Murdo, who declared himself open to 'favours' for sausages.
The prophesy I made last week of beers being drunk came true....(not hard!) and whisky/gin etc etc. The McGregor ladies redefining "Life and Soul of the Party". Susie thought she had a bad hair day on Sunday morning, but it was only melted bits of the duvet where she kept putting the hair straighteners down.
Kevin had a couple of training flights, and Graham helped Ron with his forthcoming Ass Cat rating. Graham also flew with Charlie M who is a power pilot taking up gliding.
The Juniors C of A is done, despite Roy W and Dave S "Dropping balls"?? probably due to smaking their heads together hard when going to peer into the tail. A resounding 'twock' was heard.
Mike has finished GCA with polishing help from John and Kevin. Welcome to new members Aaron and Sue.
Andy and Alex flew in from Easterton with their Chipmunk for its annual.
11 April 2012
Flying the ridge this weekend
I know we are a few days away, but there is forecast to be quite a strong Northerly. The sky might also be leaking water.
However, if that wind direction/strength stays, the ridge to the South of the Dee Valley (running towards Ballater) could be working nicely.
It takes a bit of bravery but it can provide some fun flying - and a change from the norm. There are a couple of good fields at the base of the ridge should anyone get stuck.
I will be there on Saturday if anyone wants to ask about the fields at the base of the ridge... I have been in them a couple of times. No field is safe from me.
On that note - I would recommend that EVERY solo pilot does a landout at some point this year. It is really important to keep your skills up in this potentially high risk activity - you never know when you need to do it for anger.
I average 5 per year...... and none of them are planned.
However, if that wind direction/strength stays, the ridge to the South of the Dee Valley (running towards Ballater) could be working nicely.
It takes a bit of bravery but it can provide some fun flying - and a change from the norm. There are a couple of good fields at the base of the ridge should anyone get stuck.
I will be there on Saturday if anyone wants to ask about the fields at the base of the ridge... I have been in them a couple of times. No field is safe from me.
On that note - I would recommend that EVERY solo pilot does a landout at some point this year. It is really important to keep your skills up in this potentially high risk activity - you never know when you need to do it for anger.
I average 5 per year...... and none of them are planned.
10 April 2012
Nice video
This chap films every flight he does, compiled into 6mins of some 'good bits'...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nNUmAUJUso&feature=g-vrec&context=G206c9b1RVAAAAAAAAAQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nNUmAUJUso&feature=g-vrec&context=G206c9b1RVAAAAAAAAAQ
09 April 2012
Weekend Photos
Alistair Stark took a few photos from the weekend, which can be found here:
www.flickr.com/photos/whiteliner1/7060502367/in/photostream/
www.flickr.com/photos/whiteliner1/7060502367/in/photostream/
Tuggy & Instructor
Word on the street has it that from 1st May there will be a resident instructor and tug pilot, enabling flying during the week.
Make use of your annual leave, school holidays or retirement to avoid the weekend rush!
Call 013398 85339 prior to arriving to check the weather.
Make use of your annual leave, school holidays or retirement to avoid the weekend rush!
Call 013398 85339 prior to arriving to check the weather.
Day 2 - Open Weekend
Despite the weather being a little better than Saturday, not as many people turned up - presumably too busy eating chocolate eggs. There was a couple of training flights and in the afternoon a few people came along to make use of the reduced trial lesson fee.
Overall, the weekend has been a success, with a considerable amount more flying than there otherwise would have been. At least one new member, 'utilisation' of the bar and just a bit of fun... lets keep fingers crossed for next weekend.
Overall, the weekend has been a success, with a considerable amount more flying than there otherwise would have been. At least one new member, 'utilisation' of the bar and just a bit of fun... lets keep fingers crossed for next weekend.
08 April 2012
07 April 2012
Day 1 - Open Weekend
The weather wasnt great, but we managed to fly 15 trial flights. It was a great turn out from the membership and a surprising number of people considering the weather. Great BBQ and the bar is now open..........
05 April 2012
Interclub League 2012
Every year, DGC enters a team in the Scottish Interclub League. This year, the first round will be held at Feshiebridge (June) and the second round on home turf at Aboyne (August).
It is a fun competition with points allocated via the Regionals scoring system.
We need novice, intermediate and advanced pilots - if you would like to compete or request more info, please contact Roy Wilson: wilson@alt-na-dee.freeserve.co.uk
I will publish dates soon.
It is a fun competition with points allocated via the Regionals scoring system.
We need novice, intermediate and advanced pilots - if you would like to compete or request more info, please contact Roy Wilson: wilson@alt-na-dee.freeserve.co.uk
I will publish dates soon.
Fran's Weekend Report
Saturday saw the cold front leaving a tasty (?) airmass for spring thermals. Add in a brisk Northerly wind and you have a working ridge whilst waiting for thermals. Charlie and Graham Mann did exactly that, pulling off tow at 1000' and working towards Ballater where they got into the wave using a 4-5knot beauty just West of Glen Muick. After reaching 10,000' they had a 'nice run' to Newtonmore and back...a fine flight indeed.
Davie took HXH up for 1.5hrs before getting cold feet... literally, no reflection on his bravery... and George had two good solo soaring flights in the Puch. Roy flew the tug and then swapped for instructing in the Puch, taking a trial flight soaring...Roys first soaring flight this year. Glad to see you flying again...this is a more measured response than 'Yippee! A lot better than looking up at the sky from the clubhouse!!!'. His new, highly anticipated hotship will be making an appearance shortly. Beers in the clubhouse followed.
Sunday dawned with good wave, but gaps kept closing. Bob and Davie were going to get the Capstan out, but the wind looked a bit strong, so elected to fly the Puch instead and climbed well in the wave. Charlie and Ron flew trial lessons, whilst Alex took over instructing as Mike was full of cold...probably picked up in Englandshire whilst singing and having a great time. This week finds him not seeing the big wide world as much whilst working on GCA's C of A.
Thanks to Charlie, Alex, John Dransfield, Graham Mann and the loveley Helen, who worked hard clearing pathways, cleaning, painting, etc for our Open Weekend. All is now shipshape.
Alan has sent round an email regarding maintenance; give it some serious thought and just ask if in doubt.
In preparation for this weekend, a few will arrive Friday night for an anticipate early start for our Open Days; please come and help, support, enthuse and have fun. Beers in the clubhouse will follow...
There is a warm front Friday night clearing for Saturday, leaving light showers to follow and another just clearing by midday on Sunday. Light winds from a WNW direction on Saturday, and SSW on Sunday; local thermal extending to the SW on Saturday with a base around 3500', and on Sunday extending to the NE with a slightly better base. If the timing on the fronts changes, its anybodys guess!
Whatever the weather, dont forget its out Open Weekend - the craic will be excellent, so dont miss out.
Davie took HXH up for 1.5hrs before getting cold feet... literally, no reflection on his bravery... and George had two good solo soaring flights in the Puch. Roy flew the tug and then swapped for instructing in the Puch, taking a trial flight soaring...Roys first soaring flight this year. Glad to see you flying again...this is a more measured response than 'Yippee! A lot better than looking up at the sky from the clubhouse!!!'. His new, highly anticipated hotship will be making an appearance shortly. Beers in the clubhouse followed.
Sunday dawned with good wave, but gaps kept closing. Bob and Davie were going to get the Capstan out, but the wind looked a bit strong, so elected to fly the Puch instead and climbed well in the wave. Charlie and Ron flew trial lessons, whilst Alex took over instructing as Mike was full of cold...probably picked up in Englandshire whilst singing and having a great time. This week finds him not seeing the big wide world as much whilst working on GCA's C of A.
Thanks to Charlie, Alex, John Dransfield, Graham Mann and the loveley Helen, who worked hard clearing pathways, cleaning, painting, etc for our Open Weekend. All is now shipshape.
Alan has sent round an email regarding maintenance; give it some serious thought and just ask if in doubt.
In preparation for this weekend, a few will arrive Friday night for an anticipate early start for our Open Days; please come and help, support, enthuse and have fun. Beers in the clubhouse will follow...
There is a warm front Friday night clearing for Saturday, leaving light showers to follow and another just clearing by midday on Sunday. Light winds from a WNW direction on Saturday, and SSW on Sunday; local thermal extending to the SW on Saturday with a base around 3500', and on Sunday extending to the NE with a slightly better base. If the timing on the fronts changes, its anybodys guess!
Whatever the weather, dont forget its out Open Weekend - the craic will be excellent, so dont miss out.
Out & Return to Newtonmore - 31st March
Graham Mann and I flew 3D to Newtonmore (in the Spey valley) at the weekend. We released at 1,000ft onto the ridge, before finding a good 4-5knot thermal to cloudbase. After a bit of effort, we contacted wave West of Glen Muick - reaching a high point of 10,000ft over the Cairngorm mountain range.04 April 2012
2012 Easter Open Day
On the 7th & 8th of April, the Deeside Gliding Club is holding an open day with the aim of encouraging the public to try gliding and potentially join as members.
We are offering flights to 1500ft at a discounted rate of £45, with instructors and members on hand to answer any questions.
A BBQ will be running all day and aircraft on display.
It would be great to see as many members as possible at the airfield to offer support and enjoy the day.
We are offering flights to 1500ft at a discounted rate of £45, with instructors and members on hand to answer any questions.
A BBQ will be running all day and aircraft on display.
It would be great to see as many members as possible at the airfield to offer support and enjoy the day.
Return of the Blog!
Yes folks, the blog is back.
Please save this under your favourites and check often for various snippets of information, banter, photographs or just general things I find funny.
If you have any content you wish to share, please email charlie_sierra75@hotmail.co.uk and we will ensure it is uploaded for the club to see.
Thanks,
Charlie
Please save this under your favourites and check often for various snippets of information, banter, photographs or just general things I find funny.
If you have any content you wish to share, please email charlie_sierra75@hotmail.co.uk and we will ensure it is uploaded for the club to see.
Thanks,
Charlie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
