Members' area

Winds 320/25 visibility 25 K.

As we sat in the bus watching the rain run down the windscreen we could see why the Cotswold Airport Scholarship Flying was cancelled.

After a Navigation brief and completion of the bronze C oral test, the skies cleared and we could start flying.

A busy afternoon of launch failure practice and Mike Bosley and Steve Wilkinson resoloed. Very well done to them.

looking forward to another successful training day tomorrow, but a beer at the Rose and Crown beckons first.

Don

Winds forecast at 270/35.

We were managing to achieve 1500ft launches on the cross runway. mike on the course soared away from the top of the launch to 3000ft before following a cloudstreet to Nympsfield arriving at cloudbase (5000ft).

A few hardy club members turned up and flew with Roger, many thanks to them for their help and thanks to birthday boy Chris for bringing donuts---we enjoyed those immensely.

Alex, Mikes 12 year old son was with us for the day and had his first taster flight with Roger. Needless to say he had fun and returned with a big grin.

Don

winds 290/15, cloudbases rising to 5000ft, thermals up to 8 knots.

Andy, Andrew and Mike acted as hosts to the Sportability group. They certainly know how to pick the day, all 10 had a 30 minute soaring flight with Mike. Very well done and many thanks to the volunteer helpers.

The course guys found themselves soaring and simple Navigation exercises. Cross wind landings were on the agenda all day---everyone getting the hang of it by the end of the day.

A bunch of local pilots flew off in all directions to enjoy the fantastic soaring window.

Thanks everyone for a great day.

Don

Welcome back to Steve Wilkinson, Stephen John and Mike Bosley.

Light winds 210/05, rain showers expected and possibly thunderstorms.

Despite the forecast the day was only slightly disrupted by rain and low cloud. A good time for some ground school as the course members prepare for the bronze C.

Flying carried on a little later than normal (to catch up) with David smiling and telling us to go for it.

A great day, thanks everyone.

Don

Winds increased to 35knots at 1000ft.

The course group took advantage of the lighter winds early in the day. Winds eventually became too much and the glider was put away.

Mike Randle and Jane took advantage of the flying operations to get Janes refresher training completed.

The drop in temperature didnt seem to dampen everyones spirits, they just wrapped up and carried on.

Cloudbases eventually rose to 5000ft QFE. Strong thermals from around 11 am.

Several cross country flights flown today, everyone had a good time.

Well done Stewart, solo today and his first taste of solo soaring.

pictures show Stewart after his first solo and the grid starting, on the runway---mmmm.

Another good day tomorrow.

Don

winds settled to 240/15, cloudbases starting at 800ft and rising to 2000ft .

Roger Bagley stepped in to instruct, Tony is not well. many thanks to Roger for that. Once the tyre on the K13 was fixed it was all systems go and members getting back into currency.

The course progresses well, first launch before 9am---now thats teamwork.

The pictures show the sky at 8.30 and Mike admiring (and avoiding) the clouds.

Another good day tomorrow.

Don

As you will have seen below, our first weekdays' course of 2016 started on Monday 28th March; so welcome back Don for a 3rd season from winter hibernation. Dave Taylor is starting his 2nd season as winch driver. The courses will be using Ka21 'ENK' in preference as the other Ka21 ('GBF'), on loan from Dunstable, costs the club a small amount extra per launch, so it is better for the high volume course usage to be on 'ENK'.
As the airfield is open on all weekdays, club members - including private owners - who wish to fly need to appreciate that course members have not paid their course fees to be cajoled into helping rig / launch / field retrieve / off-site retrieve other club or private gliders. Some may be only too happy to help but that should never be assumed ! Further, please remember that course launches take precedence over others.
So, for those who are either retired or have flexible working arrangements, do make use of the fact the airfield is now operational Monday to Fridays as well as weekends. Have a great season's flying.
DGR / Chairman

The weather threatened thunderstorms and heavy showers. The thunderstorms didnt appear, but the rain showers did.

Interestingly some thermal activity (when it wasnt tipping down) and some wave.

David is now back in the saddle on the winch, his first launch of the season took us up to 2000ft---not shabby at all.

The course progresses well, everyone getting used to some proper wind gradients.

The weather should begin to improve as the week proceeds.

The pictures, Stewart above the clouds, and packing away in the rain

Don

A breezy day and broken thermals. With winds from the west, operations where from runway 27.

Welcome to Stewart Rathband, Mike Counsell and Ron Godsall. Stewart and Mike are on their 3rd course with us and Ron is a club member.

Thanks to Chris Power for standing in and operating the winch, thanks also to all the club members who came out to help.

Matt Page successfully completed his final instructor assessment and becomes our first instructor under the new system.

The weather for the rest of the week looks unsettled and getting better as the week progresses.

Don