Shorts and cows on Ditchling Beacon

On a glorious morning at Ditchling Beacon I was joined by Rob who brought along his Zulu and his recently completed Coyote for its maiden flight. John was also present today with his repaired Phase 6 from last weeks little incident and his fine Strega model. Very much like yesterday the lift was weak but the forecast suggested stronger winds a little later in the morning. Rob was the first to fly and his Coyote flew straight ahead and true with only some minor trim adjustments being required, it is a very nice and professionally built balsa glider. My Wildthing struggled as usual with the conditions but I pressed on regardless.

View to the East

Robin joined us bringing along his usual two foam models but additionally today his Malibu Pro DLG which was ideal for the early conditions. Mark arrived at the slope with his Irwin and Mamba and of note was, for the first time this year, Mark was displaying his knees to the world as shorts were the order of the day. Scotty and his nephew Tyler came to join the fun and Tyler is now a budding model aircraft pilot who enjoyed his “Hands On” experience flying Scotty's Wildthing whilst employing the buddy box system. Tyler later stated that “the flying gets easier the more you do” maybe a lesson for us all. Last to arrive was Bernie one of our potential examiners for our “A” Certificates who gave some of us a quick brief on the content of the examination and then he flew his Super Starlight with aplomb. 

View to the North

As the lift increased the air was now full of gliders. John flew his Phase 6 which went well and looked great flying again, well done to John for the quick repair. Mark was happy with his Mamba and gave me some advice regarding downwind turns prior to landing. Scotty soon built up the confidence to fly his Middle Phase with Bernie giving him advice and being there to land it for him. Scotty and I also managed to perform a re-enactment scene from late on in WW2 of a Royal Air Force and German Luftwaffe aircraft in combat, obviously the RAF won the day. 

Our only hazard today was the herd of cows encroaching the landing area a few times but one look at Mark’s knees and they were off like a shot the other way, only joking Mark. In Sum, a very nice day had by all with much flying taking place over possibly the warmest Easter Saturday we have had for many years. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our club members and the many followers we have of this blog a very Happy Easter.