RAF Wittering May 10th & 11th 2008 (Home of Four Counties G.C.)

Saturday morning saw 7 members arrive at RAF Wittering, passes were pre-arranged with Chris Armstrong (Four Counties member ex NVGC). The DG300 and Vega trailered up there with later additions of the T21 aerotowed by John Bennett and Trevor Nash, the motor glider with Taff Turner and Martin Reynolds.

Unfortunately we forgot to order the weather, launches were into nil wind, but DM did manage 25mins in the morning in the DG300, he landed on the taxiway next to the grass strip with smoke coming from the rear tyre (impressive) the new rear profile now slightly smaller than before. He also managed 51 mins in the afternoon up to the great height of 2050 feet. The T21 was well used, and several members took advantage of the aerotow facility behind Four Counties Rotax powered Falke (Interesting).

The hangar packing made for an interesting insight in how many gliders can be got into one hangar.(see pictures) One ritual they do is to wash the glider wings down before packing them away, something I know we keep trying to do at NVGC. Perhaps having the Club House over a mile away from the Hangar helps.

Saturday evening buffet was supplied by Four Counties GC - what a splendid spread was laid on. A lot of hard work from the catering lady Hillary who worked hard all day feeding us. Sharon who did logging and helped serve drinks in the Bar, who was assisted by Pete Pearson or was he just propping up the bar (sorry Pete only joking)

Sunday saw what looked like a better day , a little bit more wind but where were the thermals, three Four Counties members did find one and all went soaring but NVGC members launched after that and missed the one thermal of the day. The T21, DG300 and Vega flew several times. Tony Walker in the Vega choose the main runway to land on due to congestion on the grass. John Bennett managed a flight in the Four Counties Falke so enjoyed the views from the Four Counties site. Later in the day Steve Jarvis and Pete Pearson (Four Counties) aerotowed the T21 behind the Motor Falke back to Upwood, again an interesting sight. Steve did say they never stopped climbing, They did reach the great height of 1500' by the time they got to Upwood.

A good weekend was had by all who attended, we were given a warm welcome. I think there were over 80 launches on the Saturday, some which were aerotow but they do have 2 twin drum winches so they are running with 4 cables each time and with everyone helping , a smooth operation was achieved. Recovery of gliders kept the turnround to minimum.

Once again a Big Thank You to all the Four Counties Team who made us very welcome and to Chris Armstrong for arranging it all.

For Pictures click Here