CD's Report
Dunstable was blessed with three days of beautiful spring weather this
year, allowing arrivals on the Friday evening to consolidate the necessary
currency in readiness for the weekend competition. Each year we negotiate an
additional 1000ft of local airspace to allow us to set the box from 4000ft
overhead the Gliding Club - this year the cloud-base was comfortably above
this and so we used it on both days.
A fine entry of seventeen pilots completed
the Sports Known by early Saturday afternoon, at which stage Guy Westgate
snuck into the overall lead chased by Brendan O'Brien. In 4th place Patrick
Greer headed the Sports pilots with a very polished effort. The Unknown
programme that followed caused a number of pilots height difficulties,
Dick Happs and the judging team flexing their pens to award a number of firm
but fair 'Low' penalties. Unfortunately the less favourable late afternoon visibility
stopped play after just nine competitors had done the job, allowing all to
measure the hospitality of the LGC bar and canteen (almost a ten!).
The remaining eight pilots flew again on
Sunday morning, the competition being completed by 1330. Chief Judge Dick
Happs supervised Graham Saw, Lionel Sole, Ben Ellis and various luminary
assistants into marking all the figures. Thanks to Cindy, Judi and Jen all
the admin and scoring activities were quickly concluded. Surprise - and
very welcome - visitor Brian Lecomber spilt an anecdote or two whilst
presenting the prizes, Guy, Paul and Jamie received the medals and local
pilot Patrick Greer the Dan Smith Memorial Trophy.
A big thank you to all at London Gliding
Club for the support and assistance we received to make this a splendid
start to the 2005 BAeA aerobatic contest season.
Ray Stoward
Contest Director |