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The first Loop Glider Aerobatic event was slated
for Saltby airfield, fast becoming a centre of excellence for Glider aerobatics.
The Buckminster Gliding Club at Saltby, on the Lincolnshire/Leicestershire
border, has long hosted the Glider National Aerobatic Championships and now has
an unlimited 2-seat trainer, the Fox, based there. There are several aerobatic
glider instructors on hand and an enthusiastic and supportive CFI in Les
Merritt. Three suitable gliders, a K21
and two Puchaz were made available and a tug was on hand. An experienced judging
team were also in attendance, along with BAeA support staff; thus all the
infrastructure was in place for a successful day. In the event three prospective
pilots turned up, not as many as had been hoped for. More publicity for a repeat
event is clearly called for.
Eventually, we were beaten by the weather. An
initial 1400ft cloud-base lifted slightly, but the increasing wind gave cause
for concern. In the end, the CFI did a circuit check in the Puchaz and reported
40 knots at 1500ft and VERY rough air, so the day was reluctantly abandoned at
14:00. However, all was not lost as the pilots who did show were able to take
advantage of some ground school from the instructors and plenty of advice. I
think we'll be seeing them all again.
Ben Ellis
Event Director |
