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When the clocks change and the late
afternoons fade into darkness then is the time to seize each and every
opportunity to enjoy a spot of glider flying. If this can be arranged in
the company of ones friends then the experience is all the better. Both
Colin and I had checked our schedules and decided to have a session of
soaring over the weekend of 3-4 Nov 12 and as Colin lived within close
reach of some very good hills it made sense to accept his kind offer and
stay with him.
 During
the night the rain had cascaded out of the sky and on Saturday the dawn
brought rain and overcast skies. The weather looked so bad that the
girls departed to inflict damage upon the plastic leaving us
contemplating a drab and dreary forecast. However on the assumption that
we could always stay in the car we packed up and left. The wind was from
the west which dictated that the slope would be Parlick a very good
slope requiring a fairly stiff climb. Upon our arrival the rain had
stopped and a good amount of blue sky was framing the hill. Therefore
with our models, food, refreshments and as much wet weather gear that we
could carry we made our way up the hill. Upon reaching the preferred
location we were able to store the models and ourselves behind a very
convenient dry stone wall. Colin was the first away with his new variant
upon the WOTSIT theme, presently unnamed but Spooky may prevail. I
joined in with my Weasel after a major refit following its brief
encounter with a welsh cliff face. Towards the west whilst Blackpool
tower was clearly visible so were two large rain clouds coming rapidly
in our direction. Therefore after a good thrash we both landed and sat
down behind the wall
enjoying a warming drink whilst a brief but heavy rain shower passed
through. Colin had recently
purchased a good size fishing umbrella which was brilliant at keeping
the interior of his garage dry which
was where he had left it. Once the rain
passed aviation recommenced. I gave the
Weasel a rest and launched off my Solange.
Colin had brought his Solange and was looking forward to some possible
formation flying until he realised that his fishing umbrella was keeping
the Solange RX battery company.
  Colin
then fell back upon his trusty Weasel and proceeded to beat up the hill.
After about 45 minutes another approaching rain shower was seen so once
again shelter was taken behind the wall and lunch was consumed. This
time the rain shower turned the hill white as the first snow that I had
experienced of the season fell. Suitably refreshed and still dry we
continued once the weather cleared. I with the Weasel and Colin with his
Spooky. During this session I remarked to Colin that I suspected that
the TX battery in my Futaba FF7 was possibly due for replacement when a
muted bleeping was heard. A quick check of the TX meter revealed
“nothing on the clock but the maker’s name” therefore a landing was very
swiftly made. Colin was still flying and as usual enjoying it immensely
so what was I to do. After hanging around with a long face for about 10
minutes Colin weakened and I got to fly his Spooky. Mates are great! At
about this time the temperature dropped and we made our way down the
hill for home, tea and medals.
 On
Sunday we woke to clear blue skies and a heavy frost. The wind had swung
towards the South East which again was Parlick but on a new side to me.
The walk whilst slightly longer was certainly worth the effort as the
bowl we flew in was large and impressive. Due to the presence of
Para-Gliders we positioned ourselves on the right hand edge of the bowl
thus ensuring that whilst we had adequate lift we could push out over
the plain away from the Para-Gliders if necessary. During the previous
evening we had converted my TX so as to enable the battery to be changed
on the slope. Whilst being equipped with two batteries I was unwilling
to risk “crunchie” models so I was equipped with my Weasel and Wannabe.
Colin had his Weasel, Jart and Smart. The weather and lift was brilliant
however it was a bit cold. However this was overcome by Colin’s umbrella
which once staked down with its sides spread provided respite from the
cold wind. I was pleasantly surprised by the landing area which whilst
small and on the side of the hill was in fact quite easy and smooth to
use. During the flying we were required to maintain a good lookout as
not only were the Para-Gliders about, but at several times we had a full
size ASK 13 and 18 taking advantage of the “constant thermal” provided
by the slope. During the flying now alerted to the problem I watched the
battery meter on my TX like a hawk and sure enough after 58 minutes the
voltage dropped quicker than a premier division footballer in the
penalty box. After exchanging the battery with one kindly supplied by
Colin I was able to carry on for the rest of the afternoon. Colin
continued to reaffirm his love affair with his jart and I mainly
concentrated upon rediscovering how really good fun the Wannabe is. Stan
Yeo, if you read this on the net please make this kit available again. I
do have a spare Wannabe as yet still in the box so I should be alright
for about another eight years or so. As on the previous day once the sun
began to settle towards the horizon the temperature began to drop.
Therefore once again tired but happy we made our way down the hill.
 Whilst
that was the end of the weekend and was meant to be the last slope
session of the year due to the cancellation of the indoor both Colin and
I had a spare weekend leave pass and so as not to waste it the weekend
of 15-16 Dec 12 saw us once again in the Lancaster foothills. Rule
number one. Never believe the weather forecast. Saturday was forecast as
sunny periods no rain with the wind from the south. Totally wrong, Wind
from the West rain and overcast with no sun. However on the basis that a
bad days model flying is better than a good day shopping with our
partners we loaded up and made eventually for Beacon Fell. Me with my
happy face on as you can drive to the top. After a brief session at
Beacon Fell where it was clearly evident that the wind was not quite
right for the hill we departed for Parlick, me with now slightly grumpy
face as a long hard slog to the top was going to be required. After
waiting for a heavy passing shower both Colin and I made our way to the
appropriate spot armed with between us two Jarts, a Dude and a Weasel.
Luckily the rain stayed away which enabled us to enjoy a couple of hours
flying before the gathering gloom of winter dusk indicated that it was
prudent to leave. This also happened to be the moment that the rain
returned therefore we retreated bravely for beer and medals.
Remember rule number one. On Sunday the
weather forecast was for westerly winds with occasional rain showers.
Upon our arrival at Parlick we were greeted by blue skies and a
southerly wind that would possibly push a few dandelion seeds along. So
out with the light models, in this case two Solange’s, Mini-Milan,
Wannabe (hopeful), Weasel and Colin’s O/D flying wing. Once again a slog
to the top where we joined a local flyer Ron whom we had seen flying
whilst we walked up. Rule number two make an early start. Arriving at
the top it was clear that the best of the wind had been and gone. Above
us was a large number of grounded Para-gliders with the occasional visit
of a ASK13 and a ASW 21 from the local gliding club. Colin managed a few
flights with his Solange which whilst being capable of light wind
soaring was disadvantaged by passing sink leading to impromptu slope
side landing. With a low wing it is essential that you land with the
wings level a requirement that was almost impossible in the conditions.
This highlighted a problem of flying in the winter. Plastic becomes less
pliable in the cold. At one st age
Colin was replacing the wing bolt after every landing. In the meantime
Mr smooth (me) was fully occupied demonstrating just what a fantastic
model the Mini-Milan is with its ability to soar upon the excess
flatulence of an earthworm and still perform aerobatics. With Multiplex
no longer making this model I can foresee that we will just have to
produce our own version. Thus in this vein we proceeded for the rest of
the day whereupon once the sun had dipped in the sky the temperature
dropped and we called it a day.
Overall a very pleasant couple of
weekends. Lots of flying in good company, with beer and food in the
evenings. As mentioned at the start the weather was far better than the
forecast in that had we gone solely on the forecast we would never have
left home. I think however that these will be the last of our little
trips for this year. Whilst the odd few hours out, when the weather Gods
are favourable shouldn’t be wasted I think that the time for repairs and
construction is now upon us. What is new in the workshop? Colin has
completed his Genesis 2 so hopefully a test flight will be due in the
New Year. For myself I have to produce a couple of F2N control line team
race models. For those not in the know I have been known to “relax”
pitting in control line events with my pilot Paul Blakeborough. I also
must get to grips with a 1/3 scale Lo 100 glider. See you next year if
not before.
Neil T
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