Today was Richard's day to fly the Junior. He attacked the task with some trepidation - was worried about the creaking noise the trim makes, so we took the seatpan out to show him what makes the noise. Thus reassured, I left him to it to do the DI and did a couple of circuits with Chris.
Then we eventually got Richard to the flight line, and launched him kicking and screaming ( well almost) in the Junior. I suggested he tow to about 2500 ft about ground to get comfortable in case he didn't get a thermal, and was suprised to tug back so soon. Then I realised what had happened - Richard is used to flying from an airfield at sea level, and had misread the altimeter and released with only 1500 feet above ground. No matter though - Garry had towed him under a good cloud and he was soon on his way to cloudbase. Nearly two hours later he landed perfectly smiling from ear to ear!
Meanwhile Chris and I had a good hour in the Puchateck practising centering thermals, and then spinning down again! Cloudbase about 5500 feet.
The cumulus spread out in the afternoon blocking out the sun, and the lift died about 2.30 so we all landed and had a late lunch.
After that each glider did another two flights. Chris practising take off and landings, and Richard proving to himself that his early success in the Junior was not a fluke! Everyone happy!
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