| Gliding
at Gransden Lodge,Cambridgeshire
8th August 2005 A little green oasis in the middle of nowhere and lots of big blue sky. This is the home to the Cambridge Gliding Club who were foolish enough to cash in my 'trial-flight' voucher. After signing away your life, we are directed to the launch point and head up by golf cart..... |
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| At
the winch point we discovered quite a queue of gliders waiting for
launch and the aerotow plane buzzing back and forth. Gliding is not for
those in a hurry
After
watching the winch launches, I am feeling much better that I'm on the
aerotow launch. Soon, it's time to be strapped in. I think the parachute is more about making the seat comfortable. The clue is that my briefing doesn't include telling me how to use it !! |
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Waiting in line and watching the tow rope slack disappear. Take-off is quite gentle |
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| Flight is much more stable and controlled than you would expect, except for the air pockets which grab your stomach and give it a good tug downwards. I hopefully scan the sky for thermals but it seems you need to be an expert to 'sense' where they are. Suddenly the vario springs into life and your climbing. At 3000 ft I'm trusted with the stick and try a few turns...very nice...but at what point to you start to spin ? It's also pleasant to have a conversation with the instructor pilot without ear mufflers. | ||
| Just
as you are beginning to get used to it all, we are descending and
circling the landing strip. I am reminded there is only one shot
to get it right and we bounce on the big wheel and skid to a stop. Would I do it again.......oh yes. |
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