A small group of intrepid pilots from the flatlands of Norfolk, venturing forth into the wilds of the Welsh mountains, taking with them a couple of gliders, a camera and a map.  

OK, its not that adventurous as two of us are also experienced club members at Talgarth, and we will have cars packed full of all weather gear and staying at local hostalries....

Anyway, the intention is a daily update of our adventures over the Easter week.  Follow the weather, diary entries, photos and videos here.

Fly Safely & Have Fun

Norfolk GC Easter Exped Week Stats.

Below are the stats for the NGC exped week.  Despite some `challenging' weather which allowed only limited launching on a couple of days the exped was a great success, with all the NGC pilots coming away inspired by the opportunity to experience flying in this beautifully rugged environment.

Good Friday, March 21 - Day 1

3 flts, total soaring 1:24, average flt time 28mins, longest flight 51mins - Tim Highton with John Clarke in K13.  There was 1hr 14minutes available flying time.

I arrived back at Tib. Astir in tow, about 17.00 on Saturday, chased by the rain all the way home from Wales. Some times on dry roads but more often just as it began to rain. The cross wind, especially over the high areas of the Midlands, tried to upset my progress but not too badly, never the less,  I was glad to trundle up the track way and see the familiar pot holes to mark my journey’s end.

 

Stopping for a break at one of the M6 Service stations I pulled in along side another glider trailer which turned out to be one of the groups from Shobden, returning to Dunstable. We compared notes on the weather encountered and flights made. The rest of the trip was though uneventful.

 

The Black Mountains Club did not, in the end levy any charges on the Astir Parking as we had not rigged, which was kind of them, thanks to Ian’s persuasion. Although as it turned out it was a waste of time to take it up there, I assume the only cost incurred will be the extra fuel used to tow it there and back, so not so bad. Pity though that it didn’t get an airing.

 

From my point of view, this week, consisting of 3 flying days plus 1 day discussion or informal lectures, due to poor weather has been a master class that I will not forget in a hurry. The techniques introduced may take many months to put into practice but with the season ahead, came probably at the right time. I have in fact done 4 field landings in the week, as there is no other way of looking at this site.

 

My memories are not, as I had feared, of the spectacular take off’s and landings but of the fantastic scenery and a trip with Robbie which included a run along the ridge from Y Das to Hay Bluff at 80 or 90 Kts, culminating in a chandelle at 110 Kts at Hay Bluff. Then back again half way up or down the hill, which ever way you wish to look at it, back to Y Das. I think he expected me to fly that close on the way back! Still we finished up over the spine at 2000 ft. Quite awesome.

“That’s better” he announces “it does wonders in getting rid of the tension”. Maybe that’s a reflection on my flying or he’s just a hooligan trying to get out!

 

Thanks to Jan and Ian for the Organisation and Instructing and I’m glad I grabbed the opportunity, it was an experience not to be missed.

I stayed like the others at Trefecca Farm. It was most comfortable and would be top of my list next time. I might though take ear plugs if John is coming next time. Not being in the habit of making any snoring noises myself!

 

Stats  4 Flights      4hrs 50mins

Average                 1hrs 12.5 mins per flight

 

Or more than I had flown in the last 6 months!       

Sunday 30th March, last day of the exped - oh, and the clocks went forward!

Jan and Ian turned up for briefing at the new 10am, a little tired and unprepared for the day due to the excellent barbeque at Keiths the previous night.  However Brock was running the day and the sun was shining. 

Both K13s, the K21 and the Junior all came out to play, with first launch around 11am after everyone had woken up!  John Horley was tuggy and gave us some high tows (1800ft) above the south bowl the other side of the spine.  The wind was now SW and the main ridge no longer the sustainer it had been during the past week.

Ian and Jan flew the K21 for 1hr 20mins flying mainly in thermal, then down to the 'burnt patch' to come around the back of Mynydd Treod for the ridge lift.  Flying out into the valley there were some good cloud streets, but some big 8knt sink holes too which meant picking up a few thermals from the bowls on the ridge were the only option for a while.  Cloud bases were just over 3000ft agl.  Landing a little later up the south west run this was a very pleasant end to a great week at Talgarth.

We left in the late afternoon and the club was still soaring with some very long flights to be had. 

 

Saturday - Scrub!

Duty Instructor Martin Brock turned up at crack of dawn only to find the weather was out of limits, forecast winds up to 45knts gusting 70knts, with lots of cloud and rain.

Adrian started off to go back to Tibenham with the Astir, and the Athertons decided to take the ASW20 to Wiltshire for its C of A,  planning to come back tonight for Keith's 50th Birthday party, and possibly fly club gliders tomorrow as the forecast is looking OK. 

Tomorrow is the final day of the exped as Ian and Jan have to go back to work, I think everyone from NGC had a great time and we are thinking about arranging another trip September, watch the noticeboards for more info.

Stats

No flying, average flight time 0mins, longest flight time 0mins, available soaring time 0mins!!!

 

Friday

Jamie Sage was duty instructor and only a small turn out of people due to the poor weather (worse than originally forecast).  The rain did however abate temporarily to allow 2 flights before rain and gales set in for the night.

JRK departed back to Norfolk, Jan arrived back from Norfolk to meet Ian and Adrian at the airfield.  A pleasant evening at The Castle Inn, Pengenffordd, eating steak off 'hot rocks'.

Forecast tomorrow is high winds and rain, looks like the Tibenham guys chose the right weekend to be here. 

Stats

2 flts, 1hr 10min total flying, average flight time 35mins.  Longest flight of the day John Roche-Kelly flying with Ian in the K13.  Total available soaring time about 1hr in between showers!

 

Setting off from home at 3.30am (Thursday morning) after a brief sleep I managed to get to Talgarth in time for breakfast at the snack bar in the car park. I arrived at the airfield at around 8.00 only seconds after Ian.

Robbie was duty instructor and we had one of the first club launches in the immaculate K21. We spent a short time on the ridge converting our 1500' launch into 2500' and pushed out into the valley to connect with thermals to 3000'. We explored the skies, returning to the ridge for the experience. We pushed out again, towards Llangorse and connected with a thermal which took us to 4000'. With this serious altitude we went over the Beacons, just about reaching Pen-y-fan before turning for home. Following the energy saw us back easily. The flight lasted 1hour 19 minutes and had I not been so tired after my long drive I would have taken the Astir for a flight but discretion is etc...

After a meal at The Old Barn we repaired to the B&B and 10 hours solid sleep.

Friday dawned and the weather was not a repeat of Thursday. Bands of rain kept rolling in on the south westerly wind with gaps of less than an hour between them. In the gaps we DI'ed K13 K13 and the K21 and sat and talked, drank tea and at 15.00 Ian and I decided to go for it in the K13.

The cross wind on the launch caused more problems for the tug than for the glider. Ron just managed to prevent Gasper's port wing touching the ground and I was a millisecond from pulling the bung. A very bumpy ride got us to the ridge, which was working well and we released at 1200'. We worked the ridge up to 2500' and pushed out over the valley to the edge of a rain shower and found lift on its fringes. Back to the ridge for more practice and exploration and then we tried the same trick again. This time the shower expanded as we flew towards it and after being unable to escape the snow coming out of it I told Ian I was heading back, even though we had 2000'. Ian took over at high key, which we reached at 1600', and we flew a constant aspect circuit with me calling out air speed as Ian concentrated on the approach. Very satisfying team work on a very blustery day. The flight lasted about 40 minutes but was packed with experiences.

After putting the gliders away and one more cup of tea(!) I headed back for Norfolk.

A fantastic experience and my thanks to everybody at the club for their hospitality. Watch out for that cake, I'm sure it gave me a hangover.

Thursday provided us with the best soaring weather of the week.  A small ridge of high pressure meant we woke up to an almost 'spring-like' morning, with initially light winds, eventually averaging 10kts from the WNW later. 

Robbie was D.I. again, with John Horley flying the tug.  Ian was at the club early, with John Roche-Kelly hot on his heels, having driven from Norfolk that morning!  Adrian timed his arrival perfectly to help get the kit out having enjoyed another cooked breakfast at his B&B.

Several local pilots also turned out and rigged in anticipation of a good day - they were not dissappointed!  A tow to 1200' alongside the ridge provided a quick getaway after a couple of beats  to get above the ridge dodging the multiple hang gliders and para-gliders, then  pick up a thermal and away.   Keep a sharp eye for the military with Fast Jets, Hercs, and helis all out to play.

The thermals averaged up to 5.5kts, with occasional peaks on the top peg!  Cloudbase varied between 3-4000ft steadily rising throughout the afternoon, allowing some cross-country exploration with pilots venturing to Madley, Shobdon, Brecon, Builth Wells, Talybont and the Brecon Beacons. 

Ian flew the ASW-20 for 3 hours, now totalling over 20 hours for the week.  Local pilot Martin Pingle flew longest and furthest clocking up 4hrs14. 

Stats

There was a total of 21 hours & 5 minutes soaring over 12 flights, giving an average flight time of 1:45.  Thermic conditions lasted over 5 hours, with the ridge still soarable well after we'd packed up.  What a great day! 

Tonight it was off to 'The Old Barn' at Three Cocks for a meal and a pint.

Wednesday

Robbie Robertson was duty instructor today and as there were so few people a rather informal breifing in the clubhouse about 10:15.  The forecast wet weather has not arrived - hoorah! So more of the same with the wind NW going W, prefered circuits over the fence or up the sw run.  After a short light shower we dragged the K21 to the launch point and Adrian flew with Robbie for 1hr 44mins in thermal and ridge up to about 3000ft. 

Ian took the next flight in the ASW20 and spent a good 2hrs 42mins on the northwest ridge and back to Langorse, and pushing into the valley to try to make something of the very weak wave up to cloud base  about 3000ft.

Apart from our tuggie Keith Richards there was no one else to be seen, so even though the conditions were good for another few hours, the gliders got put to bed (shame) before Jan started out on her drive back to Norfolk (to be back again on Friday night!)

Rumour has it that John Roche Kelly may be arriving tonight or tomorrow morning so given the forecast we'll be rigging the Astir before briefing and trying to get both Adrian and John off solo.

Stats

2flts, total time 4hrs 26mins.  Average flight time 2hrs 13mins. Longest flight 2hrs 42mins Ian in the ASW20.  Maximum available soaring time at least 5 hours!

Well, the dust has just settled at home following a memorable experience at Talgarth.
It is a pity that most of us had to return at lunch time on Easter Sunday and we hope the second helping of NGC visitors (Adrian and John) have as much fun as we did.

Jan and Ian are now holding the fort and doing a great job of making us all jealous that we did not stay longer.

This was my first  encounter flying a ridge and in addition I am convinced we also experienced some weak wave. Ian may be able to cast more light on this. My flight on Easter Saturday was fabulous and we explored the Cats back and Hay Bluff then tracked back in the wake of a snow cloud back over Mynydd Troed to Langorse lake. If it was not for the fact that the light was fading and we both had cold feet I am sure we would have endured a longer flight.

Many thanks to all of the instructors and members of the Black Mountains Gliding Club. Your hospitality was wonderful and I am sure you must know you have a jewel in the crown with a site like Talgarth.

To the motley crew who made the Exped enjoyable to a fault - Bob Grieve, Ben Magnani, Jenny Novak, Chris Lawrence and Tim Heighton, thank you for your company. I hope my bad taste jokes and ribbing did not upset any of you.

The photographs I took will be put onto a CD/DVD for all to have a copy. this should be available by Saturday 29 March

Until next time, because I am sure there will be, after a taste of flying in the beautiful Welsh Mountains, farewell.

Paul Wilkinson   

Odd this Welsh Gliding,

 Firstly they make the airfield out of a Handkerchief then start from the gateway, then after you have left the ground they take away the runway.

Anyway got onto the hill and was able to climb more easily than I thought. GREAT 1hr 30mins later rain meant that we had to come down, now how do you expect me to land on that handkerchief. Are this is more difficult! and with some help we are back frozen feet but fantastic memories. When do we go again.

Odd this Gliding in Wales

Adrian

Tuesday

Only Adrian, Ian and Jan left, with a few club members and a visitor from The Park. It was Ian's day as duty instructor and conducted a weather briefing at 10am.  A front is expected over the next 24hrs but no-one quite knows when it's likely to hit, in the meantime we have 5-10knts NW with little forecast of rain, and the wind expected to go more westerly during the day, with cloud bases of about 3000 and wave clouds obvious since about 7am.  Landing preferences were now on the west run over the fence (between the gap in the trees) or up the south west run uphill accepting a gentle crosswind.

The main ridge worked reliably all day although towards late afternoon the wind eased and went westerly as forecast.   Adrian had the last flight of the day with Ian and stayed up a good long time of 1hr 34 on the main ridge, north bowl, the spine and Mynydd Troed.  Longest flight of the day was club member Mark Fisher 2hrs 52mins in his Nimbus C.  The club did a total of 9 flights with average time of 1:10mins. 

Jan flew the ASW20 for an hour beating along the main ridge to Hay Bluff and out into the valley to try to find the wave, but there was nothing useable.  Thermal activity from the valley was enhancing the ridge lift in places up to about 4knts, allowing climbs to about 2600ft (the ridge lift only up to about 2300ft).  In the valley there was too much cloud cover at about 3000ft to make any use of possible wave.  After and hour in the cold, it was time to head back and land to drink tea and warm feet and hands. 

Twelve of us went to the new Thai restaurant in Talgarth and had a fantastic meal (see Adrian's photos).

Stats

9 flts, total soaring 11hrs 35mins, average flt time 1hr 17mins. Longest flight 2hr 52mins club member Mark Fisher.  There was 6hrs 46minutes available flying time.

 

Just because the weather's bad doesnt mean its all over for flying. The weather abated at around 5pm and another 4 launches totalling 5hrs flying were had, including Ian 1:22 in the ASW20 from a tow to 1400ft, and local pundit Robbie Robertson flew 1:25 in his K6 from a 1000ft tow.

Stats

16 flts, total soaring 17hrs 51mins, average flt time 1hr 7mins. Longest flight 2hr 11mins club member Ralph Johnson in Dart 17.  There was 7hr 58minutes available flying time.

Easter Monday

A lovely but cold start to the day, a strong 25-30knt North Westerly again with some forecast snow.  Duty Instructor Don Gosdon briefed at 10am with a short airfield and weather brief then this was followed by a great frenzy of rigging after tuggy Doc Saunby started proliforating rumours about wave.

Snow fell and the weather was good for a few hours for running the north west ridge, but sadly there was no wave contactable from the site. Jenny flew again with Ian and had a long flight of 1hr 32mins, landing towards the west and close to the sheep!  The longest flight was 2hrs 11mins by one of the locals in a Dart 17 and we were treated to an aerobatics display by aero pundit Don Gosdon and his student in the K21.

The club did 12 flights (average flight time over 1hr) before the weather closed in and we lost sight of the mountain, when the decision was made at around 4pm to put the kit away.

Just after Jenny left to head back for home, Adrian arrived to walk the very soggy field with Ian ready for a full site brief in the morning.  The forecast is changing all the time so we're keeping a close eye on the weather for tomorrow. 

Easter Sunday

A white layer of snow fell during the morning and created a lovely dusting across the tops of the black mountains. The wind had abated since yesterday and as soon as the clouds lifted above the hills the aircraft were pulled out of the hangar, first launch at 12:30, and flying continued until 6.30pm due to lack of daylight.  Unfortunately Paul Wilkinson, Chris Lawrence, Tim Highton and Bob Grieve had to depart as work committments beckoned.

The longest flight of the day was 2:34 by a visitor from Lasham, and over 4 hours were flown by the remaining members of the NGC team (Ian, Jan and Jenny).  Flights were along the north west ridge again however the wind being a little more from the north made the flying more interesting.  There were small bits of weak wave that were flown to just over 4000ft.  Jan and Ian landing at 6:30pm in the twilight after a short 45min flight.

A few easter eggs later it was time to put the kit away and go for food. 

Stats

10 flts, total soaring 12hrs 47mins, average flt time 1hr 17mins. Longest flight 2hr 34mins visitor from Lasham.  There was 5hr 52minutes available flying time.

I have to say that I felt just a little guilty at having a second chance of a flight today following the departure of the others who had to leave for home in the morning, but I tried hard not to let that affect my excitement!!

I flew with Ian Atherton in the K13 and not only had a great flight of 1hr 24mins in NW winds which gave off a little weak wave just above 4,000ft (I got to 3,700ft), but I learned a lot from Ian's great hill soaring knowledge & attempted things I hadn't before attempted even when I have flown in Feshiebridge.  I also achieved a good circuit & a good landing, so ended the day on a high!

I will tomorrow join as a Country member (£105) and will come back for another go in early September.  If anyone is interested, please let me know.

Saturday 22nd March.

Another day of mixed weather.  Duty Instructor Paul Hepworth (from Rufforth) briefed at 10am with prospects for flying being unlikely, the 30-40knt Northerly winds bringing shows, CB's and snow.  Re-brief at 12pm was more hopeful with possibility of a weather window at 3pm so Tim Davies and James Francis started out on their trek back to Hus Bos.

Sure enough at 3pm the weather improved enough to get the gliders out.  The wind had relaxed to around 20knts, with snow and rain showers mainly avoiding the ridge and field.  Chris Lawrence, Ben Magnani, Paul Wilkinson and Jenny Novak all had great flights with instructors Paul Hepworth and Ian Atherton on the north-west ridge up to Hay Bluff and down towards Mynydd Troed.  Paul and Ian even went round the corner of Hay Bluff to the 'Cat's Back' on the Pandy run where Paul took some great photos of this dusted in snow.

Longest flight of the day to Paul Wilkinson (1hr 23mins), with Ian repeating his eventful landings into a snow storm this time with Ben.  Chris could not resist contacting Tim and James about the days flying!

The day was rounded off with a nice evening relaxing at the Honey Pot Tex Mex Cafe. 

Tomorrow looks like snow, and the locals are optimistic of a possible late clearance again.

 

Stats

4 flts, total soaring 3hrs 33mins, average flt time 53mins. Longest flight 1hr 23mins Paul Wilkinson with Ian Atherton in K21.  There was 2hr 27minutes available flying time.

 

It has been some 10 years or so since I experienced any ridge lift and that was in Feshiebridge, Scotland.  However, today I experienced a fantastic flight over the Welsh mountains with Paul Hepworth (an old pal & instructor from Rufforth, York).

The views were staggering, especially with a light flutter of snow that had just come over.  A typical K13 canopy ensured that I was certainly cold enough with the bitter wind penetrating straight through it!!  The rest however, made it all worthwhile.  Even when the snow showers were very close we tantalised them & remained on the ridges for as long as possible, eventually having to break off around the snow showers & wait for a suitable slot to land.

I have to say that given my previous experiences with flying in Scotland, this was much more challenging & will remain my preferred hill site!

A blustery start to preceedings, most turned up bright and early and walked the rather wet field.  After a short briefing by the duty instructor Jamie Sage on the airfield and site rules it looked like the wind was out of limits (45knts and getting worse). 

All was not lost, Doc Saunby gave a 'blind flying' lecture showing us how to use a turn and slip for descent through cloud.  The wind still being a bit too sporting to get the tug out some departed to the pub...Those that stayed also had a breifing by Bob Grieve on wave and ridge flying.

However at about 3pm the decision was made by the CFI, Martin Langford to get flying.  A brave tug pilot, Tony Crowden, was duly summoned to the airfield.  Flights were made by Tim Heighton with local pundit John Clarke in the K13 and Bob Grieve with Ian Atherton in the K21 in some interesting conditions!  Tim got the longest flight of the day at 51minutes, however when Chris Lawrence got in on the next turn the heavens opened and put paid to the rest of the day's flying.  Ian Atherton with his student Steve Pos. making a quick bolt for home to land 30 seconds before the airfield dissappeared.

So a mixed start, with the forecast for tomorrow being similar but a bit less rain but more snow! 

Stats

3 flts, total soaring 1:24, average flt time 28mins, longest flight 51minsTim Highton with John Clarke in K13.  There was 1hr 14minutes available flying time.

After a quick once over of the Astir trailer and rapid number plate fixing we set off booted and spurred from Tibenham to Talgarth.
A quick phone call from Co-pilot Grieve to Wing man Magnani gave us a rendezvous at the BP garage on the A14 after Newmarket. 2nd Lt Highton was delayed due to shower trouble with his No.2 but they eventually caught up with us at an in-flight refuelling stop just before Corby.
The rest of the journey was interspersed with 4x4 and caravan chicanes and a emergency overshoot and left turn manoeuvre by Toerag Highton.

We arrived more or less on schedule at 18.20 parked up the trailers at Talgarth and hit the accommodation. That evening we dined at the newly opened Thai Restaurant in Talgarth - The New Inn. Highly recommended.

I hope all you folk going today and tomorrow get some good windows for flying between the forecast wintry showers. I will be studying the met carefully, things look better later next week, and into the weekend so I will probably set off Wednesday or Thursday!

Arrive safely

John

see attached updated costs for 2008/9.

Hi Folks,

Attached are the various site briefing guidence notes available on the BMGC website.  I have put them all into one pdf document for easy storage / printing. 

It is worthwhile having a look through them before going to Talgarth.  Don't be put off by the amount of info and don't try to remember it all.  However, having familiarised yourself with the contents, I find it useful to look at the appropriate sections based on the weather forecast for the next day - so you get the most from the conditions/check flights, etc.  e.g.  If it looks like a good ridge day with winds from the NW read the bits that are applicable to NW winds, if the wind is from the East, read the bits relating to Easterly winds in each of the sections on Take-Off and Landing, Ridge Soaring and Wave Soaring - Thermals you know about!! 

Any questions, feel free to contact me.  I expect to be at the club next w/e.

Also here is a link to the BMGC website which gives a good guide to ridge soaring (published in S&G), written by former CFI and Talgarth guru, Don Puttock. http://www.blackmountainsgliding.co.uk/pilotweb/hillsoaring.html?PHPSESSID=6f6567501edd956f8842b4ae2ec9357d

Fly Safely, Have Fun.

Ian.

See Attachment for relevant prices at Talgarth.  If the ridge is working, aerotows as low as 1200ft can be enough.

See Attachment for local accomodation, also try www.talgarthcentre.org.uk/accommodation.html