Well the destination was Alderney, but the Andrewsfield
crowd where not impressed by the Channel Islands TAF. The North Weald boys
were all for it, but a compromise was reached of Bembridge. Richard and
Wingco were due to fly the club Warrior, but the starter motor had
disintegrated. Who flew it last? Me, it was fine honest... Wingco elected to
accompany Shane M in India-Juliet, but Richard decided to come back later
and gets some time in. So far not so good then.
Final for London City 28... not. A more expensive way to fly.
So off we set, and it's pretty uneventful. Whatever it
may be like over the Channel, here the visibility is good. Crossing the
Thames at Thurrock and I can see straight down the runway at London City...
very tempting. And there's the Star Over London airship. Gratifying to think
that there is a means of flight that actually costs more than flying our 44
year old Cherokee. Still, I'd love to try it!
Dartford. House.
Down to the south coast and still the weather is not
too bad. Oh dear, the North Weald crew are not going to be happy... all that
work that went into flight plans and GAR reports cancelled and not a rain
shower to show for it.
Shoreham and Goodwood and we're getting reports of
traffic that neither of us manage to spot, worrying. Crossing the Solent and
we take avoiding action on a very strange blob in the sky. Closer and it
turns out to be two motor gliders in formation also en-route to Bembridge.
Motor Gliders. Bembridge Harbour.
Bembridge harbour and then final. Glad it's Pete
flying, I've yet to make a reasonable landing at Bembridge. Pete skims the
caravan park on top of the cliff as he drops down to threshold. The
Caravanners are have the Eastenders Omnibus on the telly.
Pete's approach. Dark(ish) clouds.
In to the restaurant and and it seems we are slower
than an Arrow and a shiny one year old 172. Everybody else has ordered and
disputing whether those dark clouds to the south of the isle are enough to
stop a cross channel flight.
Food consumed, back to the aircraft and set a course
for Seaford and home. Back at Andrewsfield and the Guinot Wing Walkers are
power checking prior to departure. Two thundering Stearmans have to wait for
Mike and the Missus to land, then line up left and right. Full throttle and
the air is pounding and as they depart.
Waiting for the Missus. Thundering Props.
So a bit of a missed opportunity, but all experience to
add to the next weather assessment. Still, we flew!
[Text:
Rob] [Photos: Rob& Pete, click here for more]
