Having checked the spot wind forecast on the met office
website, 55 knot winds at 2000 feet seemed unbelievable as there was little
apparent wind on the ground at North Weald. Nick phoned for PPR and was
advised that the weather was OK with 10k+ visibility and few clouds at 2000
feet, so of we set.
At Stapleford VOID required fuel, so while Robert and
Shane opted for a cup of tea Richard joined the queue for fuel, this extra
time would later prove crucial.
The crucial fueling of G-VOID. Frozen Lea Valley.
CC departed and set course for Bovingdon VOR, only to
find the forecast 55 knot winds actually existed and we had a ground speed
of just 65 knots. We continued to head west towards Oxford and our speed
gradually picked up - we were now managing 80 knots. About ten miles from
Oxford, after asking to transit their overhead, we were advised of a Cirrus
SR22 from Denham that was also heading to Gloucester, about three miles
behind us, that also wanted to transit the Oxford overhead. The Cirrus
caught and passed us just after the Oxford.
Down to Oxford. Boer War Memorial, Nr Wendover.
To the west of Oxford, the ground rises quite sharply
and at this point the cloud was forcing us to descend to stay VFR. We were
now at about 1500 feet and only about 700 feet above the hills. At this
point we were debating whether to turn around and head back, but the Cirrus
in front was now talking to Gloucester and was reporting that the visibility
was better after the high ground. The ATIS was still saying 10k+ at 2000
feet, so we pressed on.
Low cloud. Official Secret.
We were given a left base join for 22 and the field was
very quickly upon us. Descending quickly it became very bumpy. On final
Steve was struggling to hold course and altitude as the wind gusted to 38
knots. After a “firm” landing we taxied to the apron, parked and went off to
find food and beverages.
Ahh! Yes, there goes the viz. A little place in the country.
In the cafe, we decided to have a quick sandwich and
then be ready to depart as soon as possible, lest the conditions worsened.
As we readied ourselves to return to the aircraft Richard called from
Stapleford to say they had got as far as the high ground past Oxford before
the cloud had left them no option but to turn around. It had obviously
deteriorated in the 30 minutes since we passed through and left no safe
height or forward visibility. So Richard had done the sensible thing and
returned to Stapleford. Richard reported that the return journey only took
half the time of the outward journey, reaching an amazing 185 knots for a
short time.
An entrance to somewhere. Sparky's BBQ.
CC departed with Nick P1. We had decided to head
towards the Daventry VOR and then route via Banbury and Turweston to avoid
the high ground. We had a reasonably uneventful return flight apart from the
severe turbulence. We also managed an incredible 135 knot ground speed, so
we were soon on final for North Wealds 20. Nick fighting the strong winds,
again 30+ knots, plonked us down. As we taxied past the Squadron Richard was
there camera in hand, recording our arrival.
And put the seatbelt on please.
The conditions were far from ideal, but we did at least
manage to get airborne. That said, to say it was an enjoyable flight might
be pushing it a tad.
In the Squadron, over a cup of tea, we perused the
French, Dutch and German maps, mulling over ofsur proposed trip to Tanneheim,
for Tannkosh in July, some 500 miles and probably the most complex trip the
Circus has attempted... watch this space!
[Text: Bob] [Photos: Rob & Bob, click here for more]
