Russell’s usual kite, a Catalonia, no Catamaran, no…..oh the Diamond
thingy(!) was suffering an ongoing tech issue, so he volunteered to be
wingman for Roddy – this was something he reflected on later in the day.
Usual tasks applied at Andewsfield, fuelling, defrosting and planning.
The N/W team arrived and got in – all booked in and ready to depart, with
the exception of IKRK who took a slightly more leisurely start, at 10:00Z.
Salisbury Cathedral. Sherborne Castles.
Various tracks were taken outbound, most taking a more northerly routing,
with a view to catching some fine views across the Somerset plains - the
resulting photos of such landmarks as Glastonbury etc. completely vindicated
this decision. Peter in ASUD was particularly keen to get these views, as he
had recently made a ground level pilgrimage to the area – he just needed to
remember his Kodak machine to do so – never mind Pete the team got some
great piccies for you!!
Arrival at Dunkeswell was planned to perfection, good separation and tidy
landings all round….well until IKRK arrived that is. The HFC has been short
of Showtime exploits for some while now. Dunkeswell were treated to a fine
example. With all other team members down, locked and loaded, we decided to
provide an audience for the arrival of the HFC troop's Europa, arriving last
due to having a lay in!
The jewell that is Dunkeswell. The HFC flagship.
Dadadada…dadadada……A low fly past…..classy, we all thought….unfortunately
this related to a much more sinister issue – IKRK’s crew had reported that
her undercarriage did not appear to be locking out and the manoeuvre was
performed to allow the tower to take a look. All bets off, sweaty palms
ensued as she made her circuit!
The tower inspected, as best they could on the fly past and thought all
looked OK, this did not turn out to be the case and one of the outriggers
partially collapsed on touchdown, pirouetting IKRK across the runway and
onto the grass.
Thankfully, all - including IKRK - came out unscathed and 30 minutes
later they reopened the main runway. We all retired into the fine restaurant
to partake in the great Sunday fare and beverages and to fully discuss the
exploits thus far. Thanks go to the crew of Charles Charles who managed
single handily to eat the restaurant out of all the chips – weight and
balance calculations will be posted on the website!!!! And who is the
handsome chap in the cool shades sitting with us – Tom Cruise.
UD, load carrier. Yo'ville init!.
For the return journey the crew of IKRK decided to return with
undercarriage locked down. The navigator would return in ASUD to minimise
weight (Ooooo…Russ bit of feedback there me thinks!!!) allowing her to
travel at a reduced speed (80kts max). Routes decided, we all safely set
off; some took the high road others took the low road.
Great scenery and shots were again caught – of special interest to the
MRS (well more precisely, Jo!) was a chalk carving of a giant and his
‘club’, at Ceme Abbas – great pictures Jo we think you captured his mood
completely!
A Day At The Races. OK, you find Compton Abbas.
The return was fairly straightforward, with the exception of the MRS
upsetting the locals around the Southampton area. Primarily this was due to
an oversight on the chart (lessons learnt), but secondly what appears to
have been an ‘anomaly’ with some new kit in the aircraft. No more will be
said on this matter, but buy the crew a beer and I’m sure all will be
revealed.
Popham, scary landings. Once a upon a time: Greenham Comman.
Everyone arrived safely back to their respective home bases, all chariots
put to bed and to the bar to put the world to rights. A great day was had by
all, as usual fine weather (thanks Bob), good company and great flying.
Thanks to all attendees and we look forward to the next installment.
[Text: Shane] [Photos: Bob, click for more]
