Today was the first day that we flew JMX at Keevil and as we arrived the sleet we had driven through stopped and we were left with glorious sunshine.
Keevil are keen that we help out at the launch point and a number of us were taught how to drive the retrieve winch.
Driving this is quite straightforward but it does take a little practise to get it just right as there are no brakes on the drum you have to rely on the winch driver applying sufficient braking force from his end. Nigel was going to get cleared to drive their Skylaunch but as the tug was brought out we took an aerotow instead.
This is Steve Ottner about to take a solo.
As take offs and landings are from the tarmac runway it is important to move gliders out of the way as soon they come to a stop.
By the end of flying we clocked up numerous winch launches and about 10 aerotows, Nigel got himself cleared for aerotowing and aerotow checks were done for Steve Barber and James Waters. Andrew Peacock, Roland Pantling and Tony Palmer also had aerotow flights and seemed to enjoy them.
Must admit the retrieve winch sure speeds up the launch rate!
All in all a good day was had by all and thanks to all at Keevil for making us welcome.
Phil
