Expedtions: Talgarth, Wales - March 2006
ONE
DAY AT TALGARTH IN MARCH
by Mike Knell
The Black Mountains Gliding Club is
located in Talgarth in the Black Mountains. I suppose
that it should be described as a “hill-top”
site although it is also at the foot of some spectacular
ridges and is noted also for wave flying.
It is an all aerotow site on a grass
field. You can choose which run to use for take-off,
and where to land. Carl took off from the trailer
park, with a slight side wind and Mike took off from
the hedge directly into wind. Both landed uphill and
with a side wind. The resulting ground run is short. |
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Our intention was to
take three aircraft and to stay all week. As it happened,
the weather was poor for the week - but Carl Peters
and Mike had a nice day with two flights of about
1.5 hours each.
Before flying there was a good briefing
from CFI Don Puttock. I believe he thought that we
would both do a long distance flight in one day –
but this will be useful for future reference, While
waiting on the ground, you are always well entertained
by BMGC Members. There is a drink making facility,
and snacks are always available. |
The wind was from
the North-West and their main ridge and many others
will work in this direction. We also had the benefit
of a gorgeous sunny day and thermals, in addition. The
mountains had a covering of snow and the visibility
was excellent. It was possible to flyout in the valley,
using thermals and return to the ridge for a 2-3 knot
climb. |
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(Left)
Mike in V17, waiting at the launch-point in front of
Talgarth’s K13. Registration K13 - a good one
for your logbook. This is a well-used K13 that has given
BMGC many years of mountain flying. (Right) Picture
of the sunlit ridge at Talgarth. |