India

If the mission of the BBC is to “Inform, Educate and Entertain” then they could take several lessons from Steve Kirby and Paul Redman who did all of that and more for an audience of enthralled pilots at the December Social. We were delighted to welcome 5 new faces belonging to some aspiring and recently-qualified pilots; let’s all do our best to make them feel at home in the PSC.

This was so much more than just a run-through of flights, as they packed in a whole world of sight-seeing and exploration of this fascinating country. Gradually drawing us in to the sights, sounds and overwhelming sensory experience that is India. Paul and Steve broke their journey up into 3 stages – the initial sight-seeing tour, followed by a free-wheeling adventure trip through the country before culminating in the full-on experience that is flying at Bir. They packed their talks with a wealth of facts and tips such as how to avoid getting your satellite tracker confiscated.

Thanks so much Paul and Steve for sharing your experiences, and being so open about your reflections on the flying. Inspiring stuff, and a lot of food for thought. To get a flavour of the talk, here is a link to some of their photos and videos.

https://emea01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fphotos.app.goo.gl%2FnWYQnNEHNbWPtM8y7&data=05%7C02%7C%7C442c0561f9504a4e1f0008dd19123e4d%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638694288321510357%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=K9P%2FA6L8jhWyFjwSq1xaodb0fLJjRA1PF6sbWLFC1YQ%3D&reserved=0

Hi all,

We have been informed about an accident that occurred on Pendle Hill on Sunday 11th August 24.  There are limited details regarding the circumstances of the incident or the condition of the injured pilot, but wish him a speedy recovery. 

We are unsure whether the injured pilot was a PSC member or a visiting pilot.  If anyone does have further information please let our Safety Officer Barry know by email safety@penninesoaringclub.org.uk.  There maybe safety learning point that other members or visitors could benefit from.

As Sites Officer can I remind members that we have been asked not to fly the east side of Pendle Hill, this is at the request of the landowner.  Use of the east face could jeopardise our continued use of the NW face of the hill.

Can all members and visiting pilots please familiarise themselves with the sites guide for Pendle and any other of the PSC sites?

http://www.penninesoaringclub.org.uk/sites/pendle/ 

Thanks

Andy Archer

PSC Site Officer

sites@penninesoaringclub.org.uk

The winter social season got off to a cracking start at the Sea View on Monday, 11^th October. It was great to see a couple of dozen old faces and plenty of new ones eager to get together, talk parabollox over a couple of pints and to listen to John Westall describe “A Year in the Life of a Hike and Fly Pilot”. John gave us a run through 2020’s programme of gruelling hike-and-fly challenges he’d done with his flying mate Keith ‘Bud’ Patterson. He had us all on the edge of our seats with his descriptions and pictures of the sketchy take-offs and dodgy conditions which are ‘normal’ for these exploits. From our local hills, via Wales, the Lakes and Dales, to the grandeur of the Eiger, we enjoyed vicariously the thrills (and spills) of his year.

John shared with us that his own inspiration to take on this challenging aspect of our sport came from attending a PSC winter social night with Steve Nash. Maybe some of our keen young pilots will get similar inspiration to follow John’s rapid progress. Certainly they will need to follow his examples of meticulous planning, preparation and goal-setting if they want to get close.

Thank you for a great evening, John, we’re already looking forward to hearing about next year’s achievements.

As you are all aware the Government published new Regulations on March 5^th which came into force on Monday March 8^th 2021^.

If any Pilots feel that they would like to speak with a coach before going out on the hill, then please contact any of the coaches through the website or direct to the Chief Coach who will put you in touch with someone.

Before you dive straight in, take time to reflect.

Staying current is a key part of staying safe. Yet NONE of us are current.

Many of us have not flown for almost a year. 

You are not the pilot you were!

List the key flying skills and commit to working your way through them methodically in the air before you seek out that rocket thermal.

Remind yourself of the air rules.

If you have bought new kit, think twice about using it for the first few flights.

Get out and ground handle.

Start on familiar safer sites and choose friendly conditions.

It’s spring so be aware of the potential for rough air.

Everyone is rusty so give all pilots plenty of space.

Keep your head up and look around

Be safe and enjoy!

Many Thanks,

Regards

Paul Redman