Day: December 21, 2014

The forecast was for the skies to clear going into the afternoon with the temperature rising to a high of 10 degrees Celsius with light northerly winds. However, the day started clear and bright and with the wind even lighter than forecast, it was obviously turning into a perfect Winter flying day.

I wanted to give my new tablet GPS a thorough test so couldn’t wait to get across to Galinat. Here’s a shot of the airfield shortly after I arrived with my little portable windsock visible down on the left of the runway as viewed. Christian told me when I bumped into him on arriving that he’s taken the proper one down for the Winter to prevent it getting ripped by the wind, as others before it have been.

And talking about bumping into him, he was a bit gloomy because someone had recently done exactly that, into the rear of his old Volvo estate. He’d pulled it out a bit so he could keep driving it but was obviously still very miffed. I asked him how old the car is, and he told me ‘Twenty five years’. I couldn’t help laughing a bit, shook his hand and told him that he’s a True Frenchman! He saw the funny side and said, ‘There’s no point throwing it away while it’s still running…’

Here are a couple of shots after I’d taken 56NE’s covers off before moving it from its parking spot.

After pulling it out onto the grass apron, I then refuelled it and gave it a good inspection before attaching my camcorder, as I thought it would be an ideal day for a video, fitting my GPS and installing myself ready to go. Here’s a shot taken just after I’d pulled it out.

When I turned the key, there was a louder-than-usual clunk as the starter engaged, but the prop seemed to spin at the usual speed. But not for long. As the battery power died it steadily slowed down to a halt, so that was that. Just my luck! A perfect flying day , but the only problem was I didn’t get to fly! I had to smile somewhat wryly to myself, though. Earlier on I’d poked gentle fun at my Australian friend Bruce on a forum that we’re both members of, reminding him that today is the Winter Solstice and that after today, our days will be drawing out towards Summer, while all he’ll have to look forward to will be ever-shortening days and Winter. I’d titled the posting ‘Schadenfreude’. But now he can have the last laugh. That’ll teach me 😕