Date: 27/4/2008
Time: 15:30 - 17:05
Aircraft: Ikarus C42 - G-CDHR
Bit Grim
Same old story - rubbish weather kept me grounded, and I didn't think today was going to be any different. However, it did clear up a bit, so I decided to give it a go.
Actually, it seemed quite OK, when I was prepping the aircraft. But once aloft, the viz proved to be poor. My plan was to fly up to Uffington, down to Clench Common and have a cup of tea there. Then back to Popham. When I called PPR I did say that I may not be able to make it.
On the way north, I thought that I wasn't on the correct course, but a quick orbit and a look-around showed that actually I was in the right place. Onwards to Uffington Horse and there seemed to be something going on there, with many tents in the field nearby. Didn't hang around too long. Then southish towards Alton Barnes, but didn't quite go there as the viz was really closing in. For this reason I bloused-out of landing at Clench and made my way back to Popham, in case it got worse.
Given the cloudbase, I called for a deadside join and approached along the south of the A303. Unfortunately right at the airfield I hit a low cloud, so I immediately turned away and joined downwind - the only safe thing to do.
Not the best fun, but all good experience for dealing with problems.