Iain Butler's blog

An early start for everyone this morning: the forecast looked great with strong south-westerlies and sunny spells, and we wanted to make the most of what looked like it would be a good day. All were up and raring to go by 8! I travelled over to Charing on the train to arrive in time for lunch.

Unforuntately I could only see 50 yards of the Kent countryside outside the train window, certainly not enough visibility to go gliding. Forecasts are not to be trusted. 

Boldly, we continued with the misadventures of the Kerbal Space Programme. Today's task was to get a spaceplane in Earth orbit. No-one succeeded, and there were many tragic deaths. Then we went for a walk. Graham was entrusted with the navigation, and this turned out to be a bad idea. Nevertheless we eventually made it back to the club. Dinner in the pub should provide some consolation.

CUGC is holding two days of trial flights this week, taking place all day on Wednesday 10th and Friday 12th. For the bargain price of £22, you'll get transport to Gransden Lodge Airfield, a briefing from an experienced instructor, and a flight in a fully dual-controlled glider lasting approximately 8-15 minutes. If you want a second flight (and there is time available after everyone has had a go), we can do that for an additional £16.

Minibuses will leave the Sidgwick Site (Sidgwick Avenue entrance) at 0900, 1030, 1200, 1330 and 1500 each day. Expect to be back in Cambridge within about three hours of your departure time.

Places are very limited due to capacity constraints. To book yours, either come to our squash or visit http://www.doodle.com/gur5zfnnevvytbr8. You will also need to send a £10 deposit towards the cost of your flight: details will follow by email. If we have to cancel because of weather conditions, your deposit will be refunded.

Please note that there are a few situations where we cannot (for safety reasons) offer a trial flight: 

• If you weigh more than 16 stone (102 kg).
• If you have ever suffered from any of the following: Epilepsy, fits, severe head injury, recurrent fainting, giddiness or blackouts, unusually high blood pressure, a previous coronary.
• If you take insulin regularly for the control of diabetes.

If you're interested in gliding and you want to find out more about our great club, come along to our Freshers' Squash in the Gardner Room at Emmanuel College (there will be signs from the Porters' Lodge) on Monday 8th October at 19:30. 

There will be a talk from a gliding instructor about learning to fly, and I'll say some boring things about how little it all costs and the great expeditions we go on. There will also be lots of exciting pictures on display, and we'll open sign-up for trial flights (which will take place on Wednesday 10th and Friday 12th), so bring along a cheque book so you can book by leaving a £10 deposit (returnable if we have to cancel due to poor weather). Drinks and nibbles provided!

CUGC will have an outdoor stand at the CUSU Societies Fair all day tomorrow and Wednesday. Be sure to stop by and find out more about our sport! Look out for the big white glider...