Cable retrieve winches
Whilst in no way wishing to damping the enthusiasm to do away with staff cadet duties i would point out that the limiting factor in launch rate was frequently having gliders 'available' to launch at the caravan end.On a continuous course with machines not landing at the launch point (unlike AE launches) i seem to recall it was not uncommon for cables to be returned well before the aircraft were there to use them. It mattered not; as the Staff Cadets could then get on with sun bathing in their LLoyd Loom (ex Battle of Britain) chairs and or plinking with their air rifles;having despatched someone to the NAFFI for a supply of fruit pies. It was not unknown for messages to be sent to the other end asking if we are 'still flying' !!!. Of course all this is rather academic now as one actually needs a supply of gliders 'on the airfield'; to be launched in the first place.
Last edited by POBJOY; 26th Apr 2016 at 09:10.
Reason: More banter