Dartmoor Gliding News-Saturday 16th January 2016

Today was definitely looked like a flying day. The forecast was for dry, cold weather with very, light variable breezes. De-icing the car to go to the airfield confirmed the temperature forecast. In fact it was  3 deg C. Just a well I had packed my cold weather gear.

The tops of the tors looked like they had been sprinkled with icing sugar
The airfield was full of activity with everyone busy getting all the equipment ready, aircraft to the launchpoint etc. It was decided not to move the launchpoint vehicle from the west to east end  to limit any damage to the airfield. The Gold Discovery would serve as today's launchpoint and all aircraft towing would be by quad bike only to help preserve the runway surface.

Today's grid at the launchpoint
Once the canopies had stopped misting up, CFI Don Puttock and instructor Ged Nevisky. lost no time getting the K13's into the air with a dizzying mix of check flights, instructor training ans ab-initio training.

Is there room for me and my cold weather clothing in a K8?
Only Just
Meanwhile, Mike Gadd and I went back to the hangar to get the "new" K8 G-CFXB to integrate it into club use. After a successful test flight by me FXB was released into club service and several members tried out it's handling qualities.

Rick is never slow to try out new aircraft
The happiest of all the members flying the K8 today was Simon Collier who converted to single seater flying today. I think his smile says it all.

Simon was very pleased with his type conversion
Flying continued until just before dark when canopy mist became an issue so the fleet was returned to the hangar after a good wash. Today we achieved 38 launches; a very good total for a winter's day.

The day was not over though. As the members drifted away the Committee held a meeting which lasted well into the evening.

A good day.

Steve

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