Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 11th November 2026

An easterly wind forecast for today...would it mean Mountain Lee Wave?  The Tephigram gurus thought not, but never say never at Dartmoor.  

Even Andy couldn't conjure up Mountain Lee Wave from this Tephigram

For several days Skysight had been forecasting an inversion, little to no thermals, so no soaring, and with rain first thing.  Little to inspire the Wednesday Wavers, nor weather to attract today's visitors.

SkySight's Windgram for the day

In the real world, it was still raining when I arrived at the club, and when it eased off, it continued to spit all day.  No flying.  Time for the Wavers to change gear. 

What were duty instructors managing to talk about for so long to finally declare "No flying"?

John and Dave Osment dispatched themselves to the east end to continue their trailer (and glider) rationalisation project.  This time the focus was Sean's Ka-6e.  The first job is to take the trailer away and make it waterproof before work on the glider can commence.

 

Robin took the defibrillator outside and conducted the periodic AED checks.  All was well.

 

Steve Lewis' Zugvogel saw the light of day again, with Colin reviewing the remainder of the glider, particularly the wings, before giving the green light to work on the fuselage.

Ray surveys the Zugvogel to understand the scope of re-skinning the fuselage.

The MT hangar doors were opened.  Much noise was audible, but there was no sight of Scratch.

Well, it's clear from this photo that he is refitting the new throttle potentiometer to the manual winch as part of the winch automation project.  Obvs!

On Sunday, Peter noticed a problem with HBK's front canopy. The stay was too long, and the canopy was opening too wide to the extent that Elanor could not close it.  A simple job, as ever, turned out to be more involved than we thought.  Stay rope and protective plastic sheath shortened, the job was done.  But there was a nagging doubt that it wasn't an optimum solution.  Back in the clubhouse, the canopy stay arrangements with the small eyelets were discussed, and a cunning plan was hatched for a better solution.  The parts would arrive tomorrow, conventionally by white van, and not by drones.  There is a controversial trial underway in Darlington where drones will deliver up to 2.2kg and drop the package from 12 feet into your garden.  What could possibly go wrong?

 

I sorted a box of spares and useful items that I got from Seahawk Gliding Club a while back.  In the hangar DB made up two Skylaunch winch drogues, that had also come from Seahawk, with new shock ropes and fittings.  Several decades ago, the performance of these drogues at DGS was mixed.  With two new, or almost new drogues, in our hands, it was worth another try.

 

The underlying problem is that our previous supplier and repairer of drogues has retired.  If anyone has knowledge of a sailmaker that could undertake such work, we would be delighted to hear from them.  Robin may have a contact, and John Allan undertook to canvas (sorry!) sailmakers in Plymouth. 

 

Many of the Wavers have replied to the recent CAA consultation on the proposed mandate to fit ADS-B transmitters to all Class G airspace users, which allow delivery drones to operate.  A huge financial and technical imposition on general aviation, balloons, gliding, hang-gliding and paragliding and hugely significantly on commercial aviation who use class G airspace.  In fact, all airspace users except drones.  Further to submitting survey responses, the Wavers are writing to their respective MPs with their concerns.  Who knew that glider pilots could be so lucid and erudite in putting pen to paper?

Peter and I get to grips with the front canopy stay in Twin Astir 1, HBK

At 1100 the Duty Instructor called us to silence to mark Armistice Day. It gave us pause for thought and to remember those who had fallen in past conflicts.

With that, a huge pot of tea was brewed in the quintessential British way, to allow many to start an early lunch while it was still wet outside.

A convivial early lunch break

Throughout the morning, the simulator was in use.  The curtain was drawn, and John Allan and the CFI could be heard practising the Basic Instructor patter.  The Wavers were very respectful and didn't chime in or criticise from afar!

Outside it's fast approaching mid-November, so it was time to hose down the tractor cutting decks, remove them and stow them in the hangar until their re-emergence in the spring.

Deckless (could that be a movie title?), the cutting deck looks much better with some air in the tyres before being put away for the winter.

There are old trailers and old trailers.  Answering Dave Osment's call for a brake light bulb. Many glider pilots could provide a spare despite several trailers being converted to LEDs.  Sadly, it was to no avail.  When was the last time anyone saw separate brake and side light bulbs vice the ubiquitous dual filament bulbs?

Old trailers and lights are a perennial problem.

Three offers of P21/5W bulbs were rejected.  "Dave, these are not the bulbs you are looking for. Move along now."

In the kitchen, there was some silent activity underway as Neal conducted the annual test of our electrical equipment.  "PAT" for those in the know.

Neal keeping us safe.

So on a sober day with inclement weather, the Wavers made the best of it.  The many jobs undertaken would ensure that when Mother Nature permits, we are ready to go flying.

 

Gavin Short

Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 8th November 2026

After wednesday's bitterly cold wind, today we were greeted with a light south easterly breeze and pleasant sunshine. A steady stream of trainees arrived and put their names on the flying list alongside the solo pilots. The final count was seven trainees, six solo pilots, one ODC student, one Basic Instructor and a Flight Instructor. A slightly delayed start due to misting canopies, but first launch was achieved at a very respectable 09:58.

After briefing today's ODC candidate, duty BI Phil Hardwick brought Gavin Crowther to the launch point and showed him around the Twin Astir.

Gavin settled in the Twin Astir ready for his course.

Due to the number of trainees it was decided for each trainee to receive two flights and if time allowed a third flight would be added towards the end of the day. First to fly with me was Jess Nicholson. Her flying is progressing well and today practiced turning onto a ground feature and improving approaches and landings.

Off Jess goes.

The next trainees were Ivan Foster on his journey back to solo and Misha Skochko after a few weeks off ironing out a few errors that have appeared. Both made good improvements today.

Ivan contemplating his flight.

Misha talking things through.

Aiden Hughes was next to fly with me. With the sky looking more buoyant Aiden managed to keep us aloft for 25 minutes.

Aiden's view of the east end of the airfield.

K8 soaring above.

After two flights with David Moorley in the K13 it was time to swap into the Twin Astir to fly with Eleanor hattersley and Richard Hattersley. Eleanor completed her first full launch today and Richard is doing a large part of the launch.

Eleanor ready for her first full launch.

Recently soloed Ed Nicholson flew the K8 and managed 51 minutes, just short of his first one hour flight. The other solo pilots Viktor Skochko (K6), Sean Westrope (Astir), Gavin Short (K8) and John Smith (K8) all tried their luck but were not as successful as Ed. Ed Borlase had decided not to rig his K6 and was allowed to fly Viktor's K6.

Viktor returns in his K6.

If only the solo pilots could organise their aircraft.

Ed Nicholson launches in the K8.

A busy day, but we managed to get through the flying list and all flew. Thank you to all at the club today.

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News - Saturday 31st October 2026

Today's forecast looked interesting. Light easterly breeze with mostly blue skies. The soaring forecast was not very hopeful, but with East in the wind, there is always a chance of wave (otherwise known as Lee Wave or Mountain Wave - a condition where the atmosphere bounces, allowing sailplanes to surf along the upgoing faces of the waves or bounces).

Busy with some glider rigging while others are inspected

The early flights found the best of the wave, with Jamie Young recording 45 minutes in the Astir CS77 and David Osment with a day topping 56 minutes in his K6. There were no great heights found, with between 2,000 and 3,000 ft at best. Most other flights enjoyed the chase, trying to find a way into the wave. Best access spot was overhead Peter Tavy, which is a challenging couple of miles to the SE of the runway.

Jamie in the CS77 and...

...off he goes

There were a couple of "firsts" today. Michael Malric-Smith converted to his DG300, which has been waiting patiently in its trailer for many months since it was purchased. The other first today was Ed Nicholson, who converted to the K8, his first single-seat glider since first solo (K13) a few weeks ago. Great progress, chaps.

CFI Rick flew the DG300 first to enable him to brief Michael

Michael looking relaxed in the DG300

Ed in the K8 for the first time

We had one One Day Course today. Michael Tappenden enjoyed himself being flown in the Twin Astir. We also flew Noah Congdon a friend of Rowan Guest.

Michael ready in the Twin Astir

Twin Astir on approach

Late afternoon launch

So, although the wave did not really deliver today, it was great fun anyway.

Steve

Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 4th November 2026

Not quite November the fifth but would there be fireworks for the Wavers?

Andy's forecast for Wednesday's Weather

With high pressure to the north we will have an ENE flow over the field.

Wind ENE 8kts but with a fairly strong wind gradient 25kts at 2,000ft there will be a lot of cloud with a lowish cloud base first thing, 1,000ft rising to 2,000ft later in the day.  I think there a fair chance we could have some wave early on but it will be gone by 1130 if it is waving this may give us some gaps to fly in.  The wave will most probably be a single bounce but could go quite high if we can get into it.

So worth an early start (0730).

As the Duty BI I had warned Fiona Cox, today's visitor, the night before that the Duty Instructor and I were concerned about wind gusts.  We didn't want her to make a wasted journey, especially as she would be travelling from Clyst St Mary, near Exeter.

On the morning the Duty Instructor and I conducted a pitch inspection and agreed that the conditions would not be suitable for visitors.  At 1200 there was rotor over the airfield which confirmed our earlier decision.  In addition the northerly component of the wind made it bitingly cold.

The Chairman reminisces the flights in his 19 metre wingspan Jantar 1. 
Any one need a set of wing tips for a Jantar 1?

As planned Andy took an early launch and managed 11 minutes in the rotor but failed to connect with the wave.  The forecast predicted it would be just too high above the airfield and so it was throughout the day.  Later Steve Lesson and Mike took a weather check flight and a further two circuits.  Neal had a go too but just managed a circuit.  All good training in the increasingly blustery and at times challenging conditions.

Mike Bennett's Club Libelle looking for the sky as we install t
he latest Flarm firmware and optimise the position of the GPS antenna.

While Mike B and I were fettling his Flarm Michael M-S was cleared to take his third ever launch in his DG300.  He found lift over Blackdown and managed to climb in the rotor for a short while, flying for 9 minutes.  Bravo.

David Moorley takes Mike into the air.  Note the tantalising wave bar gap starting to appear.

Michael M-S uses the mighty Panda 4x4 to bring his DG300 to the launch point for a second launch

Malcolm took the Astir CS77 up for its only flight of the day, inevitably earning "flight of the day" at 16 minutes, again working the rotor but failing to connect with that elusive wave.

Malcolm, suitably wrapped up warm and ready to aviate.

After the first flight of the day Andy's Libelle rests
whilst its owner is busy launch the rest of the gliders.

Mike Jardine worked through the list of trainees; two flights with Lance and Ivan.  DB also took to the air after working on our supply of shock ropes and improving the headrest securing arrangements in the Twin Astir trainer, HBK.

After a detailed inspection Colin lays out what needs to be done
to re-skin the Zugvogel IIIB as Steve and Ray listen intently.  

It had been a while since the Zugvogel had seen the daylight.  Steve was perplexed as why I started to call it Cheese Ush (see the registration) after one of the submarine service's favourite recipes.  The fuselage is the right colour too.

While I was conducting the monthly update of the club glider log books in the toasty warm, thanks to our wood burner, there was other activity.  It was a big training day in the clubhouse, the simulator, and on the hangar apron.  Recently minted Basic Instructor (Coach) Rick started our three BI candidates; Sean Westrope, John Allen, and John Osment on their journey to be Basic Instructors.  The training was interesting, thought provoking and indeed fun.  Good luck chaps.  It's a rewarding enterprise.

Three BI candidates role play with "Bloggs" on glider and parachute briefings

Michael M-S took a second shorter flight in his DG300 before calling it a day and carefully putting his steed back in its trailer, ably assisted by Lance his syndicate partner.  Lance you have my sympathy.  It was four months until I was able to fly my Standard Cirrus when I was in a syndicate with Martin Cropper.  I remember the frustration and anticipation well.

The DG300, G-CFUT, returns to its trailer at the end of the day.

Dave Archer and Ray each took a single flight.  It was that kind of day and a tiring one in the blustery, cold conditions for the Duty Instructor, Mike.  Thank you.

Ivan and Mike manoeuvre FGR at the launch point ready for the final flight of the day

I took the last flight with Mike as one of my two biennial SPL check flights with a FI(S).  He could relax, for once, albeit in the strange environment of the front seat of the K-13.  After a 1,200 foot launch I managed to climb 300 feet by turning tightly, in a combination of rotor and ridge lift, as the wind swept us down the length of the runway.  I am glad that I had further tightened my shoulder straps before take off!

The biting cold ensured that the hangar was packed promptly after a respectable, considering the conditions, 17 flights. The Wavers dispersed not having lived up to their name today but they were often tantalisingly close.

Gavin Short

Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 1st November 2026

A light northeasterly breeze with a cloud base of about 1500ft. However the Dartmoor weather hadn't read the forecast and low cloud over the airfield delayed the start. This enabled a steady start to the day setting up the airfield and getting the aircraft ready to start. Finally at about 11 o'clock, the sky looked clear enough, and the first launch was made at 11:16. Chris Bryning was at the airfield to help me with instructing, but wanted a quick recency flight before instructing.

The trainees were split into two, Chris would fly with those who are in the K13 and I would fly with those who are in the Twin Astir Trainer. After a few weeks away, Misha Skochko was first to fly with Chris to get back up to speed.

Misha and Chris prepare to fly.

Richard Hattersley was first to fly with me in the Twin Astir.

Richard settles into the Twin Astir.

Chris would also fly with Aiden Hughes and David Moorley. My other trainees would be Eleanor Hattersley and Jamie McCallum.

Starting to write the blog early.

A couple of emails yesterday asked us to look out for a missing phone and a pair of sunglasses. Some members set up a search party.

There's always one enthusiastic idiot!!!

After his conversion flight yesterday, Ed Nicholson was keen to add another single seat flight to his logbook and managed 38 minutes.

Ed ready in the K8.

Also other solo pilots tried their luck. Viktor in his K6, Ed Borlase in his K6 and Adam Hoskin in the K8.

Vikto gets into his K6.

Ed Borlase outflew Ed Nicholson with a flight of 53 minutes. This was achieved in a mixture of weak wave/thermal lift.

Ed looking down on the Twin Astir.

Ed's view of the airfield through the cloud.

The winch drivers supplied a constant supply of cables to keep things moving even with the stronger crosswind at height.

Which one of these levers makes it go?

With the sun starting to set, Steve Lesson had the last flight of the day with me.

Steve lands in the fading light.

Thank you to all at the airfield today. With the late start we managed to fly everybody so all left happy today.

Peter Howarth