Dartmoor Glding News - Wednesday 16 April 2026

Our readers probably didn't need a forecast to tell them that Wednesday was wet, with hail and heavy rain showers, and a strong southerly cross wind.  Despite it brightening up later, the adverse weather prevented us from flying.

So a day of work in the hangar and clubhouse which included spring-cleaning and tidying.  But that's not the theme of the blog today.  We are going to look forward.

Readers and members know that we bought a Twin Astir 1, DSL this winter, from the resident syndicate at Brentor, and now its is being put to use.  This is but just one part of the DGS Strategic Plan to "move into glass".  In the future the plan's title might change to match a Debbie Harry (Blondie) song?

Twin Astir 1, DSL, in action

After much research, investigation and information to-ing and fro-ing between Cornwall and North Yorkshire we made a decision.  Actually the decision was taken before we bought DSL. The DCFI and I travelled to Burn Gliding Club, Nr. Selby in North Yorkshire on 9 October to view a two-seat glider.  Owned by a private syndicate it had spent much of its life sharing the hangar with the club aircraft.  But the arrival of a new tug in the club meant that the Twin Astir Trainer (which means fixed, sprung undercarriage, a hydraulic wheel brake, and no complicated water ballast system) had to live in its trailer.

Twin Astir Trainer, HBK, in the hangar at Burn GC

The glider with low hours was in good condition; originally a German club glider, bought by the RAF and used in Germany for the BAOR, and then found a home in Yorkshire.  Over the years the syndicate size had dwindled to just two owners, and with no hangar space, the reality of rigging a two-seater from the trailer each time one wanted to fly struck home. 

G-CHBK rigged and ready to fly

After rigging it with four of us, poring over the glider, checking the trailer, and then scrutinising the paperwork, we retired to the pleasant clubhouse for a cup of tea and the deal.  Peter had left his copy of President's Trump's "Art of the Deal" in Plymouth, but he remembered the essentials.  After a price was agreed, hands were shaken, the Burn DCFI produced the beers to mark the occasion.

I see a long journey in your future...

Before we left for the hotel that evening we positioned the trailer for easy access the next morning.

The twin-axle trailer towed very well the next day

There was fun to be had driving around the one way system in historic Selby at dusk trying to find the entrance to the George Inn that was barricaded behind a pedestrianised area.  After driving around the block three times trying to find the entrance to the car park while Peter talked to very nice Indian lady from Barclays Bank who grilled him on why he had travelled to Yorkshire to spend a lot of money.  Was this normal business?  Couldn't he buy the glider on Dartmoor?  Eventually I stopped in the pedestrian bit and went and asked the barman of the George for directions who said  "Oh yes, just drive through the coach house entrance to the car park at the back".  In the dark with all four proximity sensors alarming away saw Peter counting down, 3, 2, 1 inches until the wing mirrors almost touched the walls.  Thank goodness we have left the trailer at Burn GC!

A Jaguar estate car will fit through this, just.

The "Eagle has landed" at Brentor.

Ohh, let's see what we've got.

The Chairman takes ownership

Granny's 1970s swirly light brown and beige velour seating (standard GROB decor).  Tasteful!  "Mr Chairman.  Take a good look.  It's not going to get better than this unless we do something".

Even more beige velour in the back, and sides, and headrests and...

Let's start stripping it down and see what we have got.  Let's make a plan.

Let's take the instruments out and clean the instrument panels.  Mmm, they are going to need more than just a wipe down as we started to remove extraneous fittings and wondering at the purpose of various holes

Laid bare!

The harnesses and battery shelf coming out.

Colin starts a full inspection

DB strips off handles and fittings

The fuselage needed some paintwork done.  A hand-painted and badly-faded heraldic crest of the original German club needed polishing off, a patch on the starboard side of the tail boom needed repainting, and the high visibility patches on the nose had seen better days.  So off to Les Clark (LTB Glider Services) and his workshop at Ogbourne St, George (just off Junction 15 of the M5 and close to the Vale of the White Horse GC).  He also attended to a minor imperfection by on one of the air brake boxes and then cleaned and machine-polished the whole glider.

The nose before some tlc, looking a little weather-beaten.

The front canopy edges receive some cleaning and paint.

Back from Les Clark, the paintwork looks much better and the new registration letters set it off nicely.

German Heraldic crest gone.  Nose patches repainted.

The seats come back from Ruth Dance, upholsterer in Harrowbarrow.  New safety foam is installed under the hard wearing fabric (No! Zack was not allowed to choose pink).  She also made new side panels, pockets, and beautifully covered the head rests.  They look spectacular.

DB recommissions the hydraulic brake system

John Osment took the instrument panels away and mocked up an improved layout in hardboard for approval by the pundits before making the actual panels.  They were sprayed in black and the instruments were fitted with identical hex countersunk fasteners.  Quite a challenge as the instruments have a range of threads; Imperial, Metric, and unified (USA).

New front panel.  Labels to be applied.  The flight computer and vario are an LX 7007 IGC.

From the rear.  Busy with bus bars and fuses. The radio is at the bottom.

The rear panel is slimmer but all the essentials are there.

The rear of the rear panel. Compass is at the bottom.

The panels were then handed over from John Osment to John Allan for installation and wiring up.

The glare shields which will take the Flarm LED displays. Multiple electrical pieces and connectors are in the boxes, even a new stick grip for the rear pilot.

Offering up the front panel

The Funke panel-mounted 8.33 khz transceiver

The rear panel in place with the new LX Avionics panel-mounted microphone attached.

The majority of the wiring is complete.  The batteries were offered up with their new wiring harness and battery boxes. Power was switched on. No smoke!  (An old Lucas car electrics joke). Everything worked.  Glide and Seek could see the Flarm signal being transmitted.  The Flarm ID was subsequently entered in the Open Glider Network database to show that the glider is a Twin Astir Trainer, G-CHBK and not an RAFSA Discus 2CT, G-SAOC which is where the flight computer and Flarm originated!

When the wiring and labelling of the panels are complete.  Colin will conduct a final inspection, as part of issuing a new ARC and then the seat side panels and the newly upholstered seats can go back it.

The canopy surrounds on the fuselage and the canopy edges themselves need that tidy coat of paint....then the glider can be rigged.  Placed in the hangar ready for its test flight and subsequent release to service.

So the DGS Strategic Plan comes together. In the winter two K-13s, a Twin Astir, the Astir CS77, and a K-8 will be in the hangar. In the summer a single K-13, two Twin Astirs, the Astir CS77, and a K-8 will be in the hangar.  A K-13 and K-8 are easier operate when the field is damp and when the pitch dries it can support the weight of the Twin Astirs which are typically 90kg heavier than the K-13s.  From the maintenance side it will allow us to rotate the gliders for maintenance and the T-hangar at the east end eases the demand for storage space.

Coming soon will be a follow-up blog with pictures of the whole glider in all its glory.  A glider that the club members can be very proud of.  DGS 's first GRP two-seater.  Welcome G-CHBK.

Gavin Short

Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 12th April 2026

Not sure if it was down to the forecast of showers all day or the partial lockdown of Tavistock for the Dartmoor Marathon, but there were only 6 six pilots at the club today. After one of the forecast showers things looked brighter so we decided to make the most of the day. The twin Astir DSL was taken to the east end launch point. First flight was at 10:07 with Phil hardwick completing a couple of launch failure practices to be cleared for BI duties in the Twin Astir.

Phil preparing for his flights.

Viktor Skochko and Ed Borlase each had a couple of familiarisation flights in the Twin Astir. These were their first couple of flights in glass fibre ready for conversion to the Astir CS77 in the near future.

Viktor getting ready for his first flight.

The airfield from the Twin Astir.

Before Ed flew with me he had an experience flight with Steve Fletcher. Andy Davey also re-familiarised himself in the Twin with a flight with me.

Steve and Ed.

It was time for me to get some more hands on experience in the Twin Astir. I took Viktor for a flight and we were lucky to contact a good thermal and climbed to 2300ft. Viktor was happy for me to start exploring how the aircraft operated near the boundaries of the flight envelope. A couple of stalls and a failed attempt to spin wwhich resulted in a spiral dive gave me some more confidence. On the next attempt to spin the aircraft departed from normal flight. The recovery was easy and after recovering from the resulting dive we hadn't lost a great deal of height. Some gentle flying down we were soon in circuit for landing. Flight of the day with 19 minutes.

Back safely to terra firma.

Time lapse as seen from the ground.

The last two flights both Phil and Steve each took turns to take charge of the Twin. 

Steve and Phil ready.

Only 11 flights but all gained valuable experience with this new aircraft to Dartmoor Gliding. Thanks to those who came out today and all enjoyed what flying was done.

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 5th April 2026

With storm Dave passing to the north of the UK, today would start with some blustery conditions and some sharp showers passing over during the morning. The showers delayed the start of flying, but we were able to get going at 11:20.

After a period away due to other commitments, returning member Edward Nicholson was first to fly with me. A couple of launches soon saw him right back in the groove. Hopefully not too many commitments will keep him away again.

A brace of K6's were rigged and brought to the launch point. Ed Borlase's Red K6 EWO and Viktor Skochko's Red Bear K6 DKG.

A brace of red K6's.

Viktor would enjoy four flights and Ed two flights. Ed's second for 2 hours 30 minutes would claim him man of the match today.

Misha Skochko was nex to fly with me for three flights making good progress and coping with the breezy conditions. The third trainee today was Rowan Guest. Rowan is making steady progress and enjoyed a 21 minute soaring flight to 4000ft.

Rowan getting ready to fly.

Climbing well.

Our view of the airfield.

We were joined by two visitors. Partners Sophie Bennett and Jiten Anand from Leicester. Jiten was first to fly with Steve Fletcher in the Twin Astir. Both flights were extended circuits.

Jiten and Steve in the Twin Astir.

Partner Sophie would fly in the K13 with Steve. Her second flight she experienced a cable break which Steve coped with in a calm manner that we are all trained for. This caused a delay at the winch and Steve had to leave due to a pressing appointment. Sophie's experience flights were completed by me with a hangar flight.

Sophie with Steve for her first flight.

Our other solo pilots took turns in the Astir 77. Jamie Young, John Smith and Sean Westrope all had soaring flights. John 18 minutes, Sean 56 minutes and Jamie with 1 hour 3 minutes.

Jamie's view to the south.

Ed's view from his K6 EWO.

Thank you to all at the airfield today. Maybe only 25 flights due to the later start, but all flew and some good soaring.

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 8 April 2026

Forecast:  Sunny, blue.  Light Northeasterly breeze.

Duty Instructor:  Mike Jardine.

Guest Instructor:  Chris Bryning (Seahawk GC).

Duty Basic Instructor:  Gavin Short.

Visitors:  Tom Taylor (Two flight voucher).

Aircraft available:  Twin Astir 1 (DSL), two K-13s (FSD and FGR), and Astir CS77 (DNE).

Pitch:  Firm and dry.

Tea:  Brewed.

Morning brief:  Sunscreen, soaring hats, and water. It's going to be warmer than Marrakesh.

Wednesday Wavers:  Ready.

The flying schedule:  A lot of check and conversion flights, clearances to fly solo, and training.

A warm welcome for our visitors set against a wonderful azure sky

Things are happening this morning.  An empty hangar.

John Osment prepares his Standard Cirrus for the day

After a couple of check flights David Osment was cleared for further solo flight, of which he made three.  First steps, first steps.  Solo pilots Zack and Jamie flew the Astir CS77 and Viktor flew his lovely K6-CR, Red Bear.

David Osment delighted to be cleared by the Duty Instructor to fly further solo flights

Chris Bryning took Misha up for a set of three training flights in a K-13.  We welcomed Steve Lesson back to the field after his recent lay-off, and he sampled the delights of the Twin Astir with Mike.  Whilst more solo pilots took to the air; Peter flew the Astir CS77 and John Osment flew his Standard Cirrus.

Steve Lesson gets to grips with the Twin Astir while Malcolm looks on, probably reminiscing the many hours when he occupied that same front seat.

Today's trial flight visitor was Tom Taylor who used to live in Okehampton working as a manager at a mobile phone shop.  A decision taken on a change of career, to drive trains, saw him moving to East Grinstead.

Visitor Tom Tylor prepares to take to the skies with Gavin

However, canny mum, Pauline, who came to watch him fly, bought him the trial flight voucher for his birthday and so Tom had to come back at Easter (to see his mum!) and enjoy his flights over Dartmoor.  After an orientation flight Tom got to grips with the controls, and he tried the elevator and the ailerons.  By the smile on his face and enthusiasm he was thrilled to experience "silent flight".  We hope to see him again soon. 

Tom raring to go again. "Is this more exciting that driving trains?"  I think so!

John Smith tried the Astir CS77 which I think is becoming his favourite.  Alasdair was quickly on his heels to be next in the cockpit.

We also welcomed back Edward Bailey, One Course Candidate from last Wednesday, who was keen to continue his flying.  So Mike took him up in our new flagship, the Twin Astir 1. In the afternoon he was accompanied by his mum, Julie, who is keen to reestablish DGS's relationship with Mount Kelly, where Edward goes to school.

Mike Bennett ensure that Edward is safely strapped in before flying with Mike Jardine

There was another a warm welcome back given to Freddie Purkiss, almost unrecognisable with his new haircut, on Easter leave from the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.  I am sure the CFI will find solace with Freddie on the field in the future.  Rick sometimes feels outnumbered by the ex Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, including RAF Regiment, personnel in the club.  Visiting instructor Chris (ex Fleet Air Arm!), after a check flight with Freddie, which included "an interesting circuit", re-cleared him for solo flight.  After his subsequent flight in FGR Freddie waited until the end of the day, when the conditions were forecast to be better, and took a 15-minute soaring flight in FSD earning him "Man of the Match".  Welcome back to Dartmoor, Freddie.

Pundits young and old put the world to rights

More flights in the Astir CS77 were made by Malcolm, Jamie, and Zack.  Brentor International was proving to be a busy airport this afternoon.  

The training flight line at Brentor International

Scratch made a further familiarisation flight in the Twin Astir with Peter whilst Mike flew with our new membership secretary, Neal, in a K-13. That was followed by some training flights with Jamie demonstrating there is no shame as solo pilot in flying with an instructor regularly.

Junior solo pilot and the Duty Instructor discuss what they are going to do in their next sortie.

After the inevitable fettling after rigging David Archer brought his K6, G-DHEB, up the field and took two flights including a hangar landing, or were both hangar landings?

 

Some readers may be aware that Schleicher wooden gliders have to have the tailplane removed, and the elevator inspected, every 500 launches.  For most gliders this is carried out at the annual inspection.  But for our hardworking K-13s that also occurs during the flying season.  These statistics are tracked diligently.  With the benign conditions and one launch remaining in the count, Colin brought his inspection trestles and tools onto the airfield rather returning the glider to the hangar and disrupting flying operations.  He had plenty of willing helpers.  Inspection done, the tailplane was refitted.  Scratch took Mike Bennett up for the test flight - "It's lovely!" was his verdict.  The aircraft was then released to service.

John Smith looks on as David gets ready for another solo flight

By 1700, all had had their fill and the gliders were landed at the west end and returned to the hangar.  The privateers derigged.  After his flights Viktor carried out some pilot/owner maintenance back at the "trailer rack".  He changed the tyre and inner tube on his main wheel.  Like trailer tyres, glider tyres never wear out they just age out.  So a sensible precautionary measure at the start of the soaring season for Red Bear.

 

There were 46 flights today.  The lovely conditions were however combined with an inversion layer at about 2,500 feet QNH which put a cap on almost all soaring aspirations.  What thermals were present were bouncing off the inversion layer which was clearly visible to the north of the site.

 

After packing up the Wavers headed home satisfied after a satisfying and hot day.  We all had fun, and it was cheaper than the Easy Jet fares to Marrakesh, where it would have been cooler.

 

Duty Instructor Mike extended a big thank you to Peter and Chris for assisting him with check flights, amongst others, in the K13s and the Twin Astir, in what was a very busy day.  

The only negative news we received on leaving the club is that the Aerotow day (where the Devon and Somerset GC Eurofox tug, from North Hill, joins us for the day) planned for Friday, has been postponed to due to strong cross winds forecast from the south.  Oh well, you can't have it all in life, but It's nice to try.

 

Gavin Short