Dartmoor Glding News - Wednesday 6 May 2026

It was a day of new faces at Brentor for the Wednesday Wavers to meet and greet.  We welcomed:

Matt Miller, a Royal Navy medic, who is curious about gliding and might be tempted to buy a Navy Flying introductory voucher to try it out.  He hails from Plympton.

Phil Hayward, a former power pilot who was booked to fly with us last week, but the high winds put paid to that.  So he made a second attempt at the trip from Dartmouth to DGS.

We were also excited to welcome Christoph Welster, a glider pilot from Germany.  Christoph is a member of a gliding club near Cologne.  He flies cross-country in a Nimbus 4D or an LS8.  Currently, he is on an extensive road trip with his wife Hanna on a tandem-bike.  Their continental road trip started in the Canary Islands in February and arrived in the UK in Portsmouth by ferry earlier in the week.  They planned to arrive today and camp nearby but sadly didn't show by the time the Wavers packed the gear away.  Maybe we will see them on Saturday?

I was the Duty Basic Instructor and Mike Jardine the Duty Instructor.  The weather had changed since last week.  Of course, it had.  There was a Bank Holiday weekend since then so that meant rain.  Indeed, there was rain was forecast today perhaps at 1100, 1400, or 1500... but before then it was predicted to be a thermic day with SkySight and RASP particularly optimistic.  Cue an early brief.

As well as continuing his solo flights David Osment was keen to get signed off as a winch driver.  The K-8, FXB, needed a test flight before returning to service, and the Twin Astir Trainer, HBK, need its Flarm Firmware updated.  Not an easy task.  Our other club gliders just need a SD card or USB stick to transfer across the new firmware.  Not so with an LX7007 flight computer.  It needs a laptop, the Flarm tool software, and a serial to USB lead then a custom Flarm lead with an RJ12 connector.  This is pre Bluetooth technology!  Luckily we have an IT expert on site, John Allan, but he didn't quite crack the problem today, but he now knows what to do...

Today there were five trainees, two visitors, and three instructors as well as BIs and IFPs so progress through the flying list would be rapid.

Not a very promising morning sky for the Wavers

After the obligatory check flight and then practice launch failure David Osment is cleared to fly solo again.

After an introduction and show around the club Matt Miller didn't need much persuasion when Club Secretary, Steve Fletcher asked him "Do you want to go flying then?"

Matt and Steve about to launch in the Twin Astir 1, DSL.

One Day Course candidate Phil Hayward had a great day; flying, an extended soaring flight with plenty of time on the controls, witnessing the launch tower routines, handling gliders on the ground, acting, launching gliders from the tower, and witnessing the "power and the glory" of the winch, all before the rain set in and the time he needed to depart for band practice (I forgot to ask what instrument he played).  We hope to see Phil again very soon for him to make use of his three months' temporary membership following his course.

Lapsed power pilot Phil Hayward about to start his One Day Course with Gavin

After recent southerly winds the visibility aloft was poor

And ominous looking to the south-west and further west over Kit Hill.  It remained like that all day.

  

Mike and Sean spot the Twin Astir, with Steve and visitor Matt Miller, as it manoeuvres to join their thermal

 

Sean climbing.  Does that look like a weight off his shoulders?

 

Matt enjoyed his flights with Steve Fletcher one of which was a nice soaring flight. 

Matt Miller receives his completion certificate, following his Navy Flying introductory package to gliding, from Steve Fletcher

  

The FXB's test flight by Steve Lewis revealed some snags with the instrumentation

 

Chairman Steve gets to grips with the Total Energy probe whilst chasing leaks in the pneumatic system.

 

Neal readies himself for his second flight

 

Why the long faces chaps?  Ahh, "the symptoms of a stall and incipient spin training" sortie coming up!

 

While there was lift around it transitioned from classic thermals to something else; convergence.  Andy had mentioned at the brief that there might be convergence to the north of the airfield.  To observers on the ground it didn't seem likely, but it pays to listen to the gems of information at the morning brief so you know what you are encountering in the air.

 

This is John's story:

No photos today.  All I have is a trace showing the nice convergence line.  After an initial climb in a thermal I followed the line of a strong dark cloud street going west past the airfield.  On seeing the typical rising clouds (danglies) of a convergence, with clear weather beyond the northern edge of the street, I moved to the north side. I was now climbing above the cloud base running along the vertical edge of the street with about 1-2knots up, sometimes a little more, always closely following the edge of it as it twisted and turned its way west.  That was between 2,200 and 2,500ft above the airfield (blue in the trace) until it ran out just south of Launceston, then with a few detours I followed it back again.  Sometimes its worth turning if you pass an obvious rising cloud, and you get a few knots of extra lift, but typically it's better to just keep feeling one's way along the band of lift, so long as you are climbing, or at least not losing any height.

John's flight trace of his flight in the convergence.
Andy tried a different approach on his second flight, eventually climbing to 5,000 ft QNH and enjoying 1 hour 26 minutes of flight.

Andy's trace of his flight in his Libelle, callsign M (Is Andy a James Bond fan?)

At around 1430 the sky was getting darker, the cloud base was starting to lower, and the air felt damp.  Unsurprisingly, the flights became just circuits.  The drizzle started to get heavier and the cloud base came down to launch height.  So after a flight with Neal at 1520 the Duty Instructor called ENDEX (since we had so many naval and ex naval personnel on the field today he used a term that they would understand)!  Post Note:  There was torrential rain in Callington while we were packing up so that murkiness over Kit Hill had developed during the day to something more substantial.

During the post flight clubhouse discussions, and setting the world to right, my phone was buzzing away with gliding questions?  What was the pilot load capacity of the Puchacz that we recently handed back to Heron Gliding Club (Royal Navy) and whether K-13 was available for use.  Well, once it has had an annual inspection and the newly made instrument panels go back in - well yes.  A price was mentioned.  Fingers crossed, although we will be sad to see the old faithful go.

CCY's newly made front instrument panel

And the rear panel displaying John Osment's recent handiwork
Twenty-nine flights today in conditions less than forecast.  Despite that it turned out to be a cracking day for the Wedensday Wavers.

Gavin Short

 

Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 29 April 2026

It was Groundhog Day for the Wednesday Wavers.  The wind was forecast from the east, great, but it was too strong yet again.  Just like last Wednesday with powerful bursts of rotor from time to time.  So no flying, and we didn't have to wait for the Duty Instructor to arrive to be able to declare that. 

I was today's Basic Instructor, so I phoned our One Day Course candidate early; Phil Hayward from Dartmouth.  Despite the clear blue sky I had to gently break the news to him that the wind was too strong and gusty for his course, and so he would have to rebook.  Imagine my surprise when Phil said that he was expecting my call having consulted MAVIS (the Met Office Aeronautical Visualisation Service) and Form 214 (Spot winds/forecast chart of upper winds and temperatures at low levels).  All was revealed; Phil has a Private Pilot's Licence and went on a gliding course at Bicester a while ago.  He was close to being sent solo, and is now thinking of taking it up again.  Phil, we look forward to seeing you soon.

This Wednesday we had something to keep us busy.  The new Site Manager, John Smith, had hired a jack hammer and a self-propelled roller for the week to repair the centre track.  The track gang had been busy since Monday and had made great progress.  It was hot and physical work under a relentless sun in a clear blue sky on Monday, but a cooler in the wind and cloud cover on Tuesday.

Jackhammer and scrape!

Then fill

Cue a very proud Site Manager with
his boy's toy to roll things flat

Many hands make light work

The Secretary's arty "Into sun shot"

Waiting for the roller to compact the next repair

Today in the morning the main track was finished, and the track gang broke for a well-earned lunch.  Colin joined us in between his repairs of the air brake box in GDK's wing.  I took a break from clearing out old papers and junk from the tech office whilst Neal enjoyed the bright sunshine and fresh air.  Early on Viktor had been here cutting and cleaning a piece of angle iron for repairs to his trailer.  He also helped me fit a new dolly wheel to my trailer.

After lunch the Wavers turned their attention to the cross track leading from the hangar apron to the runaway.  The strong easterly wind kept the workers cool despite the bright sunshine.

It was too windy to open the hangar doors so several planned jobs couldn't be done.  However, that didn't stop Dave Archer conducting some risky fettling on his K-6.  Ian Mitchell arrived from North Hill to conduct the annual inspection and ARC of Peter's mighty Kestrel.  The fuselage was pulled out of its trailer and carefully aligned to the wind which still had a surprisingly large amount of north in it.

What a sky.  At the "glider rack" Peter and Ian inspect the Kestrel.

More "Chain gang" than "Track gang"!

The cross track gets some attention and now includes drainage channels to minimise the winter erosion from water streaming off the airfield.

In amongst all this Lance managed to make progress on signing off on club introductory briefs and also had a ground school lecture with the Duty Instructor.

By late afternoon the Track Gang had completed the work on the cross track and put the tools away.  The "Track Boss", perfectionist that he is, put out a call for Navvies on Thursday to finish off the job. He had spotted work needed on the hard standing and frontage of the clubhouse.  It will look good when it's done.

Today, we had wind from the east.  The Wavers long for it but as in life sometimes you can have too much of a good thing.  Let's try for some convective lift next time and a chance to get the gliders out.

Gavin

Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 26th April 2026

With high pressure to the north, today would have a light easterly flow with a possibility of thermals during the afternoon. The Sunday Soarers set the field up to fly from the west end. A K13 and Twin Astir were joined by 3 K6's, Libelle and DG300.

Trainees Aiden Hughes and Edward Bailey each enjoyed three flights with me. Aiden is doing all the flying and getting well through the training syllabus, so one of his flights was the inevitable practice launch failure. At the other end, Edward is starting out getting used to coordinated flying and trimming the aircraft.

Aiden flying well.

Edward getting used to those control checks.

We thought our visitor today was Stuart Payne, but the flights had been purchased for his wife Marcella who enjoyed two flights with duty IFP Steve Fletcher.

Marcell ready for her flights with Steve.

Marcella and family with Steve.

The three K6's were each flown by Viktor Skochko (DKG), Ed Borlase (EWO) and Adam Hoskin (BVR). Andy Davey also enjoyed a flight in his Libelle. The third trainee to fly with me was Misha Skochko who is also well through the training syllabus. His first flight of 18 minutes showed his dad Viktor where to go, who also managed 18 minutes. Both could claim flight of the day for their efforts. Misha also experienced a practice launch failure.

Misha in straight and level flight.

Three brightly coloured K6's.

Adam Hoskin brought two of his fellow Air Cadets to the airfield today to experience another airfield and different aircraft types. Harley Brockhouse and Grace Cartwright each had two flights with me. Both marvelled that we do checks from a mnemonic and not a check card. They also enjoyed flying the K13 and the views of the local area.

Harley ready to go.

Grace wrestling with those straps.

The final two flights of the day introduce Ed Borlase to flying from the back seat of the K13 and getting used to the different views in that position. Two good flights starts his journey towards BI and possible FI(S).

Thank you to all at the airfield today. A good day flying that didn't quite live up to the forecast, but all enjoyed themselves.

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 19th April 2026

Last week five people at the club. This week 5 trainees, 4 visiting pilots from other clubs, 1 one day course candidate, 8 solo pilots, 2 instructors and 1 Basic Instructor, it would be a busy day. The start of the day was delayed due to one short cable that required additional cable to be added so it would reach the launch point. Once flying could commence, the trainees and visiting pilots who required site checks were divided up between the two instructors. Ed Nicholson was first to fly with me and Aiden Hughes would fly with Chris Bryning.

One for Ed's mum.

Ed enjoyed a 19 minute soaring flight in the increasing buoyant conditions.

Our view to the south past Tavistock.

We were joined by David Swailes for a one day course with us. After the usual briefings, David started his course with duty BI Richard Roberts. Recent duty days for Richard have been non flying days, so he was also happy to be back flying our visitors.

David receiving his certificate from Richard.

The flying was interrupted with a change of wind direction causing a change of ends. When we started flying again, I flew with new junior Edward Bailey and Chris Bryning would later fly with David Moorley.

David getting ready with Chris.

The visiting pilots from other clubs were:-

Chris Morris (Culdrose GC), Nic Beretta (Culdrose GC), Chris Warnes (DSGC), Sarah Parkin (Cotswold GC) and Jack Boyns (Cotswold GC). Chris Morris has flown with us several times so was able to fly the Astir. Nic had a check flight with Chris Bryning and was cleared for the Astir. Chris Warnes had a quick flight with Chris Bryning. Sarah and Jack flew with me and they could both add another club to their log books.

Sarah & Jack were given certificates to remember us.

The solo pilots today enjoyed flights of various lengths. Most were only circuits, but Steve Fletcher (CGY) had 23 minutes, Viktor Skochko (DKG) 15 minutes and Phil Hardwick (HME) 2 hour 24 minutes to claim flight of the day.

Solo pilots line up ready to launch.

Viktor in the RED Bear.

A day that presented several trials to overcome, but everybody coped and managed a busy day's flying. Thanks to all at the club today.

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 22 April 2026

A wave day for the Wednesday Wavers! Perhaps?

The forecast was for an east/southeasterly wind 20-25 knots but with gusts up to 40 knots and in excess of 50 knots at altitude...mmm!  I packed my flying gear for my glider, and parachute, in my car, but didn't expect to use them.  By mid-morning Skysight had updated, and the wind strength was getting worse.

Skysight's forecast

This was the wave predicted at 3,000 feet QNH if you could get into the air in one piece.  Yes, those wind barbs with the pennants over the firing ranges indicate 50 knots.

Did I say that it was windy?

The Wishful Wavers hardly need to wait for the verdict of the Duty Instructor. It was: "No!, The rotor at the east end is incredibly violent".  Andy Davey, currently at Portmoak (home of the Scottish Gliding Centre and a wave site) asked the DGS Soaring group what the conditions were like and remarked that he was glad that he hadn't driven down from Portmoak to sample the Dartmoor Wave today.

At 1000, it was very windy, and strengthening.  It was clear the Wavers weren't going to fly today, at least not in gliders.  Jobs to be done: Winch cable change; Tail wheel hub, tyre, and inner tube survey and stock take; Canopy edge painting for HBK; Tech Office clear out; and work on the wings in the glider workshop.  That lot will keep the Wavers busy.

On the airfield at 1100 the winch cablers reported that they had to lean into some of the gusts.  It was probably 40 knots in the gusts and a steady 25-30 knots.

 At one stage the windsock went vertical in the rotor.

So the team of cablers set up the winch and the cable drum carrier and tow out trailer ready to put two fresh 4.5mm cables on the winch for the forthcoming season.

The winch was positioned at the very northwestern end of the field. 
 The cows were interested in all the mooving about!

The windswept cablers assemble

The first new cable heads off into the distance

After twenty minutes the second cable heads out

Only twenty seconds later there was the radio call; "Dartmoor, we have a problem".  The wooden cable drum had disintegrated on the carrier.  That meant that it had to be removed and wound out by hand; a tedious and time-consuming job. 

The DGS Formula One cable dispensing team get to grips
with the aftermath of the broken wooden drum

Sorting out the tangles

After extensive jiggery pokery two new cables were correctly wound on drums of the auto winch ready for the new season.

Back in the hangar a stock take of tail wheels; hubs, inner tubes and tyres were underway by Steve Lewis, DB, and I.  Saturday's work was repeated as on the twin and single Astirs the orientation of the wheel and dissimilar thickness washers need to be placed carefully (in the right order!) to avoid rubbing of the valve cap or even the valves themselves. 

We looked at HBK, DSL and HME.  The latter two were quickly sorted to our satisfaction. However, we were not happy with the nylon (plastic) tail wheel that came with the Twin Astir Trainer, HBK.  Professional advice taken last week indicated that they were OK for light single-seaters (Libelles etc al) however the weight of the tail or a Twin Astir was another matter.  Before we fly it we fit a tail wheel with a proper metal hub from TOST.  That's something we won't skimp on.

We got the Twin Astir Trainer fuselage out of its trailer to look at the nylon tail wheel.  After about 20 minutes we had to put it back in sharpish as it was threatening to take off with just the tailplane on its fuselage cradle.  Yes, it was trying to fly without wings (No Red Bull needed here!).  The wings were still in the trailer!  It took three people to get the fuselage safely back in the trailer.

However before it went back in the trailer there was time for Gavin and Steve Lewis to consult and plan the position of the DGS logos for HBK.  The Twin Astir lettering is different.  Nothing is ever standard. 

After sorting a syndicate bank account for their new glider Michael M-S and Lance wanted to try on a range of parachutes.  So they brought their trailer from the east end to place the fuselage on the hangar apron.  By then the rotor was overhead, and it would be too risky to open a clamshell trailer, let alone a front-hinged canopy however much the "DG boys" wanted to show off their new baby to the Wednesday Wavers.  On another (calmer) day then!

Phil and David Moorley decided that being inside was a better option today and undertook to repaint the canopy surrounds for the Twin Astir Trainer, HBK.  Good job!  When it's less windy the canopy surround on the fuselage needs painting next. 

Rear canopy complete. The seal will be refitted when the paint is fully cured.

Front canopy complete but obviously interfering with Colin's lunch!

Also beavering away in the Tech Office was Neal who had nobly undertaken to carry out a clear out and deep clean.  It needed it.  The two four-drawer filing cabinets received new keys for later use.  Lots of things were found including the club trophies that are now on display.

In the glider workshop Colin continued to scarf a repair to the front of an air brake box in the wing of K-8, GDK, before turning to K-8, FXB.  Its elevator was inspected as reassembled and I conducted the duplicate inspection.  Colin then installed the battery box onto the new, stronger, mounting plate.  It's ready for a hoover out and rigging prior to weighing.

It was now windy in the hangar.  The gliders were starting to move about in the gusts so the wings tips were weighed down with two tyres a piece.  The rotor was getting worse and so the hangar doors were shut.  It took ten people to counter the windage (oh and John Allan's finger!) to get them closed. 

Our readers may have gathered that it was windy today.  Some Wavers remarked that the rotor over the field and the hangar apron was the worst they had witnessed.  It was certainly a lively day!  The Wavers departed for home invigorated by all the Dartmoor fresh air that had been blowing about.  Here's hoping for calmer conditions on Saturday.

Gavin Short