Dartmoor Gliding News - Saturday 15th August 2026

 Thermals were on the cards for Saturday, though RASP had flagged a blip of more overcast conditions rolling through between 14:00 and 15:00, and as forecast a 7-10 knot crosswind fromthe north kept things interesting for those launching. I discovered on my own training flights thatthere was some sink to the north of the airfield, at one point reaching a strong 8-10 knots down.

Here are the clouds at the start of the day, and the windsock showing the northerly crosswind.

Duty Instructor Rick had a full list, ably supported through the day by Scratch. Rick's first traineewas Val, who had three short flights in the K13, FGR, followed later by a fourth, longer 18-minute flight with Scratch.

Val and Rick coming into land on their second flight together.

I had four short flights with Rick in the Twin Astir, DSL, working on slow flight handling and had a high speed stall demonstrated.

We welcomed two visitors today. Herbie Higham was in for a One Day Course and flew fivetimes through the day in both the Twin Astir and K13.

Herbie and Scratch ready to go for their first flight of the day,
with family watching from behind

Club members and visitors alike watch on as Twin Astir DSL .

Herbie and Scratch launch again.

Visitor Ethan Meek had a two-flight voucher, starting with a 13-minute flight with Rick in the K1 before a second flight with Scratch. Ethan had to sit in the back, as he was too light for the front seat in the K13.

Rick and Ethan ready to go but someone needs to attach the cable!

Rick hands Ethan his certificate,
hopefully he will return when he is older to start his training!

Among the privateers, Phil rigged his DG300, HME, and had two soaring flights, the second a very respectable hour and five minutes, which was the longest flight of the day. Mike Jardine took his Standard Cirrus, FCN, up for 20 minutes, doubling as a test flight for the newly installed radio antenna, fitted with help from Dave Archer, I could hear it from the tower much better than previously! Dave Archer also had a short flight later in his K6, HEB.

John Allan in the club K8, waiting for a cable to take him for his first flight of the day.

John Smith about to launch in the single seat Astir.

On the club gliders, Jamie put together a good hour soaring in the single Astir, DNE. Once the overcast had cleared through, John Allan got away well on his third flight and ranged out quite a distance in the single Astir, while Alisdair had a nice long flight in the K8, FXB, and had the distinction of being the last to land for the day.

Alisdair hangar lands the K8 after a nice soaring flight to end the day of flying.

On the ground, Colin completed the ARC on Gavin's glider, which passed, ready for the rest of the season. A good, varied days flying for everyone involved.

Rowan Guest

Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 12 August 2026

There is an earworm running through my head today.

I can't light no more of your darkness,
All my pictures seem to fade to black and white,
I'm growing tired and time stands still before me,
Frozen here on the ladder of my life,

Don't let the sun go down on me.

Of course many of the Wednesday Wavers would remember when the song, "Don't let the sun go down on me" was first released on Elton John's 1974 Caribou album and his subsequent fantastic live performances of that classic.

However, younger DGS pilots will remember the Elton John and George Michael's duet of the song.

Why the earworm?  Today from 1818 to 2010 the Wavers could experience a partial solar eclipse at Brentor, the best in UK since the total eclipse in 1999.

So a close look at the weather is called for, and it appears that we should be cloud free.  The wind strong from the southeast, killing any late afternoon lift, probably would mean that hangar would be packed in time for viewing from the clubhouse terrace. 

Gavin lies down on the job of applying tyre pressure labels to the club gliders.

Today we welcomed three visitors each with two flight vouchers; Barry Thurgood from Ashburton, Russell Heath from Plymstock, and junior Rhys Ferguson from Ivybridge.  All would be under the tender care of Steve Fletcher, our Secretary and, of course, Introductory Flight Pilot.

Despite the number of Wednesday Wavers were less than normal the Duty Instructor had five trainees to fly.  In addition, he would have to depart at 1730 for grandfather solar eclipse duties.  Yes, it was new one on me too!  That meant that DB, Michael M-S, Ed Nicholson, Ian, and Ray would only have two flights a piece.  But with a breeze keeping most of the heat at bay no one seemed that concerned. 

DB struggles with his straps for his second flight.  "I wouldn't do it like that Dave if I were you!"

Michael M-S prepares himself for flight. 
 Yes, there is a pesky instructor in the back this time rather than letting you fly on your own.

Steve poses with Barry Thurgood, and almost-retired wellness coach. 
 I suppose a gliding club is as good an environment as any for reconnecting with nature. 

John Allan, Malcolm, and John Smith tried their hand in the Astir CS77 whilst Michael Bennett, Peter, and I flew the K-8 after the defective Flarm unit was swapped out first thing this morning.

Mike Bennett flies the K-8, FXB with its new Flarm unit.

Newly-retired Russell Heath appears not to have a care in the world.

Russell, still smiling while waiting to launch

Steve, ultra-chilled despite the heat.  Perhaps he is reminiscing
that it was exactly 11 years ago today that he came to the club
for a trial flight which led to him returning to flying after a gap of about 30 years!

Dave Archer tries to breathe life into his K-6CR.  He is a paramedic you know.

In the afternoon Neal brought his family to club.  His son, Ben flew two Friends and Family flights with Mike Jardine whilst Dave Archer flew his K-6CR, and Scratch his Standard Cirrus.

After all that exertion and a first flight it's time to rest in the shade.

Ben Oxley raring to go with the Duty Instructor

The southeasterly cross wind and the hint of wave meant the thermals struggled as did several pilots.  There were some soaring flights but none that exceeded the club 30 minute limit, although Peter and Malcolm came close.

Junior Rhys Ferguson, our third visitors, is helped by Ray and Steve.

Aviation enthusiast Rhys concentrates during Steve's briefing

For the second flight and a chance to get hands on the controls Rhys teams up with Scratch.

And today's prize for the silliest hat goes to....

Dave Archer, actually in his glider rather than fettling it, readies for a second launch.

It was hot but pleasant in the breeze that made for a rather laid-back day for those who came to fly.  The Wavers clocked up 29 flights.

 

A big thanks to those who drove the winch today and Colin for successfully reskinning the starboard side of FSD's cockpit.  This involved cutting the Ceconite fabric, sticking it using Superseam, ironing it, applying three coats of non-shrinking dope and then a coat UV paint.  Fortunately, he could do that in the airy hangar rather that the sweat box that is currently his workshop. 

What of the eclipse?  Those who normally stay behind and put the world to rights decided that viewing the eclipse at home was the best option.  I was the last out, or I thought I was.  Whilst locking the gates I was surprised to see Dave Archer return.  In the modern world you can't do much with your smartphone.  Even more so when it's in the pocket in the cockpit of your glider that is locked in its trailer.

 

The 95.5% totality caught on camera, together with a lens flare, at Harrowbarrow in East Cornwall.

Gavin Short

Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 9th August 2026

A light northwesterly breeze and rasp giving a possible 4 star rating, the prospects were for a good day flying. The K13, Twin Astir, K8 and Astir 77 were DI'd and taken to the east end launch point. There was a lot of activity amongst privateers rigging their aircraft. Andy Davey (Ventus CHG), Sean Westrope (Libelle CLM), John Osment (Cirrus JFA), Phil Hardwick (DG300 HME) and Ed Borlase (K6 EWO).

First trainee was Aiden Hughes. A couple of good circuits and a practice launch failure sees him progressing well.

Aiden getting ready for his flights.

Meanwhile duty BI Richard Roberts and Steve Fletcher had a flight in the Twin Astir ready for visitors to arrive.

Steve and Richard launch in the Twin.

Next trainee to fly with me was Misha Skochko who managed a soaring flight during which stalls with wing drop were practiced also sees him progressing well. The first visitor, Adam Earl arrived and enjoyed two flights with Richard.

Adam being briefed by Richard.

And receives his certificate.

Shortly after the second visitor arrived. Simon Wood enjoyed two flights, one slightly longer in the improving conditions.

Simon looking forward to his flights.

It was time for Richard and I to swap aircraft. Rowan Guest has been training in the |Twin One short flight followed by a soaring flight during which Rowan experienced his first spin training exercises. Richard took over the K13 to take the final visitor Derek Bond. Derek was supported by his family.

Derek and family.

Whilst all this was happening the privateers were launching. Andy Davey in his newly refinished Ventus flew for just over three hours in the East Cornwall and surrounding area. John Osment also enjoyed 1½hours in his Cirrus.

Andy launches in his Ventus.

Phil spreading his wings.

The other privateers all had flights of various durations, but not as long as Andy and John. Today Freddie Purkiss returned from his Army training and enjoyed three flights with me. A little rusty, but it was all coming back after the three flights.

Freddie settling back into the K13.

After a week away flying with the ATC at Upavon, Ed Nicholson was glad to get back into the K13 as well.

Ed happy back in a K13.

K13 soaring above the Twin Astir

And soaring with Ed in his K6.

After working on his K6 Viktor came to the launch point and flew the K8. Also after a stint on the winch John Smith flew the Astir 77.

Viktor launches in the K8.

Thank you to all at the club today. 33 flights and several soaring flights. A good day flying.

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News - Saturday 1st August 2026

 Generally we have low pressure in charge after the "blocking" high that was responsible for the July heat wave has moved off towards the continent. Today's forecast was for a steady breeze from the NW. The soaring forecast was reasonable with the intriguing possibility of a convergence forming in the late afternoon.

Rick had quite a short training list today; not a surprise after the very good soaring both Wednesday and Friday ( aerotow day ). We only fielded two privateers today in the shape of Gavin and his immaculately presented Std Cirrus. and Dave Archer with his K6.

Dave's K6 waiting under a nice looking sky

Soaring was very good initially. Gradually the promised convergence made an appearance well to the south out of gliding range from a winch launch; oh for the aerotow facility of yesterday. To compound this the convergence had dragged in the sea air over the airfield which cut off the soaring for a couple of hours. eventually the soaring conditions returned and a great time was had by all.

K13 CCY on appraoch

Nice to see this glider flying again

We welcomed 3 visitors today Carl Thomas for a One Day Course, Eve Birrell and Alex Sloan for Air Experience flights. 

Eve

Alex and myself

A good day.

A quiet sky at the end of the day

Unknown to us, a passing visitor, Mandy from Bude, managed to take some photos from directions that we normally don't see and sent them to us for our viewing. The following are a photos are a flavour of what she took.

DSL flying overhead

DSL on approach

K13 FGR take off and ...

... rising into the sky

K13 FGR on approach

Steve