DGS News – Saturday 13th July 2013

After the studying the RASP (Regional Atmospheric Soaring Prediction) all week with  promising thermals (and a RASP Dr Jack star rating of 3-4 for limited areas) between 13:00 – 17:00, I made the decision and prepared for my 50km silver. The Exeter valley was forecast to be unreliable so I planned an out and return to South Molton (53km each way).

Enigmatic Mike waits for the conditions to improve ( or is he hoping for divine guidance )

Getting to the club early, I found Rick and Matt already there pulling out the kit, and we got to work fixing the flat on the main wheel of DMX. Changing ends was also in order, as despite the 214 spot forecast for a wind direction of 040, we had winds to the west which stayed that way for the day. A few others turned up but the day was checking out to be a quiet one, I guess the beach and families was the call due to the heat.

Matt Wiles returning to gliding after his exams and instructor Mike Slogget

Mike Slogget and Ged were kept busy sharing the instructing, getting pilots Jerry Wellington, Matt Wiles (returning to Solo), Jeff Crag airborne in DMX. An early extended flight by Mike Sloggett and Jerry Wellington showed some promise (with Jerry flying and managing to keep DMX circling), however conditions remained difficult low down to the unskilled and despite attempts (Sandra, Colin Boyd), thermals were difficult to connect with in rather stable blue air.

Colin Boyd and K6

 Also the Twin Astir was returned to the air obtaining flight of the day (35 minutes) in the skilful hands of Ged with Gus (who has spent some time fixing the landing gear issue with the Twin), just to wind up those stuck on terra-ferma including me having two attempts in the Open Cirrus, falling down on both with only slightly delayed circuits – well my 50k will have to wait then!

After giving up with that, I offered my services in the front seat of DMX as P2 for Rick Wiles to practice his back seat flying. Not sure if I helped or hindered really, but all that was managed was further delayed circuits – but good fun all the same, for a change just to sit there, let the P1 do all the flying, and allowing me the freedom to peer down onto the roof of my own house in Mary Tavy without worrying about lookout, (well I trusted Rick was looking out anyway).

K13 on final approach to the east end

Well done to Dave Parker and Jerry Wellington as trainee winch drivers under the watchful eye of Rick Wiles.

Winching dream team Dave Parker, Jerry Wellington with Rick Wiles in the drivers seat

Despite the disappointment of not getting away, it was good to be out in the sun playing with aeroplanes with friends.

Mike Gadd