DGS News – Saturday 27th July 2013

The forecast today was somewhat confused. Would we get the severe deluge that was forecast or would it miss us and stay on the eastern side of Dartmoor? Only one way to find out, so we went gliding.

G-DDAK flies. Instructors Don and Ged take it for it's test flight

The big news today was the arrival into fleet use of the “new” ( to us anyway ) K7M G-DDAK looking splendid in light blue and white. After a successful flight test by Don and Ged, it was put into club use and was kept busy all day. I think we owe our thanks to all the members that have worked so hard to get this glider ready for use.

Waiting to fly Robert and Lisa with their daughter

We welcomed lots of visitors today with a family group comprising Bill. Robert and John Fisher and Lisa Hale, and a little later on Colin James. Given that Colin’s nickname is “Jessie” there are no prizes for guessing that he is in the Royal Navy based in Plymouth.  All enjoyed their flights.

Bill Fisher being helped with his straps by field treasurer Robin Wilson

Colin "Jessie" James

The club members were also busy with several making use of the increased 2 seater availability to refresh their friends and family ratings. Mike Gadd spent some time flying with Don and finished the day with a new “Friends and Family” rating. Well done Mike.

Mike Gadd and Rick Wiles in "Friends and Family" mode while trying out DAK

And the flying? It was a lovely soft day. Gentle winds, lots of pre-frontal cloud formations. There was plenty of lift about for pilots with sensitive hands; never enough to climb in but enough to maintain height. Best flight of the day was John Bolt in the Zugvogel with 26 minutes closely followed with 19 minutes by yours truly while flying with Colin James in the K13.

And the weather? There was a light shower just at the end of the day.

A nice day with friends old and new.

Steve