DGS News–Sunday 7th July 2013

It was a definite ‘Why Won’t It’? Day…Starting with the printer that refused to produce the all important Met Office weather and wind, even after I’d changed the black ink. Until I noticed the tiniest of icons on the toolbar which, when opened, advised me that I’d chosen to use a cartridge which wasn’t a genuine Epson one. You can imagine my delight at being told something I already knew.

At the airfield the ‘WWI’ focus switched to the tractor, which wouldn’t start, but was vital for us to change ends. Until Dave Bourchier connected the jump leads to exactly the right spot on the starter motor. The ‘WWI’ scenario then shifted to the thresher/grass cutter, which wouldn’t disconnect, and then to launch hut trailer, which wouldn’t come off the tractor because someone (i.e.. me) had allowed the engine to run down and stop, which then wouldn’t start! So this, to some extent I hope, accounts for the very late start and inability of one or two trainees on the flying list to fly.

Up up and away in the K13

However, by 11:18 the first launch was away and between then and a few minutes before 7pm we managed 24 flights. Everyone soared - in the blue. Whilst our day wouldn’t bear comparison to those ‘up country‘ where 500kms+ were being flown, the fact that every trainee managed 12 minutes minimum - and some much more.

Trevor Taylor (only just) beat Colin Boyd to 4200 eetf on his 2½ hours meander around Devon (including an air display over his own house in Plymouth - excuse me whilst I reach for Laws & Rules…), that Roger Appleblossom flew for an hour plus and returning Kiwi Nigel Williamson for over 30 minutes, shows that clouds aren’t necessary for good (indeed some would say easy) soaring.

We welcomed new joiner Duncan Parker from Saltash (pictured - he said he’d be all right next time, when he will be accompanied by a packet of ‘Quels’) and we commiserate with Dave Parker, who has yet to get his K-6 airborne, with him in it!

New member Duncan Parker  

The news from the Arrivals Lounge is that Leith Whittington’s Dart 17R is awaiting customs clearance - or something similar - and should be on site in the next few weeks.

Martin Cropper