Dartmoor Gliding News – Saturday 24th August 2013

The forecast for a poor start ( low cloud, showers, gusty winds ), improving through the day, kept many members away today. The day did improve and those members that attended were treated to good launch heights ( 1300 feet + ) and the possibility of some soaring in the entertaining conditions.

One to benefit most was trainee pilot Mike Vosper who missed out last Wednesday.  He managed consecutive soaring flights with CFI Don. In fact he had the longest flight of the day, a heady 30 minutes. Also taking advantage of the quiet day were Rick Wiles and Mike Jardine, both continuing their instructor training heading towards BI.

In and around the hangar saw the K7M getting some TLC with repairs to the canopy and adjustments to the ailerons. After his training, Rick Wiles came down from the airfield to continue with the winch engine. By the end of the day, assisted by David Bourchier and Alan Holland, the winch engine had it’s fluid flywheel refitted. This is a major milestone. Fitting the flywheel has required many hours of drilling and modifying the engine fittings.

Martin and Chris in fettling mode

Also of interest today was the appearance of a new glider syndicate. Martin Smith and Chris Kaminski have bought themselves a Slingsby Skylark 3F, an Annex 2, 18 meter wooden glider. By the end of the day they had rigged it, fettled it and both taken a couple of flights each.

Skylark 3F ready to go.

Steve
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