Dartmoor Gliding News–Monday 26th August 2013

There are those who say that a launch to 850 feet should be treated as a circuit, since that is the height that one would expect to be at when entering the high key  area.  I know there are those who say that, because I’m one of them!

So how did we, with a very light northerly wind, a short run due to the hurdle fence being up, and launches of around 850-900 ft (Darren Wills got the record of 1,000 feet), manage soaring flights of up to 2 hours 31 minutes duration (Trevor Taylor) and up to 3,800 ft QFE (above airfield level)  (Colin Boyd)  Well, by paying heed to the old saying that ‘rules are for the guidance of wise persons, and adherence by fools’. 

Weather-wise, the day began slowly, with mist limiting visibility for no more than 1.5 miles until the sun gradually took effect.  This was not ideal for trial lessons, where a clear horizon really is a bit more than just a ‘nice to have’ however, new member Adrian Iles, 12 year old prospective new member Ross Pratt, dad and daughter team Krista and Paul Linnen, and racing cyclist Mike Taylor seemed happy with their flights (Mike’s first launch being lightly seasoned by a 200ft cable break), thus leaving the launch point clear in the afternoon for club members to go soaring. 

Ross Pratt

Krista Linnen

Mike Taylor

With large patches of blue, the lift was principally confined to a line of energy stretching N-S over the launch-point down to Hurdwick golf course, and was strong between 700-1300 feet.

A good turnout, including the aforesaid Trevor, Colin and Darren (to whom, welcome back), were accompanied by Phil Hardwick, Andrew Beaumont, Bob Pirie, Martin Broadway, Allan Holland, Sean Parramore (also, welcome back) and Roger Appleblossom into the sky, whilst Rick Wiles was able to practice his back seat skills with Dave Bourchier. 

The busy grid on Bank Holiday Monday.

So , that’s it, then.  But no, for, emerging from the Arrivals Lounge, like the proverbial butterfly from the chrysalis, came the superb 17 metre Slingsby Dart, G-DRRT, which, after being flung around by Don Puttock in a test flight, was nurtured into its first flights on type by Leith Whittington, who gave us an object lesson in the benefit of all that span – it just didn’t seem to come down!

Proud owner Leith and his Slingsby Dart 17R

So with the trailer park now brim full there’s going to have to be some shuffling – private owners beware (you will be contacted)!

Martin Cropper’