Dartmoor Gliding News–Wednesday 21st August 2013

A busy, muggy and barely soarable day, with nine gliders at the launch point (and in the air for brief periods) and a full complement of people wanting to fly. Most did get flown, but unfortunately having worked hard all day, Adrian Pike, Mike Vosper and John Howe missed out, mainly because we were one instructor 'down' and then in the afternoon, the K7M went temporarily u/s. Anyway, at least Adrian's son, Tim,  got to try gliding for the first time. Let's all try to ensure that those who missed out get a  fair crack of the whip next time.

Adrian Pike with his son Tim

Today we operated from the east end, and with little wind, cattle in the top field and the fence up, but by moving the launch point back, we managed to achieve reasonable launches. There was little in the way of soaring, with Trevor Taylor managing to stay up for 36 minutes, closely followed by Phil Hardwick, who was giving his son Mark (14) his first flight with him in the Twin Astir. With an increasing number of pilots having become private owners, and thus dividing their efforts between their own rigging/derigging and the club's interests, it was a busy day for everyone. We achieved a good launch rate, and would easily have passed the 40 launch mark had there not been a technical hiccup which cost us the best part of an hour during mid-afternoon.

Rigging private gliders

 As I said, everyone worked hard, but in particular I would like to acknowledge the efforts of 'Scratch' Hitchen and John Howe, who conjured up superb winch launches given the lack of headwind; Adrian, Carl Andrews and John Bolt in the tower, and Phil and Mark Hardwick, along with David Rippon, on grass cutting duties. Thanks to their efforts, those tall reeds on the east end landing area are now history - until the next time they emerge. If anyone has any doubts about the enthusiasm and energy of our club members, they should have seen three of our most 'senior' members, John Bolt, Jeff Cragg and Alan Holland wrestling the K7M down the slope to the hangar at around 1800hrs - when most of their less-active, non-gliding, contemporaries were probably turning on the telly and tucking into their tea.

Phil Hardwick with young Mark supervising from the rear seat

The oldest and youngest solo pilots on the airfield today, Carl Gore (14), John Bolt (ancient) with instructor Bob Pirie looking on from the back seat

But today the younger generation was also well represented, with Mark Hardwick following in the furrows of Father Phil the Farmer, and then a visit by another 14-year-old, Carl Gore, along with his parents and brother. A cadet member of Cambridge Gliding Club, Carl is one of a new breed of glider pilots who, taking advantage of a change in regulations went solo on 9 July, and it was a pleasure to share is first flights at Dartmoor with him.

One Day Course candidate John Bower

Trial Flight visitor Anne Green

Airfield neighbour  Nigel Ellis managed to photograph his house during his trial flight

Patience paid off for Jeremy Tucker.
After waiting for most of the day he was rewarded with the last two flights including a hangar landing.

Today's accolade for the supreme effort of all on our club's behalf must go to Steve Lewis, who completed a total of 17 training flights, including 7 with One Day Course candidate John Bower, and 10 with other trial lesson candidates or temporary members. Meanwhile other club training highlights included Jeff Cragg achieving another impeccable solo after a check flight, 'Scratch' honing his back seat skills (including coping well with a genuine launch failure), and Carl Andrews proving once again that solo time is getting closer.

Bob Pirie