Dartmoor Gliding News–Sunday 8th September 2013

The day started well for the Sunday Soarers with an early morning breakfast cooked by the CFI himself, whilst the ‘toys’ were unpacked from the hangar.  We were joined this morning by a new addition to the team in the form of a new cosy for the teapot, modelled here by Roger Applebloom (see photo).  This was custom-built for the club by Mrs Thatcher of Okehampton, aka Roger's mother-in-law.

Roger and his new career as a teapot cosy model 

Once the early morning rain had cleared a small but determined band of pilots gathered to see what fun could be had; and the answer was plenty, especially with the new K8 single seater.  Mike Sloggett was the first to take to the air and put this glider through its paces, enjoying a variety of spins, stalls and spiral dives to make sure it was safe for me.

Jerry having converted to the K8 today and enjoying a late afternoon sunshine flight.

Having only soloed only three weeks ago this was my first attempt at flying a single seater and I was rather nervous to say the least.  I needn't have worried though as once in the air she and I got on really well and I managed one of the longest flights of the day (admittedly only 12 minutes but conditions were not brilliant) to be forced down by an oncoming rain shower.  Sandra, Roger and Nigel all then had the chance to experience what a great addition this plane has been to our club and the smiles on all of our faces were a joy to behold. Sandra described the new K8 as lush. Meanwhile Leith was practicing circuits in his new Dart 17R

Lee Ballinger at the end of his One Day Course

We were joined by several temporary members today including Lee Ballinger who stayed with us most of the day for his one-day course and had a great opportunity to fly the plane himself.  Martin enjoyed a couple of flights, including the longest of the day at 14 minutes in which he was also able to fly some of the circuit himself.  His friend Roger, being completely blind however, was not able to fly the plane himself but really enjoyed the many sensory experiences that gliding can provide.  Finally Matt loved his first experience of flying in a small plane, although his wife was beginning to wish for slightly warmer weather, or a nice cup of tea, to watch him by.

Roger Fordham Trial lesson - notwithstanding that Roger is 'blind' he seemed to enjoy himself with Don

Talking of tea I'm feel I must file an incident report from this morning in which one of our members got burned – yes Roger, a teapot that is designed to hold boiling water, covered by a tea cosy, which is designed to keep said water hot, will be extremely hot - especially when you hold the pointy bit that the tea is poured through and the steam escapes through, when offering the teapot up for a photograph!!! 

Jerry Wellington