Dartmoor Gliding News–Wednesday 11th September 2013

8/8th’s cloud suggested today was always going to be a training day but there were plenty of club members in attendance.

So, gliders out and inspected while others were on the airfield preparing the launchpoint and winch. And then ….. disaster ….. the ML winch was unserviceable. The water pump had broken. So no flying today.

The club members changed gear and got on with maintenance tasks. Phil Hardwick was seen repairing tractors, mowers and fences, I led the training effort on the simulator, Martin Broadway was strimming the grass in and around his trailer. Robin Wilson was sorting out the scrap cable and metals, Mike Vosper reprofiled one of the winch rollers.

The winch was brought down to the hangar apron where the offending water pump was eventually removed. It didn’t give up without a fight but the team of Ged Nevisky, David Rippons and David Bourchier were up to the task and by midday it was laying on the floor. There followed a series of phone calls, photographs and emails and,  after a couple of hours, a replacement part had been ordered for collection in Plymouth tomorrow. Ged Nevisky and David Bourchier are intending to collect the spare part tomorrow and refit it to the winch on Friday ready for flying on Saturday.

The offending waterpump.

We had a full programme of visitors today who will need to be rebooked for later. They took their today’s disappointment in good humour and most availed themselves of a chance to fly the simulator to wet their appetites for the flights to come.

A character building day highlighting the club members resourcefulness and team working.

Steve