Dartmoor Gliding News–Wednesday 22nd January 2014

The forecast suggested light NW breeze and sunny periods with a 20% chance of rain.

Looking out the back windows of my house blue sky. Walking out of the front door the sky was black and threatening. By the time I reached my car parked 60 metres away it was raining. The drive to the airfield showed just about every combination of sun, showers and cloud I could think of. Parts of the sky over Dartmoor was dark low cloud touching the higher tors. Other areas were in sunshine. Lots of the valleys were full of fog / low cloud. Looking north towards the airfield the view was completely cut off be a huge shower. So much for the forecast then.

Clouds touching Cox Tor beyond a wet airfield

There was a buzz about the club this morning, the assembled members were keen to fly, even if it was just a circuit or two just to maintain currency. After inspecting the very wet airfield we decided that we could manage with a K13 and a K8 if we were careful.

Trainee pilots Adrian Pike and Jorg Beasley kept of instructor Ged Nevisky and the K13 busy all day. While not flying they both got stuck into learning some of the ground jobs. Well done both of you. In fact, Jorg signed up as a full member today after the end of his 3 months temporary membership. Welcome to the club Jorg.

The assembled solo pilots all made good use of the K8 to maintain currency and one or two even made attempts at a little soaring under the passing low clouds.

Proceedings were interrupted several times by heavy showers but this seemed to just give everyone a chance eat their sandwiches and have a chat or brief for their next flight.

The day ended in the clubhouse with the wood burner roaring to dry us out and some socialising to entertain us.

Steve