Dartmoor Gliding News–Sunday 29th June 2014

After yesterday's heavy showers had given the airfield a severe drenching, one could be forgiven if repeated weather forecasts of 'much brighter' and 'dry and sunny' had given rise to optimism among the Sunday Soarers, so much so that traditional 'sizzler' was put on the 'back burner' in favour of getting the gliders out.

So when, just as we had completed monthly maintenance on DMX, it started to rain, we were just a little disappointed - and retired to the clubhouse for tea.  Not for long though, as the arrival of Trial Lesson student Sam Bax and family had us leaping out of our wicker chairs and racing to get DMX up to the launch point - she didn't get to be Production Manager at Wrigley's without being able to inject a little 'enthusiasm' in others..!

Sam Bax ready for her trial lesson

 The rain fortunately held off from then on and, on occasion, the the lift was strong, allowing Robin Wilson to reach cloudbase at 2,100ft agl on his first flight in the back seat, and for Fred Marks (Robin could you please provide Fred Marks, an emigre from North Hill,  to reacquaint himself with total loss of propulsion at 600ft in the climb.

Trial lesson student Anne Mather arrived with so much photographic gear it was difficult to see her beneath it all! We hope she got a nice “headcammed” video of her flight.

Anne Mather equipped for some in flight photography

Final TL student was Nick Line, who had received his voucher as a 50th birthday gift from daughter Kayleigh.

Nick line ready to experience his 50th birthday present

Surprise of the day was the arrival of Hugh Gascoigne, who last flew with us as an instructor 4 years ago, before family matters took priority. A quick jog through CBSIFTCBE and he was back in the groove and, after a couple of flights showed him that gliding is like riding a bike, who knows. maybe we'll be seeing more of him in future?

A huge paean goes to Dave Parker and Jeff Cragg for winching and retrieving all day without flying, and to Fred and Robin for running the log and wing tips.

Martin Cropper