Dartmoor Gliding News–Sunday 31st August 2014

Those of us who been around for some time, more often than not being the purchaser rather than recipient of presents, will know that they can become something of a chore, and that they sometimes say more about the giver than the receiver.

Towing K13 G-DDMX to the launch point 

And at first sight today's forecast also promised to give more than receive. Thus it was no surprise that early birds Chris Jones and Roger Appletree (who set about changing ends) were rapidly joined by a clutch of solo pilots and private owners eager to exploit the RASP prediction.

The focus for two-seater G-DDMX was on 23 year old one Day Course student Hannah Jones (pictured) who, with boyfriend Sam, had set off from Abertillery in the Welsh valleys at 0600 in order to be with us by 0930, passing several gliding sites en route. Fortunately, we had put the winch partway into the 'top' field, thus ensuring that nearly all launches reached 1,300 feet or more in the light north-westerly wind.

Hannah waiting to fly with Martin

Conditions in the morning were easily soarable, although cloudbase low, and it was no surprise to see other punters arrive, attracted by the cumulus.  As Hannah's training progressed through the three controls, it was decided that a visit to the famous Oggie Shop in Tavistock would be an essential part of her visit to the West Country.

The lunchtime interlude allowed time for Club training and for Tony Dean to introduce his daughter's boyfriend, Paul Smith, to our sport. An ex-Army staff car driver, he pronounced his flight to be 'awesome', (as can be seen on Facebook).

Paul Smith

Returning to her front seat position suitably 'oggified', Hannah volunteered the information that her One Day Course had been bought for her boyfriend Sam. Ah ha! Sam, it transpired, had been an Air Cadet instructor until 5 years ago and Hannah very kindly decided to offer one of her flights to him - hence the opening sentence and a very big smirk on Sam's face! 

Hannah's boyfriend Sam

Some members may not be aware that we received a visit from the BGA Regional Inspector, John Halford, yesterday, which unfortunately was a no-fly day. Well John returned again today and, after an afternoon's patient wait (and hopefully interesting conversation) was able to fly with us in G-DDMX. Clearly an enthusiast for the older types (of glider), he declared that his visit had been very useful, and would provide some evidence for feedback to the BGA Technical Committee.

So what of the flying that all those pundits came to savour? Well, sadly, in fact just as Trevor Taylor's Jantar arrived at the launch point, the 6/8 clouds evaporated into blue expanses making soaring a vary different prospect from the easy conditions if the morning.  But with ships as hot as the Jantar and K-8, Trevor and Allan Holland were not to be thwarted, both managing flights of around an hour in extremely 'tight' thermals.The 'Flight of the Day' award, however, must go to Bob Pirie and his ASW 20 (without doubt the hottest ship at Brentor – in looks she is a stunner) who made one hour thirty look easy before bringing 'HJT' back to allow gliding partner Martin Broadway to take if for a further (not quite so long) soaring flight.

So, overall, a busy and varied day and, hopefully for two travellers from South Wales, a day on which both giver and receiver of Hannah's birthday present were pleasantly surprised.

Martin Cropper