Dartmoor Gliding News–Wednesday 1st October 2014

Today started with low cloud over the high ground and fog in the river valleys but with conditions forecast to improve, what else to do but get the airfield and gliders ready and then wait. The forecast winds were light and variable with the general flow from the west.

With CLT undergoing maintenance we were keen the get started and maximise the utilisation of the K13 G-DDMX as both Ged and I would be sharing the glider for our respective instructor duties today.

By 11:45 we judged that the cloudbase was high enough to get started so it was on with the flying programme. From the start, the air was buoyant with just enough activity to encourage and tease our soaring pilots and instructors alike.

Here's a photo to frighten the unwary. Aging Rock God and Vice Chairman Colin Boyd pretending that he concentrates on his flying

Longest flight of the day was by Robin Wilson flying his syndicate Twin Astir G-DDSL who soared ( or was that scratched around ) for 23 minutes. Interesting how often Robin’s name is cropping up in the frame for best soaring flight! Close on Robin’s heels today was visiting pilot Bob Purdie who soared for 21 minutes while flying the K13 with Ged. I can’t think of a better way to familiarise yourself with the airfield. Well done Bob.

Robin in the Twin Astir

 We welcomed 2 Air Experience visitors today, Nigel Aldred and Anthony Etheridge, who both enjoyed their time with us.

Nigel Aldred

Anthony Etheridge

 Gliding clubs like ours exist because of the efforts and generosity  of our members and volunteers. Sometimes our supporters remain hidden in the background and go almost unnoticed by many. Today we took delivery of a new batch of Temporary Membership Cards from local company Ottery Press. Ottery Press is owned by ex member Guy Massey and he often fulfils our printing requirements free of charge, providing, not only Membership Cards, but also other vital pieces of stationary such as out Voucher and Introductory Course Leaflets. Guy somehow managed to escape my camera today but many thanks from all of us.  

So by the end of this slightly short flying day we had achieved 30 launches, prepared CLT for test flying on Saturday, made a couple of new friends and welcomed several old ones. What more could we ask?

Steve