Dartmoor Gliding News-Wednesday 14th January 2015

There were weather warnings in force. A careful look at the forecast revealed that in fact there would be a flyable weather window in the morning before the conditions would then rapidly deteriorate. Unfortunately, Wednesday Instructor Bob Pirie was still suffering from the virus that seems to be affecting large parts of the population.

Our Wednesday standby, Ged was in hospital so today would be licenced pilots only. It had snowed overnight and the rapid thaw on top of the already saturated runway meant that any flying activity would have done more damage to the runway than we could justify.

The overnight snow rapidly thawing on the runway

All was not lost though. There was interest amongst the members to discuss the options to display and analyse the .igc files recorded by the  loggers fitted in a lot of gliders. A demonstration of a freeware programme called Tasknav was held by me followed by a discussion on strategies for achieving a  first 50kn cross country flight and the effect of the 1% rule.

While we are having these non flying days, I am planning to encourage our early solo pilots to study for their Bronze “C” exam and will be holding a series of lectures / discussions to help them on their way.

There was a little work done around the site. John Rogers completed the refurbishment of the topper mower which will be offered for sale soon as it is now surplus to requirements since the arrival of the big mower. Colin and Steve investigated a faulty light fitting in the clubhouse. Allan was working on a spare glider tail wheel. David was investigating the electrics and radio in the green Landrover. Thanks everyone.

Steve