Dartmoor Gliding News-Saturday 20th June 2015

In contrast to yesterday’s almost perfect blue skies, today started with very low cloud and a little drizzle as yet another weak front passed through.

There was a real desire to fly today and as we waited, the cloudbase gradually improved to the point where it looked possible. We left the winch in a “short” position as we really didn’t think that the cloudbase was going to be much more than about 1000 feet and that is how it was. Flying conditions were very nice with a steady breeze straight down the runway with no appreciable gusting.

The first flight was a test flight of K13 G-CHXP back in fleet service after it’s annual inspections. All was well with the possible exception of the XK10 variometer which was apparently giving strange readings. A quick inspection of the control unit revealed that the switches were in the wrong positions; an easy fix. The new total energy system seems to be working well.

Chris Matten ready to fly with Ged

Is Chris proposing to Karen again? 

Then followed a couple of flights by Chris Matten with Ged after which Chris was passed ready to re-solo. Karen Matten was next. We welcomed visitor Clive Peter who had 3 shortish flights with me during which we managed to get him flying the aircraft. Great fun. Clive left with the biggest smile on his face. Final flight was by Mike Jardine who flew with David Bouchier. Mike managed to soar for a couple of minutes before hangar landing.

Visitor Clive Peter waiting to fly

The kit was put away early as we had all flown. As we closed the hangar doors the sky improved markedly looking really soarable but by then the desire to get going all over again was lacking.

Special thanks today must go to Karen who spent a lot of time this morning wire brushing and polishing the woodburner which now looks almost new.

Steve Lewis