Dartmoor Gliding News-Monday 28th August 2017

The last bank holiday of the summer and I think probably the hottest day of the summer on the airfield. With full sun, all day and no cloud to point to thermal activity needless to say there were a lot of short flights.

Our day started with two young guest pilots from North Dorset Gliding Club (NDGC) Thomas and Nicholas Pike accompanied by mum and dad. Both Thomas and Nicolas flew with instructor Rick Wiles before Thomas went on to fly the K8.

Thomas Pike with Instructor Rick Wiles
Thomas's brother Nicholas also with Rick
Peter Howarth our second instructor flew with our one-day course student Mick Allen. Mick learnt to fly a glider in Germany back in the 60’s and was looking forward to reliving the experience of silent flight.

Mick Allen with Instructor Peter Howarth
Peter also took up our other visitor for today Ruth Bushell who enjoyed the whole experience.

Ruth with pilot Peter Howarth
We had a total of 25 flights with all those who wanted to take to the air doing so. Flight of the day went to Pete Howarth who managed 23 minutes followed by Alan Holland with 14 minutes, both in the K8.

What some people will do for a bit of shade
Thanks to our winch drivers Barry Green and newly signed off Andy Davey who will be well utilised in the future, well done Andy.

Thank you to the retrieve driver’s Heather and Dave, and our ground crew who work under extremely hot conditions. I played crafty and spent the whole day in the launch hut checking them out and back in again.

Probably the best bank holiday of the year.

Dave Downton

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