Dartmoor Gliding News-Wednesday 23rd May 2018

A reasonable weather forecast, an optimistic RASP forecast and a long day ahead meant Robin and I were in good spirits as we approached the airfield. On arriving at the airfield we were greeted by Steve Raine who was unable to get the padlock open on the hangar. After about 30 mins of fiddling and using his previous employment experience he eventually managed to tease the wheels enough to get the padlock apart. If you find yourself in the same frustrating position the knack is to wiggle the combination wheels slightly as you push the padlock together (apparently).

Approaching Roadford reservoir from my Cirrus at about 5000 feet

Some of you may know that the road sign and along with it our yellow sign on the Brentor Road have been flattened by something very big. Knowing we had a number of visitors today, and in particular I had told Western power to look for the sign when trying to find us, Robin and I lashed up what was left of our sign using cable ties and electric fence posts. First flight of the day was a check flight with Mike Sloggett and Steve Raine. Steve found a thermal straight off the cable and up they went to 3000 ft (see photo). 25 mins later they came back as Mike had a long list of others he needed to fly with.

Meeting of the 2 seaters. The Twin Astir towing in front of the K13

Barry Greene took off in his and Mike Bennet's lovely K6 and after working hard soared off into the blue. Our first guest of the day was my friend Pete Bernardes who flew with Mike Slogget, Pete thoroughly enjoyed his two flights but unfortunately the thermals became elusive and all the flights in the K13 were short for the rest of the day.

A view down the runway towards the west

 Trevor, Phil and Robin flew their twin Astir quite a few times around the airfield bringing a smile to the treasurer and the clubs bank balance. Barry appeared back on the airfield after a lovely 2 hr flight visiting Roadford Reservoir, Gunnislake and Tavistock and managing to get to 5,800 feet. The thermals were getting hard to find by now with most people back on the ground within 5 mins. After Allen Holland showed everyone that the thermals were still there by working away just to the North side of the airfield and staying a loft for 1 hour, I decided to fly my Cirrus. I worked away in the area to the North of the airfield and after 10 mins had managed to gain just 300 feet! But then things got easier and following Barry’s advice that the Thermals were stronger the further North you went I eventually managed to get up to 6000 feet and fly up to Roadford Reservoir (see picture) and then back down to Grenofen to take a picture of my house before flying back to the airfield.

Brentor Church

Mike Sloggett, Mark Courtney and Mike Jardine all flew various members and visitors

Visitor Mike Barnades with Instructor Mike Sloggett

The thermals remained small and weak low down but strengthened above 1500feet and became strong over 3000feet, but some of the sink was awesome at 10 down in places! Philip Harris and John Gaul both completed their one day courses and James Hood an instructor from North Hill came up and flew with Mike Sloggett.

3000 feet and over 2 knots up. Great stuff

Barry had the longest flight of the day with 2 hours and Robin gets a mention in dispatches for managing to keep the twin Astir airborne for 16 minutes in the weak thermals. Flying went well on into the evening with the last flight taking place after 7.30 pm, a total of 29 flights. A long day with lots of smiling faces but mixed soaring fortunes.

A huge thank you to Mike Slogget for all his support and to the North Hill chaps for supporting us even though the onsite catering was lacking in meat pies CFI Mark valiantly stayed on to the end. As always a big thanks to all the Winch drivers and most of all to Heather for driving the retrieve all day, where would we be without you Heather?

A parachute to protect from a fall from the Quad? Heath and safety gone mad?

Steve Fletcher

Dartmoor Gliding News-Sunday 20th May 2018

On Sunday 22 April we hosted Ed Clarke and Mark Kennedy for their One Day Courses. The weather on that day was, most by now will fail to remember, grey, blustery, with a weak sun but showers blowing up from the South-west to frustrate our sport. And so, as the third shower crossed the airfield at about 3:30pm that day we gave up, ironically to notice the clearance pass through as we left the car park at about 4:15. So Ed and Mark were advised to consult with 'The Voice of Dartmoor', Dave Downton, to re-book. And both opted for today: what a contrast! A clear sky, bright sun and a southerly zephyr greeted them today, just what was needed to enable us to complete the remaining four flights of their One Day Courses, including a soaring flight for Mark (37 mins to 2,500ft) and Ed handling all three controls together with a degree of confidence by the end of the day.

Ed Clarke celebrates completion of his One Day Course with Instructor Martin Cropper

Mark Kennedy also clearly enjoyed his One Day Course, which included a soaring flight to 2,500ft.

 And for the club pundits the day lived up to its 3.5 forecast on RASP, with Leith Whittington managing 50 mins to a little short of 3,400ft agl in his Dart 17R, whilst Allan Holland kept the K-8 aloft for 33 mins 'in the blue'.

Ed Borlase took this spectacular photo of the K-13 and Zugvogel thermalling in the blue

 With the ground drying out it is easy to forget the days of only a month or so ago, when two consecutive days without rain was unthinkable (as was flying), and we all moped around the clubhouse thinking of things to avoid doing; and so it is perhaps timely to thank Mike Bennett, Steve Fletcher and Dave Downton for their efforts in setting up the new drainage system, which has already proved very effective and, with the additional measures projected, should be even more so. Thanks also go to Robin Wilson, Phil Hardwick, Roger Appleboom and Allan Holland for winching. A good day in predominantly blue conditions was had by all.

Martin Cropper

Dartmoor Gliding News-Saturday 19th May 2018

Today's soaring forecast (as detailed by RASP) looks good. The weather forecast looks good. Hats, sunglasses and sun cream all required. Excellent. The light variable wind will move from slightly east to slightly west of south making runway choice a little awkward but the usual choice when it is like this is to fly from the east end so this is what we did.

Richard Roberts in the Discus after his epic flight.

Right from the start it was soarable and Richard Roberts was soon  encouraged into the air in his Discus after which he disappeared off on a 268 km cross country for a total flight time 3 hours and 35 minutes - a separate detailed report is available in this blog.

Sarah Cleadall sharing alittle pre flight banter.

One Day Course Candidate Richard Phipps

A few minutes later Richard was taking in the view.

 We welcome visitor Sarah Gleadall who completed her Air Experience flights soaring with Rick in K13 G-CHXP. Today's other visitor was Richard Phipps who completed his One Day Course flying with me. Richard and I shared some exceptional soaring allowing him plenty of time in the air to get to grips with flying the aircraft.

Looking down on the runway from 2000 feet

Dave Archer climbing through 2000 feet.

Trainee pilot Dave Archer took advantage of Rick, the K13 and the conditions to record a very respectable soaring flight. The club solo pilots were well represented with Martin Broadway recording a very respectable 1 hour and 8 minutes ( only returning the terra firma so someone else could have a play with the aircraft ). It was pleasing to see Mike and Barry's K6 making an appearance. The Twin Astir completed the privateers list for the day.

Library photo of Mike and K6 taken on a much less favorable day.

 Thanks to all those who helped making this day a success.

An excellent day with friends old and new.

Steve

Dartmoor Gliding News-Richard Goes Cross Country

What did you do last Saturday ( 19/06/2018 ). The weather was nice so perhaps you cut the grass, went shopping or even washed the car. For Dartmoor Gliding Chairman Richard Roberts these prospects sounded a bit tame so he planned  some cross country flying in his Discus, a beautiful standard class glider.

The planned route was to be Brentor ( BRT ) to Avebury ( AVE ) and back for a total distance of 368.8 km. So off to the airfield and with his father acting as crew ( and retrieve driver if things didn't work out ) the Discus was soon rigged and ready.

The direct route out over Dartmoor looks a little uncomfortable
but the sky looks great

After a patient wait for some cumulus cloud ( and the soaring K13 ) to indicate the day had indeed started Richard launched at 12pm. After a quick first climb and exporation of the local thermals, 30 minutes later it was off on task. To save time Richard decided to route directly across Dartmoor which always gets your attention; the landout options are not good. From the air Dartmoor looks like the straw coloured wilderness it really is. From the ground it always looks much greener.

On the southern edge of Bristol airspace

The flight progressed well until Richard approached the Bristol Airspace. On track was a large blue hole indicating an area with little or no lift. The only reliable looking cumulus were inside the airspace so would not be available. Avebury was still 50km away but, with no real way to get there ( and back ), Richard's decision was to modify the turnpoint to Wells to enable a fighting chance of getting home.

On final glide over Meldon reservoir.
The sky looks poor but he's 1500 feet above the glideslope

 The return flight went well and Richard landed at 15.35. So the flight was Brentor to Wells and back for a total distance of 253km with 3hours and 5 minutes on task ( total flight time 3 hours 35 minutes ). Great effort- well done.

Landing back at Brentor

Tired but happy. Richard  finishes putting the glider away.

What will you do next Saturday?

Steve

Dartmoor Gliding News-Sunday 13th May 2018

Driving to the airfield in bright sunshine brought thoughts of a good days flying with good company and the usual banter. As I was the first to arrive, I unlocked the hangar and clubhouse. First task was to fire up the tractor and cut a couple of strips on the north side of the track.

A few members were arriving and we set about readying the aircraft and field for the days flying. With the quads low on fuel, Martin was dispatched to Tavistock with the jerry cans. Our one day course Francis Colling and shortly after Roger Lucas arrived. Roger is a pilot from Camp Hill who is down on holiday with his family and managed to get a day pass to come and fly with us. After briefing Francis and Roger, the field was ready and we started flying at 10:57.

Francis Colling ready to fly. Hope to see him again soon

Roger Lucas. Our visitor from Camp Hill.

I first flew with Francis, but unfortunately he had to leave unexpectedly. Hopefully he will return soon and complete his course. Next up was Roger who had a couple of check flights and familiarisation of the area. He then had a solo flight in the K13 and a flight later in the K8.

We had two other visitors today for trial flights. First was Junior Allen who flew with me. The next visitor was Peter Bourne who flew with Martin. Both left with smiles on their faces having had 11 and 14 minute flights respectively.

Junior Allen ready for his flight with me.

Peter Bourne ready for his flight with Martin.

Our only trainee today was David Westcott who flew with me. Off the top of the launch we managed to find some lift. With some encouragement from me David managed to climb to 3500ft. Having briefed on the ground before flying there was only one way to use this height. A demonstration of a spin from a low slow final turn and recovery was repeated with David handling the recovery. We followed this with a demonstration of a spin off a failed winch launch. A couple of stall recoveries we were soon back on the ground after a 39 minute flight.

How about our solo pilots. Leith continued to add to the clubs funds with a longest flight of 8 minutes. Dave Downton consolidated re-soloing last week with a couple of flights in the K8. Ed Borlase had his first soaring flight of 33 minutes in the K8. Josef Nobbs took off in the Zugvogel at 12:30. He finally returned after 3 hours and 5 minutes with the excuse of he didn’t realise how time had flown by.

View from the winch. Let’s hope for more skies like this.

Thanks go to Dave Downton and Martin Cropper for winching, David Westcott and Ed Borlase for retrieving. Only 22 flights, but a good days flying.

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News-Saturday 12th May 2018

A small, but beautifully formed, crew were attracted by the very good soaring forecast. The wind was light and variable gradually moving from just east of south to eventually settle at just west of south. There was a lot of top cover which made the sky look more white than blue.

Mary Tavy looking  west

At first it seemed that the soaring forecast must be very optimistic but if you could find your first climb then there was indeed good soaring to be had. In fact there was 5 flights over an hour, the longest being Steve Fletcher with a flight of 1 hour and 39 minutes in his Open Cirrus. With there flights and a large handful of flights in the 30 to 40 minute range the average flight time, including all the training flights and circuits was still over 20 minutes. Perhaps the RASP forecast was right after all.

Ged is enjoying some 2 seater flying. Pictured here while soaring with Mike Jardine

A notable flight was the 1 hour and and 25minutes by Andy Davey celebrating his first flight on type in the Zugvogel 3B which he now owns a share in.

Andy waiting for his first flight on type

Towards the end of the day, the top cover and lack of other cloud made soaring look like a non starter but, just when the sensible would be heading for the hangar. I launched in my Zugvogel 3B followed by Rick in the K8. After about 20 minutes of grovelling around at circuit height trying just to stay airborne a convergence formed nearby and we were whisked up to 3500 feet in a very strong thermal core. This was followed by a magical romp along the convergence maintaining height and climbing easily without the need to stop and turn. As it was getting late we both decided to  land after about an hour or so to allow the crew to finish putting things away and my glider to be de-rigged.

While waiting to launch I thought I'd take a selfie.

20 minutes later I had this view of Tavistock from 3500 ft under the convergence

Today, we had 2 visitors, both of whom came for some Air Experience flying, Tim Johns who flew with Mike Jardine and Gloria OBrien  who enjoyed some soaring with me in K13 G-CHXP in the earlier boyant conditions.

Time and Mike

Gloria and me.

Also visiting today was a group from the 2nd Plymstock Cub Group who had an enjoyable time getting up close and personal with the aircraft and observing the airfield activities. As always on these occasions, the simulator was a firm favorite, with Rick making sure that everyone had a good fly in it. Many thanks to the members who selflessly, helped to make this visit successful when they could have been soaring.

An interesting "flying" photo of the Cubs.
The larger one on the right is club member Mike.

Adversity, brings out the best in people. Today, this was once again demonstrated when the K13 suddenly got a punctured main wheel. Several members arranged to re-inflate the tyre and then take the aircraft to the hangar where the wheel was changed go that the Sunday Soarers would have a 2 seater to fly.

Wheel surgery

Thanks to everyone today for making the day a success. Special mentions must go to Barry and Heather who provided the a lot of winching and cable towing all day without flying themselves. We will make this up to you.

Steve

Dartmoor Gliding News-Wednesday 9th May 2018

A lovely sunny day greeted the early risers. The RASP forecast seemed overly optimistic predicting some  reasonable soaring around mid morning but thermic conditions deteriorating over lunch time. The aviation forecast was for the wind to veer round to the SW and slowly strengthen during the day. An occluded front was due over the far west of Cornwall about 1200 and some showers ahead of that could be expected with cloud steadily increasing from about 11.00.

Needless to say it didn’t work out like that. By 9.30 it was overcast and the wind was already freshening but rigidly staying from the South. Grey clouds loomed but as usual this didn’t stop us. After helping the sorcerer and his apprentice (Colin and Dave) de- rig DMX the very small Wednesday crew of Steve Raine, Phil Hardwick, Mike Sloggett and myself set up the field and took HXP to the launch point.

Visitor Angela Mitchell waiting for her Air Experience Flight

We had two trial flights arrive. The first to fly was Angela Mitchell from Cornwall. As conditions weren’t great she had two flights which she thoroughly enjoyed.  Next up was Peter Prynne from Ivybridge who is slowly working his way through a list of things he wants to do. A recent balloon flight and today two glider flights. He now wants to do a parachute jump, good for you Peter, personally I see no reason to jump out of a perfectly healthy aeroplane.

Not planning to use that parachute are you Peter?

After our happy visitors departed and with the weather deteriorating Mike offered to be ballast whilst I, followed by Phil had a quick flight and practised our cross wind landings. We then packed up the airfield and were all done and dusted by 1500 ready for the rain, which was forecast but needless to say, never arrived.

Steve surveying the view while trying to emulate Mike

A big thank you to Mike Sloggett for being duty instructor and therefore allowing us to fly and to Phil and Steve Raine for winching.

Best flight of the day was 7mins by Mike, hovering with minimal control inputs which I tried and failed to emulate!

Steve Fletcher

Dartmoor Gliding News-Monday 7th May 2018

The sun was shining, an early start, 2x instructors , two k13s and 2 single seaters available, what’s not to like..... well, most members were balancing family commitments with flying.....as it turns out a good call. 

While waiting for enough members to start flying, Rick decided to spend his time efficiently mowing the runway..... until a belt broke on the mower, one to fix.

A low turnout ensured everyone played an important part in the days tasks enabling us to fly. Thanks all. 

No matter how much we tried to talk ourselves into the weather getting thermic it resisted.

It was thermic but a little too far away

With the solo pilots holding back to fly ,just in case it got ”better”  This meant we were able to fly Phil on a One Day Course, and trial lesson Stephen Talbot.
 

Phil and Peter after completing the one day course

Stephen Talbot and Rick

Both enjoyed the sunny flying and are welcome back anytime to continue the learning process.

When Rick had finished with the flying list for instructing he then started rolling the field between launches. It was however a little too vigorously for the ageing roller!

The wooden bearing just gave up

But as Rick is our very own “Mr fix it” it wasn’t long with the help of the assembled team and Ricks tool kit things were sorted. (Fix two)

You hold it I’ll hit it.. what could go wrong

Oh, in the interest of balance I may have forgotten to say that when moving the winch first thing in the morning I found the only soft ,wet area at the east end and got stuck with the tractor and winch. I was rescued by Rick and Phil with lots of skill, brute force and a tow rope. Sorry guys.

(Obviously I am not going to publish those photos on here )

All who wanted to fly ,flew, unheard of on a BANK HOLIDAY

Richard Roberts

Dartmoor gliding News-Sunday 6th May 2018

After a short altercation between BBC and AccuWeather resulted in the Shape Shifting Sunday Soarers once again agreeing to change ends, we had the airfield swapped around much quicker today to meet the a forecast gentle SE'ly, due in no small part to getting the tractor to start first time. And a good job we changed ends too, since the upper air was definitely SE throughout, even when at ground level the occasional afternoon zephyr went SW-wards. Our trainee also pointed out that RASP predicted 3.5 with 6-7 oktas in the afternoon, but that was not to be.

Travelling from Glastonbury to be with us, our One Day Course Student was Phil Butler, an Adventurous Training Instructor.

We also took the opportunity to give Phil’s wife, Shonagh, a view from the air of Dartmoor.

Our One Day Course student today was Phil Butler, an adventurous training instructor who, with his wife Shonagh, had travelled from Glastonbury to be with us. He rapidly settled into the routine, enjoying three launches in the morning before being invited to lunch with the winch team, following which a slightly wizened participant (there was the occasional simulated launch failure) returned to the west end to learn more about 'all three controls together' whilst questioning almost every aspect of our operation. At the end of the day we also flew his wife, Shonagh, in return for spending most of the day exercising their dog on Dartmoor.

Roger Applebom gets air under the wings of his K-6 as he launches in to cloudless sky.

Our trainees did well to make what they could from the conditions. As alluded to above, the 3.5 on RASP was a never to be, but thankfully the stable conditions did not prevent the occasional, nursery thermal from forming, nor did they obscure that all important horizon. Which was all to the good since, once all club members had flown (ie. Roger Appleboom (see photo), Dave Westcott, Jo Nobbs, Dave Downton, and Leith Whittington), and conditions stabilised further, it was possible not only for Ed Borlase for a re-solo in the K-13, but to (following a suitably embellished brief by Dave Downton) for him to convert to the K-8. Well Done, Ed!

Spot the Difference (1):  Ed Borlase re-soloes in the K-13...

Spot the Difference (2): ..and then type converts onto the K-8 (no we didn’t just cut and shut the rear cockpit..!)

So with Jo Nobbs claiming Flight of the Day with a princely 7 mins, our visitors Phil and Shonagh Butler returning to Glastonbury with well walked dog, and Ed having won his spurs in the K-8, what more could one wish for? Well 1,000km with 3,000 m height gain would be nice, but for the Sunday Soarers a nice day spent amongst friends would do even nicer.

Martin Cropper

Dartmoor Gliding News-Saturday 5th May 2018

Today started with an endless blue sky and light variable winds. Early in the morning the Tamar river valley was shrouded in the somewhat theatrically named "Radiation" fog; a sure sign of a good high pressure day.

Rick Wiles hosted the well attended morning briefing during which it was decided to field the 2*K13's and the Zugvogel ( nobody present felt any need to fly the K8 ). It was also decided to leave the airfield set as it was launching to the west although at times the very light winds were drifting from the east. This proved to be a good choice with the wind gradually going around to the west and strengthening to about 5 knots.

One Day Course Candidate Nick (on the right ) with his family.

Right from the first flight there were some thermals to be exploited, marked sometimes by cloud, sometimes not. Low down the thermals were very tight bubbles which generally got more organised ( and easier to use ) as height was gained. The question throughout the day was "will the sea air cut off convection?". In the event a convergence arrived over the runway at around 14:45 which provided an hour or so of additional entertainment ( better thermals ) before leaving us struggling to stay airborne in the cooler, heavier sea air. Great fun.

Visitor Susannah

Visitor Alan

We were joined today by Nick Weldon who was attending for his One Day Course.Nick worked his was through the course syllabus and, by the end of the day, was happily piloting the glider around in the buoyant air. We also welcomed Susannah Mulcock and Alan Horton who both enjoyed some soaring during their Air Experience flights.

The K13's waiting for the Zugvogel before returning to the hangar

 Thanks to all the usual suspects ( you know who you are ) for all the work put in to make this another successful club flying day.

All quiet once more at the end of the day

Steve