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

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