Dartmoor Gliding News-Sunday 22nd July 2018

I arrived at the airfield to find Leith and Phil starting to rig, but the hangar and clubhouse remained locked. This was down to a stubborn padlock that refused to open. After a lot of fiddling we eventually managed to gain access to the hangar and the clubhouse key. Time to put the kettle on for a morning cuppa, only the gas had run out so the generator was started and teas and coffees were soon served.

We then set about the tasks of getting the airfield ready for the days flying. First task was to bring the ML1 on line. Phil Hadwick set about moving the batteries from the Gus winch into ML1 and then towing the winch up on to the field. The airfield was soon set ready for flying. Unfortunately we were further delayed because the Twister Display Team had left their aircraft at the field overnight. The pilots finally arrived and after preparing the aircraft, departed shortly after 11:30. First launch was at 11:43.

Twister Display aircraft at airfield

Twister Display team leaving

First up was John Smith, a returning recent one day course student, who had three flights with me with another two later in the day.

We had a number of private owners that had rigged today. Leith in his Dart, Phil Hardwick in his Astir, Steve Fletcher in his Open Cirrus and Dave Downton in his K6. Also rigged for the first time was Dave Westcott’s K6 for Ed Borlase to convert to and subsequently becoming Dave’s syndicate partner
Colin Boyd was kept busy sorting out instrument problems in the K6’s and test flying both. Dave Westcott first had a flight in the K8 before he converted to his K6. Ed followed shortly after for his conversion flights. Both thoroughly enjoyed their flights.

David Westcott in his K6

Ed Borlase ready for his first flight in a K6

Our first visitor today was a prospective junior member who had two flights with me and some hands on the controls for the first time. A keen flight simulator pilot who will hopefully return and hone his skills in the air. His dad who has flown gliders in the past showed a keen interest in the aircraft and operations. Maybe two possible members.

Our junior member ready to fly with me.

Also Ed brought up Sharon Soper for a friend and family flight. She had two flights with Martin, the second was 32 minutes. She enjoyed both flights and managed not to scream on the second launch.

Sharon Soper and family.

Towards the end of the day, a strange sight was seen. Martin Cropper in a glider that was not a K13. He enjoyed a couple of flights in Dave’s K6.

Martin in the K6.

Josef Knobbs did a sterling job winching all afternoon before having three flights in the K8, which unfortunately were only circuits. The longest flights of the day were Steve Fletcher 1 hour 40 minutes and Phil Hardwick 1 hour 48 minutes.

Thanks to Joe & Alan for winching and everybody else who contributed to a good days flying. A total of 30 flights which was very good considering the late start.

Peter Howarth