Dartmoor Gliding News-Wednesday 26th June 2019

Another Wednesday started with low cloud and little prospect of flying before early afternoon if the forecast clearance occurred. Phil Hardwick set about the grass cutting on the south side of the airfield until a broken blade brought this to a temporary halt. Robin was despatched to the stockist to get a replacement. John Smith and Hugh Gasgoyne helped Colin with the ongoing C of A on K13 DMX. I spent some time in the clubhouse with John O’Connell briefing him on approach control. When Robin returned, Phil, John S and myself set about fitting the new blade and grease pipe that was also found to be broken. Following lunch it could be seen that some holes were appearing in the clouds so we started getting things ready to fly.

K13 waiting for cables under the clearing sky.

First launch was finally made at 14:23 with John O’Connell. Unfortunately, with heavy sink and a difficult approach, he was no able to fully put into practice the approach briefing. Next up was John Smith who also found the heavy sink, but coped with the approach for two good landings.

John Smith getting ready to fly.

We had two visitors today brought as friends and family by Martin Broadway. Having explained that conditions were no ideal for air experience flights, they were still keen to have a flight before moving on from the area to continue their European tour.

Michael Spellacy waiting to fly.

Regina Spellacy ready to fly.

Both enjoyed their short flights and found the launch a great thrill.

Next to jump into the front seat was Hugh Gasgoyne. All flights so far were in fairly heavy sink. We could all see a wave bar tantalisingly to the east of the airfield, just too far away to get to. Hugh’s flights followed a similar pattern. Last flight of the day for the K13 was Phil Hardwick with me. A fairly bumpy launch that was abandoned at 1000ft with the speed increasing we levelled out only to find we were in smooth rising air. A few exploratory turns soon resulted in us climbing at 4 to 6 knots.

Still climbing at 2400’.

 Thirty minutes later we landed after a very unexpected flight considering what had gone before. The K8 had been brought from the hangar and Malcolm jumped in after waiting for clearance to fly from me. He took off and returned after his usual hour and climbs to 4700ft.


Thank you to all who turned up today. Some who chose not to fly but winched and helped out. A surprising end to the day and very enjoyable.

Peter Howarth