Dartmoor Gliding News-Sunday 14th July 2019

Martin and Irene getting airborne in K-13 HXP.

“For the first time ever I’ve had 10 up all the way around the circle – incredible!” Those were the words of Peter Howarth who, returning from yet another 30 mins plus flight, declared that he had never know lift like he experienced today. And why? Well, an almost slack easterly airflow delivered a sky of two halves – to the east the panorama was blue, indicating sinking air, whilst overhead at the west end was a broad but ragged carpet of grey cloud, indicating convection, possibly assisted by wave. Thus it was that Peter, flying with trial flight visitors Steve Tedley and Patricia Mawer, and Martin Cropper with Irene Chapman, were able to give all of them soaring flights.

Visitor Irene Chapman is presented with her certificate by Martin Cropper

Peter Howarth discussing the finer points of gliding flight with visitor Patricia Mawer.

Visitor Steve Tedley is presented with his certificate by Peter Howarth.

Returning solo pilot Dave Downton about to be connected by Joe Nobbs.

Privateer Roger Green (ASW-20 FRW) launched at 1150 to explore the local area, returning with photos from as far afield as Plymouth, Roadford and New Bridge over the River Tamar at Gunnislake (see photos), reporting a max height of 3,600ft and easy 3-6 kt thermals all round.

Gunnislake in the upper half of the photo.

Roger Green’s view of HMP Dartmoor during his aerial tour of West Devon.

Other solo flights were made by Ed Borlase (K-6 EWO) and Steve Fletcher, Phil Hardwick and Martin Cropper in the club K-8, with Joe Nobbs completing the ‘stakeholder engagement’ team. Although there was no incursion by sea-breeze, conditions gradually became flatter as the afternoon progressed and, satisfied that all who wanted to had done so, we returned the gliders to the hangar at around 1700.

Ed Borlase about to get airborne in his K-6CR.

Thanks go to winch drivers Steve Fletcher and Phil Hardwick for consistently delivering launches to 1,200ft plus, a considerable achievement on the short, east run given the light wind conditions. And especial thanks go to Peter Howarth who, up with the lark as ever, arrived at the airfield well before anyone else in order to make the Sunday team’s contribution to the grass cutting effort.

Martin Cropper