Dartmoor Gliding News-Monday 26th August 2019

Bank Holiday Monday, a small group of members gathered under the Dartmoor mist. This was forecast to clear around 11 o’clock, so after a cup of tea and coffee we set about getting thigs ready at a leisurely pace. After finding the new Jeep with a flat battery, Scratch found a loose battery terminal which was tightened and the battery put on charge. It was also discovered that there is an auxiliary position on the ignition switch that allows the key to be removed but the radio will still remain on. Care must be taken to remove the key at the off position which has now been marked.

Following the main brief, I gave our one day course student, Kevin Richards a safety brief and explained what he should expect during the day. We then made our way to the launch point ready to fly.

Kevin Richards looking forward to hi first flight.

By the end of his six flights he was able to fly the aircraft around using all three controls and thoroughly enjoyed his day.

We were also joined today by Saturday soarer Rita Smith. After her three flights, one of 25 minutes her turns had greatly improved and she was very happy with her overall flying.

Private owners Mike/Hugh (K6 FUB), Barry (SF27 FLZ) and Robin/Martin/Phil (Twin Astir DSL) all took turns to launch into the continually varying conditions. Longest flight was Barry with 53 minutes. Scratch, Malcolm and Bob flew the K8 with a longest flight of 14 minutes by Bob.

K8 FXB off on another flight.

Later in the day we were joined by Paula Howarth and boyfriend Fel, who were passing and they wanted to see how things were going. As everybody had had their fill of flying there was time for them to sign forms and have the last few flights. A few calculations and weight conversions allowed Fel to be shoehorned into the front seat of HXP.

Fel smiling before his flight.

Paula doing the last of her pre-flight checks.

Thank you to Heather who retrieved all day again using the new pick-up. Also thanks to all the winch drivers and those at the launch point who kept things moving. 26 flights, which was pretty good for a 11:30 start and a bank holiday.

Peter Howarth