Dartmoor Gliding News-Wednesday 21st August 2019

With the wind stubbornly due south, we set the field up for the forecast SSW wind. With no cattle in the top field we moved ML1 part way into the field. As it was the cables fell short of the launch point, so this was moved closer to the windsock at the east end. Low cloud delayed the start of flying so we took chance to rig K8 GDK ready for Colin to complete the CofA and ARC.

How many pilots does it take to check control connections?

G-CGDK ready for completion.

Today we welcomed our ODC student, Steve Jackson an ex power pilot who was keen to experience gliding. After the relevant briefs by BI Richard Roberts they were ready to take to the air. This was only after the first training flight resulted in a cable break which drew comments on the ground like, “That looked interesting” and similar. A failed carabina was the culprit which resulted in a delay whilst a replacement was found. Steve soon got used to handling the controls with Richard and later in the day completed his flights with me. He was also keen to be helping around the launch point hooking cables, signalling to the launch controller and moving aircraft around. Looks like we may have a convert from the power world and look forward to seeing him again soon.

Steve Jackson with BI Richard.

Trial flight candidate Umesh Achara also had two flights with Richard and thoroughly enjoyed them.

Umesh Achara and Richard.

Private owners were in abundance today with Mike Bennett (K6), Steve Fletcher (Open Cirrus), Barry Green (SF27), Dave Westcott (K6) and Phil Hardwick/Malcolm Roberts (Twin Astir). The club K8 was flown by Malcolm Wilton-Jones, Bob Sansom and Allan Holland.

Steve’s view of the airfield during his 2 hour flight

Trainees John Smith, Dave Downton and John O’Connell kept me busy in the K13. All making progress, particularly John who today seemed to improve in leaps and bounds. Keep up the good work all.

The last visitor was Richard’s sister-in-law, Sally Raine who enjoyed her experience flight with Richard.

Sally Raine ready to fly with Richard.

Last flight of the day was Steve Jackson with me at 17:42.

Last flight taking off.

A total of 29 flights with everybody flying and having a good day. Many thanks to Heather for retrieving all day and keeping the launch point supplied with cables. Also thanks to the sterling efforts of Dave Downton and Allan Holland who dealt with the cross wind at the winch.

Peter Howarth