Dartmoor Gliding News-Wednesday 12th August 2020

With yellow warnings for thunderstorms continuing we going to rely on other forecasts and keep an eye on conditions should anything develop. Rasp gave a very optimistic outlook for the afternoon, so would there be anything to celebrate today.

First to fly today was John O’Connell. Returning to fly for the first time after the poor winter weather and lockdown.

John back in the front seat.

By the end of the day after five flights, John was doing the complete launch and flying the circuit. Hopefully he will be back to where he was and doing the complete flight in the near future. On his third flight we were lucky to contact a thermal and extend the flight to 22 minutes.

The second trainee was Johns Smith, who made good progress towards re-soloing in the near future.

The first solo pilots to try their hand were Barry (K8), Malcolm (K8), Andy (Zugvogel) and Steve L (Zugvogel). Longest flight of these was 7 minutes. Up stepped Roger Green with the ASW20 fitted with wing tips. But even with a glide angle of 44:1 could only manage a meagre 7 minutes. Next in line was Richard in the Discus. After dropping the cable over the fence he was seen climbing slowly away. But after this one climb he slowly decended without finding other lift for a flight of 22 minutes.

Richard nearly ready to launch.

Next to get ready whilst watching Richard was Steve F in his Open Cirrus.

Open Cirrus Waiting.

After launching he was soon climbing away. This inspired the Twin Astir to try again with Phil Hardwick and Martin Broadway on board only to return after 4 minutes. Steve Lewis also decided to try again in the Zugvogel and managed to find some lift and climb away. Steve Fletcher finally returned as did Steve Lewis. Steve Lewis had managed 46 minutes, but Steve Fletcher was able to celebrate the longest flight of the day with 51 minutes. This was not the only celebration for Steve, as today was exactly 5 years since Steve first flew at DGS and rekindled his love of flying after 35 year lay-off. Well done Steve.

Peter Howarth