Dartmoor Gliding News-Wednesday 26th August 2020

 A strong wind warning in place for early morning but moderating, we took a leisurely approach to getting things ready. The SF27 fresh from it’s CofA and ARC was given a thorough daily inspection by Malcolm ready for a test flight.

SF27 ready for daily inspection.

First to fly today was John Smith with me in the K13. Three flights including two without ASI he made good progress towards re-soloing.

Next to launch was Malcolm in the SF27 on it’s test flight. 

Malcolm launching in the SF27

At the top of the launch Malcolm explored some of the flight characteristics, but due to some heavy sink was soon committed to a circuit and landing. The SF27 was declared fit to join the fleet. Next to convert to the SF27 was Roger Green. Unfortunately while adjusting the rudder pedals it was noticed they were catching on something. Colin was summoned from the hangar, but the aircraft had to be returned to the hangar for a more thorough diagnosis.

While this was happening John O’Connell got ready for his training flights with me in the K13. Three flights and an unplanned demonstration of a launch failure procedure helped him with his progress.

News from the hangar that a ventilation pipe in the nose of the SF27 was causing the restriction of the rudder pedals. This was removed pending a modified pipe to be fitted. We were asked if the aircraft was required back at the launch point. Unfortunately the winch had suffered a mechanical failure. A broken alternator belt needed replacing. With no spare it was decided to stop flying. 

With two cables on the field we were able to launch two gliders. I jumped into my Astir G-CFCJ and Steve Fletcher in his Open Cirrus G-CCGY. I managed an extended flight of 12 minutes, but Steve took flight of the day with 40 minutes.

Steve launching the Open Cirrus

Thank you for all the help around the airfield today. It was good to see Heather back sporting her new footwear and serving tea and coffee in the bus.

Peter Howarth