Dartmoor Gliding News-Wednesday 5th May 2021

The weather for once had read the forecast and duly supplied a brisk 10knots straight down the runway for most of the time with gusts of 15 knots sometimes from the NNW and sometimes from the SSW! That made some fun for the winch drivers with the cables sometimes going over the south fence and sometimes over the North fence. Blustery showers from time to time saw folks sheltering in different vehicles, in the bus, behind the bus and in gliders.

Sheltering from the rain

It was never going to be a great soaring day but that didn’t stop some pilots trying. First up though was welcome visiting instructor James Flory from North Hill who did the pre-requisite site check flights with Mike Sloggett. Mike Sloggett, Mark Courtney and James then worked their way through the days flying list, taking John Allan and Robin Wilson through various exercises and launch failures. Scratch continued his IFP training with Mark Courtney. Mike Bennet also flew with Mark as he works towards his Bronze. Thanks chaps for all your hard work and support, it is very much appreciated. In all 30 flights were made, including practice launch failures.

The birthday boy - visitor Brian

We had two trial flight visitors. The first was Brian Parks who flew with Steve Lewis. This was a surprise 80th Birthday present from his two sons, Brian didn’t know where they were taking him until they drove into our car park. Happy Birthday Brian.

Our second visitor was Robert Pletts who flew with James Flory.

The Zugvogel returns.

Meanwhile the solo pilots searched around for lift with Andy Davey managing 18 mins before the sink returned him to earth.

Today's view

As the day wore on the conditions started to improve for a short time and John Smith took Mike Sloggett on a 20 min soaring flight returning with a big smile on his face. Mikes view from the back looking south towards Plymouth whilst John enjoys a soaring flight.

On seeing the conditions were now more hopeful Hugh Gascoyne scrambled into his K6 to then claim flight of the day with 49 mins. Malcom Wilton Jones  following closely with 38mins in the K8. 

Martin Broadway managed a very creditable 17mins last flight of the day as the clouds started to dissipate. 

A big thank you to everyone for all their hard work especially Colin who drove the retrieve for most of the day without flying. 

Steve Fletcher