Dartmoor Gliding News-Sunday 20th June 2021

Gliding, like life, is a matter of priorities.  And today’s top priority was a choice between getting the Atom ( see note 1) mast fitted to the clubhouse, or to fly.  Clearly, in the view of former Chairman Rich Roberts, having made the tea and asking if anyone had a drill, it was going to be the Atom.  Flying could wait: at least until the cloudbase lifted.  So off we went (like a bunch of hi-hos) with drill, clamps and pole in hand to assist.  Rich, who is clearly a member of the Worshipful Company of Eyeball, Drill and That’ll Do It Craftsmen, had come unusually ill prepared for the task and, by the time we had worked our way through various wrong-sized clamps, screws (second-hand) and donated drill bits (blunt) the cloudbase (not clubhouse) had indeed lifted by a significant margin. That said, the mast is now fixed above the ‘back door’ of the clubhouse (which is now a hard hat zone).  

Rich Roberts drills the clubhouse gable in readiness for the Atom mast.

On RASP, the ‘window of opportunity’ was brief and so, in view of the predicted light S/SE’ly, we quickly got the airfield ready to launch from the west end.  Returning trainee Paddy Cosgrave, (class of 2004) was then able to exploit two brace of cables to practice stalling, trimming, slip and skid before spit-spots of rain deemed it prudent to return the K-13 to the hangar.  With other priorities, including Father’s Day, beginning to take precedence it was time to make tracks for home.

Trainee Paddy Cosgrave prepares for flight with instructor Martin Cropper.

 K-13 G-DCCY on approach from the west end.

None of today’s flying would have been possible, however, without the willing participation of Rich Roberts (winch), Andy Davies (on wingtip) and Peter Howarth (on drums…well, comms!)  Thank you all.

Martin Cropper

Note1  Atom: a station to re-transmit FLARM and ADS-B signals received from aircraft within range to aid electronic conspicuity and coverage provided by various apps such as ‘Glider Finder’ etc.

Dartmoor Gliding News-Saturday 19th June 2021

 Members responded to a “call to arms” from one of the duty instructors (Ed: can an email really be a “call to arms”?)  and by 0900 all the equipment was out on the field or arranged, daily inspections completed, ready to go up to the start point.  Today the start point was at the western end for a forecast southerly wind.  This included all four of the club aircraft, more of that later.

One Day Course Candidates Bob and Geof

Shortly afterwards we welcomed our two one-day course candidates; Robert Hone and Geoffrey Fairmiloe.  Bob and Geoff live in the same street in Wembury and conspired to undertake the challenge together.  Rick Willes promptly took them into the club house for an introductory briefing as the final arrangements on the field were being made.  Both seemed to thoroughly enjoy their flights with Rick in K-13 CCY, of which most soaring flights.  In the end Geoffrey (27 mins) pipped Bob (18 mins).  Both took part in launch operations and observed retrieve and winch operations at the other end of the field; mostly in the pleasant sunshine.

I started the day as the Duty Pilot (to coordinate launch operations) as we thought it was going to be busy.  But after the club soaring week DGS members had melded into a well-oiled machine with members ready with the quad bikes to bring the gliders back to the launch point.  So I stepped down from Duty Pilot duty and the various duty positions were filled and rotated in an almost symbiotic way.  The launch point chalk board was hardly needed… much to the chagrin of some.

Later in the day Ed Borlase brought Barnaby, his 16 year old cousin, up to the site for “friends a family” flight; Barnaby had two circuits with Rick in CCY.  Then Rick then flew twice with pre-solo member David Archer (9 and 10 mins).

Barrnaby and Rick

In the other K-13, DMX, Mike continued training our pre-solo members throughout the day with several flights a piece.  All had soaring flights; Mark Elliott (33 mins), Simon Vallance (26 mins), John Allan (23 mins), Paddy Cosgrave (9 mins), and John Smith (15 mins).

Mark Elliott taking the thermal to over 2,000 feet at the star of the day,

The view of the airfield from 2,200 feet from the east

While all this was going on Richard, in his Discus, managed 1hr 34 mins (the flight of the day) by going cross country to Yelverton, then to Hatherleigh where the cloud base was at 2,800ft, and back to Brentor  where we experienced a 1,200ft cloud base several times during the day.  After landing he did his stint in the winch.

Paddy running the wing of DMX

And Safely on it's way

Mike Bennett made four flights in the K-8, FXB, frustratingly picking when the weather had “cycled” each time and so these flights were just circuits.  However, he was awarded the best “Spot landing of the day” with a 10/10 score.  Today we had taken down the hurdle fence, as there was no stock in the top field, which made spot landings an impressive sight for our one-day course candidates.  Mike then went on to make an even better spot landing and later managed a short soaring flight of 8 mins.

The SF27 on final approach

I managed a meagre 7 mins in the K-8 whereas the other solo pilots fared much better; Steve Fletcher clocked up 23 minutes, Adam Hoskins 31 minutes, and “K-8 King of the Day” was Malcom Wilton-Jones with 1hr and 2 minutes.  Malcolm and I had re-plumbed the instrument panel on Friday to cure a case “stick lift” on the mechanical variometer.  However, why he needed more than an hour to test the instruments is a mystery to me!

CCY takes off again

Such was the soaring to be had that all four club aircraft and Richard’s Discus were airborne simultaneously for quite a period at one time which let the ground crew have a leisurely lunch!

And back again

Meanwhile at the hangar, the Colin, our resident BGA glider inspector was conducting an annual inspection and Airworthiness Review Check of the Twin Astir with syndicate members Ged, Phil, and Robin.  The inspection was observed by Dave Bouchier who was beavering away on all things mechanical in the hangar to keep the flying operations going - thanks Dave.  Also, Scratch was using the repaired strimmer to good effect but was shut down twice at the western end to allow gliders to launch in peace.  Heather, kept the launch rate up with sterling service on the retrieve.  Thank you Heather.

John Smith finding strong thermals late afternoon

Throughout the day the weather cycled several times and then the overdevelopment became permanent, but the expected lunchtime showers didn’t materialise.  Higher cloud reduced the heating of the ground in the afternoon but thermal conditions continued until the end of the day.  In the mid-afternoon our one-day course candidates were treated to a display of wave clouds, lenticulars, across the south-eastern sky.  Sadly, they were transitory and didn’t establish themselves close enough to the field to allow us to have some fun.

In all, it was a remarkable day as although some pilots had some circuits every pilot that flew, who was a member or on a course, had at least one soaring flight.

By 1700, the wind at the winch had backed and was almost straight down the runway which made for some easy launches (I was winching by then).  But then it veered to the south and was totally cross.  After some careful consideration of the conditions by Mike and Rick, the air mass was considered too bumpy to continue. 

Meanwhile, the rain cloud from the moors was approaching and just made itself known as we were leaving the site having packed all the toys away.

So, 36 flights in a day that covered two one-day courses, friends and family flights, pre-solo flying training, solo flying, and competition training.  Total flight time was 9 hours 14 minutes.  Not bad for a “so, so” forecast and one which made Robin very happy, even though he didn’t fly; he is our Field Treasurer!

Gavin Short

Dartmoor Gliding News-Friday 18th June 2021

 Unfortunately it wasn’t possible to fly today: despite a clear blue sky and beaming sunshine (hence the team had all the equipment out early ready to go) the wind was, in equal parts: too crossed, too strong and too gusty.  

 A launch point devoid of gliders: despite the clear blue sky,
the wind was too crossed and strong

We decided to wait: there was always a chance, as predicted, that it might moderate ‘later’.  By 1:30pm, with updated forecasts to hand, it was clear that any decline in windspeed or gusts was not going to be before 4pm and so we drew stumps.  

That said, the opportunity was taken to get some very useful ground school/work done: Rich Roberts held an al fresco teach-in on Assigned Area Tasks, new member Paddy Cosgrave got those vital briefing boxes ticked off on his training card (he still has his training card from when he flew with us in 2004, but we decided that it may be a little time expired by now), 

 Rich Roberts conducting an AAT briefing for aspiring cross-country pilots.

Scratch cut the grass, Ed Borlase introduced his brother Barney to the delights of the simulator, whilst Gavin Short press ganged Malcolm Wilton-Jones into helping him discover why the air was so rebellious about remaining within the tyre of his Standard Cirrus (new inner tube eventually provided the required ‘containment boundary’). 

So not the triumphant end to the week that some were hoping for or expecting (yesterday’s RASP was predicting 4.5 stars – this morning the ‘4’ had been removed!), which was a shame as, if some kind hearted and (very) deep pocketed soul would procure the land on which we could lay a north-south runway (not very wide), we could have flown today.  Any takers??

Martin Cropper

Dartmoor Gliding News-Wednesday 16th June 2021

Day three of the soaring week was greeted with low cloud over the airfield, but the forecast said this would clear late morning, so it was a leisurely start to the day getting things ready. It would be a day when the DGS pixies appeared throughout the day.

Whilst carrying out the daily inspection of the K13 the rear wheel was found to have a puncture. This was when the first pixie appeared.

Pixie 1 working on the rear wheel of DMX

Whilst this was being done another two pixies were seen at the workbench fixing spare wheels for the aircraft.

Pixies repairing wheels.

Another pixie arrived at the airfield in his green chariot.

Pixie 4 with his green chariot

By now the cloudbase had risen enough for two optimistic Twin Astir syndicate members (Ged Nevisky and Robin Wilson) to take a launch to see if it was flyable. After a 1200ft launch the club K13 and K8 were towed to the launch point. John Allen and John Smith both flew with me. John Allen flew good circuits and another launch failure. John Smith had a soaring flight where we revisited spinning to take advantage of the 2400ft cloudbase. He also flew a good launch failure practice. Well done John and John.

John Smith climbing well.

To lighten my load Steve Lewis agreed to fly with Paddy Cosgrave and Simon Vallance to do some upper air work practicing turning and trimming. This enabled me to take a well earned break and fly the K8 for a 39 minute soaring flight.

My view of the launch point with Twin Astir waiting and K13 being retrieved.

Malcolm Wilton-Jones had a flight of 30 minutes in the K8, But Gavin Short took flight of the day with a flight of 43 minutes.

Gavin soaring in the K8

During lunch two more pixies were seen sitting outside the bus enjoying the sun and lunch.

Pixies picnicking beside the bus.

The final flights of the day were Hugh Gascoyne flying with me to get some last minute practice for tomorrows IFP training.

The chairman was seen in the hangar sporting the latest gliding accessory.

Latest must have gliding accessory.

Thank you to those who organised easing my workload for today. It was much appreciated, you know who you are. Thanks also to everybody who helped around the airfield to keep things running smoothly.

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News-Tuesday 15th June 2021

Day two of the soaring week saw a group of members keen to fly including 5 trainees which meant it was going to be a busy day for me. Hence I must apologise for the lack of new photos. Also the usual other photo contributors were equally remiss, so the photos included are archive photos which may result in people in the wrong aircraft or even appear to be flying from the wrong end. A light and variable wind was forecast, so we set up to fly from the east end.

Following on from yesterday’s blog, the SupaCat was on line and ready for testing after swapping the radio from the Gus winch. This was quickly executed by Scratch.

SupaCat back on line.

The trainees in order of flying were Patrick Cosgrave, Simon Vallance, Robin Wilson, John Allen and John O’Connell. All made progress towards their own individual aims. John O’Connell was welcomed back for his first flights since lockdown and some personal reasons. Good to see you John.

John Happy to be back flying.

John Allen in circuit.

K8 launching

Solo pilots Scratch, Roger Green and Gavin Short all took their turn in the K8. Longest of their flights was Roger with 20 minutes. Also Phil Harwick had a couple of circuits in Astir (FCJ) and Steve Fletcher flew Open Cirrus (CGY). Steve achieved longest flight of 34 minutes and practiced use of his drogue chute on his approach.

Steve practicing using drogue chute.

After Scratches work yesterday getting the SupaCat back on line, the winch performed faultlessly until I caused a couple of loops on the drum whilst inducing a couple of launch failures on John Allen. Something we have to live with executing this important part of the training syllabus. Thanks to all at the airfield today for all your help.

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News-Monday 14th June 2021

The first day of the soaring week saw a group of members keen to fly. CFI Mark Courtney was on site and after the morning briefing a K13 and SF27 were towed to the east end launch point. They were joined by the Open Cirrus and Astir.

Astir and Open Cirrus under what looked an inviting sky.

First into the K13 with Mark was John Allen. Three good flights making some good decisions without prompting and a couple of minor errors rectified showed John is well on his way to achieve his solo ambition.

Mark and John doing pre-flight checks.

New member Patrick Cosgrave was next to fly with me. He made good progress with early flying skills and the use of the trim. His four flights included a demonstration of how to fly a launch failure when we had a cable break. Store this one away Patrick for future use when you will need to undertake this part of your training.

Robin Wilson was next to fly with me to try and hone his flying finesse ready to return to solo soon. His third flight managed to be extended to 10 minutes which remained the longest flight of the day..

Mark’s next pilot to fly with was Mike Bennett, who flew some exercises on his road towards his Bronze C.

Mark and Mike all smiles before their flight.

Steve Fletcher (Open Cirrus) and Malcolm Wilton-Jones both tried their luck, but only managed circuits despite the sky looking more inviting.

Malcolm strapping into the SF27.

Lastly in the K13 were Hugh Gascoyne and Scratch who took turns to fly from the back seat and get some valuable practice for their up and coming IFP assessments.

Hugh and Scratch – IFP’s in waiting.

A big thank you to Scratch who put in some hard work with his Grinder and got the SupaCat winch ready to be brought back on line. At the end of the day it was placed alongside the Gus winch ready for trial and use on Tuesday. More about this in the next blog.

Thanks for all the help around the airfield, keeping things moving achieving 22 flights which wasn’t too bad considering the 11 O’Clock start.

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News-Sunday 13th June 2021

Most naval aviators are rubbish at dealing with crosswinds – all they do is ask the ship to alter course and, as if by magic, the perfect ‘flying wind’ appears!  In the control tower of the bus today, , with the wind remaining east of south (instead of west as forecast) and despite having a VHF microphone to hand, it was impossible to order the airfield to change course!  And so it was down to us to gather up, lift, shift, and change ends.  Which proved to be a bonus for our first set of visitors, who were able to wave goodbye to loved one Mark Nicholls at the east end, join the caravanserai of vehicles down the dusty centre track, and greet him on his return to earth at the west end (courtesy of a soaring flight with BI Rich Roberts)!  

Visitor Mark Nicholls giving his family a wave on approach…

…and here they are..!

Mark the first of three visitors we hosted today.  Second was Mike Barnes, who was ready and waiting at the west end when Mark landed, and third was local resident Sarah Dean, whose flight met her ambition of being able to “see my house from here..”!

 Visitor Mike Barnes enjoying instructor Rich Roberts’s pre-flight briefing.

 Local visitor Sarah Dean with instructor Rich Roberts.

The viz was fantastic, the humidity low, the wind light SE’ly, but the pressure high – suppressing thermals, their signifying cumulus and launch heights – all very frustrating.  For our solo pilots it was like flying by braille: there was lift around but you had to feel your way; and then it seemed to top out at no more than 1,200-1,500ft!  As Adam Hoskin, flying the club K-8, put it, “It was hard work: I picked up a little line of lift to the SE which I allowed to drift me back over the airfield but once I tried pushing forward it was difficult to stay in”.  A couple of pilots, however, had greater success.  Steve Fletcher, in his 18m Open Cirrus managed 13 minutes, but even better was Ed Borlase, fresh from passing his Bronze ‘C’ exam, who emphatically achieved Flight of the Day with 36 minutes, and two climbs to 2,200ft agl.

Ed Borlase about to launch in the club K-8 (photo: Natalie Soper).

The club K-8 (left) and K-13 share a thermal (photo: Natalie Soper).

James Bond-like Steve Fletcher deploys the drag parachute
on approach to land in his Open Cirrus.

Dave Westcott making his pre-flight checks in club K-8 FXB.

In the two-seater trainees Mark Elliott, Ray Boundy (who achieved two creditable flights of 13 and 17 minutes) and John Smith (who should be returning to solo very soon) flew with Martin Cropper. Instructor Peter Howarth also flew with daughter Paula in K-13 CCY, as she stopped off at the airfield during one of her cycle rides – thus keeping her feet on some sort of pedals for most of the day..!

It’s a family thing: (PH x 2)as Peter and Paula Howarth
prepare to launch in K-13 CCY.

Trainee Mark Elliott on approach in K-13 DMX
(before the change of ends).

Mark being debriefed by instructor Martin Cropper.

Thanks go in particular to those who arrived, helped out but didn’t fly – you know who you are.

Now, if I just shout loudly enough into this microphone, perhaps I can get the airfield on the perfect ‘flying course’ for tomorrow!

Martin Cropper

Dartmoor Gliding News-Sunday 6th June 2021

Today was a day of one half: the second.  Starting the day with a uniformly steel grey cloudscape, some shape gradually became evident as the cloudbase lifted until, at lunchtime a patch of blue (big enough for a Dutchman’s trousers) was seen and heat to be felt.  And so we set off with a K-13 and K-8 for the east end launchpoint (the forecast wind being north-westerly).  On arrival we found the wind to be exactly the contrary: southerly with a hint of east in it (but never enough to provoke a change of ends). 

Colin Boyd prepares for flight in club K-8 FXB…

…and safely gets away.

Ray Boundy flew the weather check and quickly found smooth lift to cloudbase at 1,500ft agl.  Responding to the call Ed Borlase then took the K-8 away for almost an hour, achieving over 2,000ft.  Karon Matten took her first flight of 2021, and Colin Boyd maintained currency prior to playing in his first live pub performance for over a year. 

Rich Roberts in his Discus on approach.

In the expectation of continued improvement Richard Roberts then ‘threw’ his Discus together…  Sadly, the cloud began to disperse as blue patches became the majority, thus curtailing his ambitions for a late cross-country, although – returning from the winch (Guslaunch) – Peter Howarth managed a creditable 16 minutes in the K-8.  New member Peter Gulyas continued his progress with three flights in which he made his first landings at the east end – with a 90° crosswind – well done, Peter.

 Ed Borlase using the ‘follow the buzzard’ centring technique…

…which seemed to work as he approaches cloudbase at 2,000ft.

A day which unexpectedly gave us twelve launches where we thought we were going to have none and which was to the credit of the assembled few (including those who didn’t fly) for their flexibility and teamwork.

Martin Cropper