Dartmoor Gliding News- Monday 31st May 2021

 With a late notification that the field was open for flying on the bank holiday, it was not surprising that the numbers were light despite the easterly forecast which always gives the prospect of wave.

Three trainees were at the field and with the few solo pilots prepared to winch, retrieve and run the launch point, priority was given to the trainees. With a small group it was easy to hold a socially distanced briefing at the launch point.

Socially distanced briefing.

A K13 was taken to the launch point and Peter Mountford was first to fly. After a delay due to a problem with the cables at the winch, we made a start at 11:22. Peter made good use of some rising air to improve his general flying and attempting circuit planning up to the early stages of the approach. Due to the turbulence on the approach I had to take over and land the glider.

Peter climbing well at 2000ft

The third fight made use of weak wave with some patches of good lift.

K13 CCY above the winch.

Next into the K13 was Simon Vallence. During his three flights, Simon again made use of the wave for a flight of 26minutes. He made good progress with general flying, circuit planning and approach control. On his second flight he handled the turbulence on the approach and with some good prompting achieved his first landing. Well done Simon.

We managed to extracate Colin from the inner structure of one of K13 HXP’s wings and he had a flight with me. After landing he said that approach was interesting, but handled it well.

The third trainee was new member Peter Gulyas. He managed three complete flights with only some prompting from the back seat.

Peter Gulyas ready to fly.

K13 on it’s way again.

And back to the hangar at the end of the day.

Today was a day when the solo pilots sacrificed their flying to enable the trainees to take advantage. So, thank you to Andy Davey (launch point), Gavin Short & Scratch (Winch/Retrieve) for their sacrifice and enable some flying at least to be done.

Peter Howarth