Dartmoor Gliding News-Wednesday 14th July 2021

The lack of recent blogs indicates the period of unsettled weather we have experienced. This was the scene at 8:30 when I arrived at the airfield, an indication that we were actually going to fly.

 Empty hangar at 8:30.

The early arrivals had emptied the hangar, set up the winch and towed the cables out ready to fly. This enable a first launch at a respectable 09:58. Although busy at work, Mark Elliott saw the good weather and excused himself to be first into the K13 with me and was soon back up to speed with his general flying.

The next two trainees were Simon Vallance and John O’Connell, who both continued getting to grips with the skills of approaches and landings. John managed the first soaring flight of the day with 16minutes which he was very pleased with.

Simon getting ready.

John contemplating the task ahead.

One day course student Jon Neal returned today to complete his course with us. He had one flight left after rain interrupted flying on Saturday. Jon is hoping to return and carry on his flying journey soon.

Jon Neal completed his course today.

We were joined today by a steady string of visitors. Richard Roberts and newly promoted IFP Hugh Gascoyne were kept busy looking after the visitors who all left happy with their experiences.

Richard with visitor Michael Frogget

Hugh with Chris Goddard.

Richard briefing Anthony Raulins  before flying with Hugh.

Visitor Chris Halford

Our other visitor was Chris Halford also flew with Hugh. The IFP’s did a sterling job, but more training taking photos for the blog needs to be included in the syllabus.

Malcolm Roberts who usually flies as a passenger in the Twin Astir had a couple of flights with me with a view of possibly becoming a handling pilot again and maybe sometime moving back to solo status.

Malcolm back in the front seat.

An ex club member Dick Masters returned to the club after an absence of about 6 years. His love of flying and living in view of soaring gliders has drawn him back as he nears full retirement. He had three flights with me and was soon blowing away the cobwebs.

Dick all smiles back in the cockpit.

Solo pilots Mike Bennett, Roger Green, Steve Fletcher and Martin Broadway all enjoyed flights of various times during the day. After his IFP service Richard Roberts took his Discus for a flight of 1hour 35minutes to claim flight of the day.

Concentration is a must for flying.

Rick Wiles arrived to give Malcolm Wilton-Jones some valuable launch failure practice in the Twin Astir on his road to clearance to fly from the back seat. Rick also continued IFP training with Gavin Short and Phil Hardwick.

The long day ended with the aircraft back in the hangar at 7:33pm. 46 flights and some happy pilots. Thank you to everybody who contributed to the successful days flying.

Peter Howarth