Dartmoor Gliding News-Wednesday 30th June 2021

The early arrivals set about setting the airfield up. The winch was taken to the west end and the cables towed out. The aircraft were liberated from the hangar, DI’d and towed to the east end launch point. By now other members had arrived and after the morning brief first launch was made at 10:16. This flight only lasted 1 minute as it was an ultra-low launch failure demonstration by me with John Allan in the front seat. John then flew the next two launches, which included a practice launch failure.

Long Mynd visiting pilot, Matthew Cook got another leave of absence pass whilst on holiday to come back and fly with us today. Matthew had three flights in the K8, the longest being 38 minutes, which  was flight of the day.

Matthew happy to be flying with us again.

Paddy Cosgrave was next to fly with me in DMX. During the first flight a problem with the varios was noticed. On landing this was diagnosed to a missing total energy probe. Luckily this was found near to the launch point. So that flying could continue CCY was brought from the hangar. In a manoeuvre carefully coreographed by Commander Short and his new ground station radio, DMX was returned to the hangar and CCY brought to the launch point. Paddy continued his training in CCY with some stalls and general flying skills.

Malcolm Wilton-Jones took to the back seat of the Twin Astir as a new syndicate member. With Robin Wilson in the front seat they had two flights. The longest of which was 27 minutes.

With a good looking sky, Steve Fletcher decided to rig his Open Cirrus. By the time he launched things did not look so good and he was soon returning to land.

The Open Cirrus on approach.

Both John O’Connell and Simon Vallance flew with me and both flew complete flights on their individual roads to future success.

Hugh Gascoyne stepped into the K8, but only managed a couple of circuits.

Hugh and Steve discussing their flights.

With the calm conditions, John Allan returned to the front seat. After another awkward height cable break practice, it was time to put all his good training and flying into practice with his first solo flight.

John happy to be going solo.

Off he goes.

And returns as seen from the winch.

Down safe and very happy.

John’s second flight was his first solo cable break, which was flown perfectly as per the training. This was followed by a third flight with a full launch and good circuit and landing. Well done John, the real flying and learning starts here.

Rick Wiles had arrived to witness the above event and the settled into the front seat of the K13 to carry on with some IFP training with Gavin Short and Phil Hardwick.

IFP training by Rick with Gavin & Phil.

A good days flying with 32 flights. Thank you to everybody who contributed to the successful days flying. Once again, congratulations to John Allan in achieving his solo goal.

Peter Howarth