Whilst the soothsayers pored long and hard over their tea bag to ascertain whether we would need to change ends today, others took one look at the windsock and decided to set up the airfield for an east-west operation. In the event the wind direction and strength were unusually consistent: NW’ly at 12-14 kts making for smooth, predictable approaches. Avoiding the churn of a change of ends was most beneficial, as today was busy, varied and did not need a 45-interruption just when we would normally be enjoying a leisurely lunch.
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Start of the day looking east over Dartmoor as the cold front departs
(note K-8 in left corner). |
Having kicked off the two-seater training flypro a little after 1030, with solo pilots taking the K-8 on the second cable, our first visitor was Jakob Strycharczyk, who flew with IFP Rich Roberts. In typical multi-tasking Rich vein, whilst briefing Jakob he had spotted some darker ‘stuff’ just this side of Blackdown, and was thus able to give Jakob a 10-minute introduction to soaring on their first flight. Jakob clearly enjoyed both flights, and the occasion was also a source a great pride for his family (although perhaps not his younger sister – see photo..!)
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| Visitor Jakob Strycharczyk being briefed by IFP Rich Roberts. |
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| Jakob looks happy after a soaring flight with Rich. |
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| Jakob proudly displays his certificate with members of his family. |
A little later (after Rich had taken up duties as winch-driver), our second visitor was Matt Edworth, who flew with (relieved winch-driver) Peter Howarth. It would appear that Matt hadn’t put a foot wrong until last year when he bought his wife a surfing experience – in return all he got was a couple of flights with Dartmoor Gliding! He managed to get over the disappointment, however, as our photos with Peter show.
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| Busy launch point scene as John Allan departs in the club K-8. |
Our trainees were Mark Worsfold, Mark Elliott, Ray Boundy and Karon Matten. Again, their time aloft was regulated by the presence or otherwise of a decent cloud within reach on release of the cable. In this respect Ray did extremely well to spot a wisp by which, almost by clinging onto it through the canopy, he kept the K-13 in the air for 12 minutes. Amongst other things, Mark, Mark and Karon made good use of the positive but smooth headwind to practice their approaches and landings.
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Mark Worsfold and Martin Cropper discuss their forthcoming flight
(note mirror with which Mark lipreads the instructor). |
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| K-13 on approach as the K-8 lines up to follow. |
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| Returning to solo member Karon Matten keeps the K-13 aloft in sight of Brentor church. |
Today could have been described as a disappointment in not living up to the overly optimistic forecast offered by RASP, but in the event it proved rewardingly challenging soaring-wise, educationally beneficial training-wise, and hugely enjoyable visitor-wise (we hosted more visitors than those who flew – and hope to see them return). Thanks go to a willing and flexible team who ‘flowed through’ the various roles necessary to keep the wheels of the operation turning including, at one point, going to get some diesel to put into the winch’s empty fuel tank..!
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