Dartmoor Gliding News-Wednesday 6th October 2021

A ridge of high pressure building over the southwest of England was giving a temporary respite to the frequent low pressure systems tracking across the area. A warm front was forecast to move in late afternoon or early evening, so the small group of members set about getting the airfield ready.

First launch at 10:49 was Robin Wilson with me in K13 HXP. A couple of circuits and a launch failure practice gave Robin some areas to concentrate on towards his route back to solo in the future.

Robin preparing to fly.

IFP Hugh Gascoyne was on duty today to fly with our visitors. First visitor was Ray Ellis. Ray had two flights, the second was 17 minutes.

Ray and Hugh getting ready.

Our second visitor was Richard Pannall who arrived with his wife. They both live in Mary Tavy and often watch us flying above them. Richard managed to see their house during a 44 minute soaring flight.

Richard and Hugh waiting to go.

Mark Courtney arrived about lunch time to fly with prospective Ass-Cat Instructor Jamie Steel. Jamie usually instructs with PNGC at Middle Wallop. Having established a reciprocal membership agreement with PNGC, Jamie is hoping to be added to the Brentor instructing team. He will mainly be flying Wednesday’s with the occasional weekend depending on work commitments.

Mark and Jamie getting ready.

After a couple of flights, Mark was pleased to announce that Jamie was a valuable addition to the instructing team.

Mark congratulating Jamie

Steve Fletcher took the SF27 for a couple of test flights and pronounced it was cleared for return to the fleet. A 12 minute flight for Steve and later 13 minute flight for Gavin Short welcomed this aircraft back.

John Allan added to his solo tally with three flights in K13 HXP including a 22 minute soaring flight.

John off into the air again.

Phil Hardwick and Malcolm Wilton Jones enjoyed a 40 minute soaring flight in the twin Astir

After a couple of check flights John Smith was cleared for solo. The second solo flight was cut short when John released early below cloud at 850ft. A good sign that the approaching warm front was upon us. With the associated drizzle starting to fall it was decided to tow the toys back to the hangar.

John tightening the straps ready to fly.

An early finish, but everybody enjoyed the day which resulted in a new instructor for the club, some soaring for a few and everybody happy with their flying. Thank you to all for your help around the field today.

Peter Howarth