Today’s forecast gave light north easterly wind with a ridge of high pressure over the area. With only one K13 available it would be a day of juggling trainees and visitors. We chose to use the Gus winch as this tends to give better launches in the light wind conditions.
First to fly with me was Ray Boundy. At the top of the launch we were greeted with a clear horizon and very still benign conditions. A good day for our trainees and visitors.
Returning one day course student Ryan Baker was next to fly with me. Two flights were used to re-familiarise him with the use of elevator and aileron. Two more flights later in the day saw him move on to coordinating all three controls and start turning the glider. We look forward to seeing Ryan back to continue his training and joining as a full member.
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| Ryan Baker getting ready. |
Our first visitor was Murray Brown, an A level student who arrived with his parents. After his first flight he was offered a second flight. This action man was faced with the difficult decision of accepting or going to the North Cornwall coast for some surfing lessons. Gliding won, the surfing could wait.
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| Murray ready to surf the skies around Dartmoor. |
Our next visitor was Mike Howard (not the Conservative politician) but a family man who arrived with his wife and family from Plymouth. A commercial driver who was going to see a very different view of the countryside. Two flights of 19 and 18 minutes saw him leave very happy.
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| Michael ready to go with the family watching. |
The final visitor was Jonathan Ambler. A local man who was given the experience for his 50th birthday.
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| Jonathan receiving his certificate from Gavin. |
In between the visitors I flew with Freddie Colton to continue his training. His three flights saw him flying the main climb and release parts of the launch. Well don Freddie.
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| Freddie doing pre flight checks. |
Steve Fletcher, Phil Hardwick and Adam Hoskin all made use of the SF27. Longest flight was Phil with 18 minutes. After working on his K6 all day, Adam was rewarded with an extended circuit of 11 minutes.
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| SF27 launching with K13 in circuit. |
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| K13 off on another flight. |
Thank you to Phil and Steve who shared the winching and retrieving today with the Gus winch providing an average 1100ft in the very light wind conditions. Also a special thank you to Paula who popped in after a 30km cycle ride to help at the launch point. As the sun was setting we packed the toys away and everybody left happy.
Peter Howarth
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