Dartmoor Gliding News-Wednesday 3rd November 2021

 Damned if you do, damned if you don’t was the scenario today. A light northerly wind with a little easterly was shown by the windsock although various forecasts showed the wind slightly west of north. So an initial decision was made to set up to fly from the west end. Two K13’s and the SF27 were joined by the private Libelle.

Our first visitor was Joy Kentsbeer. Joy, 90 years young who was in the WRENS arrived with her daughter. With a little assistance getting into the glider she was soon off to enjoy two flights with IFP Phil Hardwick.

Joy and Phil ready to go.

Our next visitor was John Scammell. John had previously flown 30 years ago when he lived in Essex. After his first flight with Phil, 13 minutes which remained flight of the day, he was keen to take control of the glider so I replaced Phil in the back seat for some basic instruction. John enjoyed the experience and seemed keen to return in the future to possibly become a member.

John Scammell and Phil.

Another visitor was Colin Parnell who flew with Gavin Short. Colin an ex Royal Marine arrived from Bovey Tracy and had previously flown with us in September. This was a second trial voucher bought for him by his son-in-law.

Colin Parnell with Gavin.

Jean Lyndon was next to arrive. Jean had flown in the Middle East until women were banned from flying was here to relive some flying memories. Jean flew with Phil and left with a smile on her face.

Jean waiting for her pilot.

Our final visitor was Callum Inglehart. A petrol head from Liskeard has rebuilt a Classic Hillman IMP. He was trying gliding and will be trying Power flying at Bodmin soon.

Callum with Phil.

Part way through our list of visitors, the wind had increased and was showing signs of veering to west of north. With this trend it was decided to swap ends which was completed in 45 minutes including walking the aircraft to the ease end.

First to launch was John Smith with Jamie Steel. Only the moderate crosswind prevented John from having a couple of solo flights, but some valuable tips were picked up which will enable John to progress towards the K8 when it returns to the fleet shortly.

Our other solo pilots John Allan (K13), Andy Davey (Libelle) Steve Fletcher (SF27), Martin Broadway (Libelle), Malcolm W-J (SF27) and Hugh Gascoyne (SF27) all enjoyed circuits. The longest of these flights was 10 minutes by Andy.

Pot of gold at end of rainbow, (no just a SF27)

As the sun set at the airfield we were treated to some good cloud formations.

Sunset

Thank you to all at the club today. Although we endured another day of cross winds, at least they were moderate enough to fly and the airfield was dry enough to operate.

Peter Howarth