Dartmoor Gliding Club News-Wednesday 22nd December 2021

With the RASP forecast giving a 20knt south easterly with gusts of 30knts, I drove to the airfield with little hope of flying. When I arrived we put up the west end windsock which showed a more moderate wind strength which was also confirmed with the windsock at the east end. With the possibility of turbulence on the approach it was decided to fly the serviceable K13 CCY which would be joined later by HXP after Colin had certified the minor airbrake repair.

Mike Bennett all ready.

John Allen preparing to fly.

First to fly with me was John Allen followed by Mike Bennett. Both coped well with the approaches and landings. Meanwhile HXP had arrived at the launch point and was taken for a test flight by Scratch. It was cleared for service and the licensed pilots took turn to fly solo. Malcolm W-J had a couple of extended circuits. Andy Davey claimed flight of the day with 15 minutes in what was thought to be weak wave.

HXP launches whilst CCY returns.

Last into the K13 with me was Steve Fletcher who wanted to get use to back seat flying with the possible thought of progressing onto IFP training in the near future. I flew the first flight for Steve to observe the different view which was followed by two successful flights by Steve. Steve said this was a good confidence boosting exercise.

Steve in the back seat.

Meanwhile in the hangar good progress was made getting the new K13 ready to enter the fleet by Colin and Gavin. Our chairman Steve spent time in the clubhouse getting the necessary paperwork in order for both new K13’s.

Low cloud visible to the east of the moor.

With everybody having flown who wanted to, we packed the toys away until after Christmas. Thank you to all who were at the club today and were glad to have flown when the initial prospect looked poor. All that’s left is for me to whish all at the club a Merry Christmas.

Peter Howarth