Dartmoor Gliding News-Wednesday 2nd February 2022

An overcast day greeted the early arrivals. Cloudbase was estimated to be about 600ft and if the forecast was to be believed, this wouldn’t improve until about late morning. As always we were optimistic that it would be flyable, so we set about getting the airfield and aircraft ready. When done the only thing to do was drink tea and wait, but never to rest on our laurels, an outstanding task was to de-rig K13 HXP ready for its upcoming annual inspection. When done the sky was brightening and we made our way to the launch point. A few remained at the hangar to help Colin make final preparations for K13 FSD to be test flown.

First into the K13 with me was Paddy Cosgrave. Following on from  his steep turn exercise at the weekend, more turning practice and starting to fly and judge his circuit was the order of the day. Keep it up Paddy.

Paddy doing pre-flight checks.

Next a change of seats for me. I occupied the front seat whilst Steve Fletcher took to the back seat. Our series of flights was interrupted by the arrival at the launch point by K13 FSD. Colin and I got ourselves ready to test fly this new addition to the fleet.

Not quite ETPS ( Empire Test Pilot School ), but the best DGS could muster.

Off on the maiden flight.

And safely back.

Steve Fletcher then resumed his back seat practice, but now in FSD.

Safely down in the top field.

Next into the K13 was John Smith. Following a 17 minute soaring flight and two launch failures which were well flown, John was allowed a solo flight.

John ready for another solo flight.

View of the airfield from G-CFSD

We were joined to day by visitor Andrew Downing. IFP duty pilot Gavin Short briefed him for two enjoyable flights. Andrew recently moved to Lamerton having taken early retirement from a career in IT and was considering what he should do as a hobby (the voucher was a present from his family).  His early retirement profile closely mirrored that of Gavin, so there was lots of comparing notes whilst waiting for a launch. With three months membership of the club we hope to see him again.

Andrew and Gavin ready to fly.

The K8 was kept busy with solo pilots Phil Hardwick, John Allan, Steve Lewis, Andy Davey and Hugh Gascoyne all taking turns. Contrary to the forecast some soaring was experienced. A creditable 14 minutes by John Allan, only surpassed by Steve and Andy who both achieved 18 minutes.

K8 off on another flight.

Hangar flights by Richard (CCY) and Robin with me (FSD) saw the close of play with 24 flights and all the toys safely away in the hangar. 

Firsts achieved by K13 FSD:-

First flight at DGS (tick). 

First soaring flight (tick). 

First outlanding – Top Field (tick). 

First cross country – 200 metres (tick). 

First solo flight – John Smith (tick).

A good day flying enjoyed by all at the club. Thank you all for your help today.

Peter Howarth