Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 23rd March 2022

 Arriving at the airfield there was a lot of activity rigging private aircraft and setting up the airfield in anticipation of one of the first soaring days of 2022. A moderate easterly wind which was due to moderate as the day went on alongside an improved RASP forecast overnight backed up the keenness to get going.

The first aircraft arrive at the launch point

After the morning briefing it was time to get flying. First into the K13 with me was David Reckitt who is progressing well with coordinated controls and undertook some turn reversals with good results.

David Pleased with his progress

Next into the K13 was Paddy Cosgrave who is undertaking the early stages of circuit planning and using the airbrakes on the approach.

Paddy looking forward to flying

Our visitors arrived ready to fly with Steve Lewis. Father and daughter Anthony and Amy Sanderson. Both had good flights and left with smiles on their faces.

Amy with dad in the background waiting for Steve.

Next on the trainee list was Mark Elliott. Mark is nearing solo, but after his three flights realised that more regular flying and general finesse is required to achieve his goal. New member David Moult flew with Steve Lewis to go through some upper air exercises. A 19 minute flight soon had him turming the glider and managing to maintain a heading.

K6 FUB was at the launch point and flown by syndicate partners Mike Bennett, Hugh Gascoyne and John Allen. The longest FUB flight was claimed by Hugh with 40 minutes. Other solo pilots Malcolm W-J (Twin Astir DSL), Steve Fletcher (Open Cirrus CGY), Scratch (Cirrus FCN) all had flights of various times, the longest of which was Scratch with 1hour 30minutes.

A new sleek machine appeared at the launch point. It was the first outing at DGS for Phil Hardwick's newly acquired DG300 (HME).

Phil ready for his first flight in the DG300

After some careful familiarisation, Phil took off for his inaugural flight. Returning after 37 minutes was very happy with his purchase.

DG300 viewed from the K13.

Another solo pilot, Richard Roberts brought his Discus V5 to the launch point. He disappeared for 2hour 38minutes for a 100km perambulation around Devon, visiting Roadford Reservoir, Burrator Reservoir and Yelverton.

Richard taking off.

Roadford Reservoir

Burrator Reservoir

Yelverton

The final trainee to fly with me was John Smith. After a quick launch failure practice he was cleared for a solo flight in the K13. This was followed with a conversion flight in the K8.

John happy to be in a single seater.

A good day flying with 33 flights and some very happy pilots. Two new type conversions, a 100km flight and other soaring flights. Not bad for a March flying day. Thank you to all at the club today who helped keep thing moving and sorting the usual gliding problems.

Peter Howarth