Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 3rd April 2022

A light north westerly wind with a RASP forecast of 5 stars I was expecting more solo pilots to be at the club. Although Richard Roberts was at the club, he sacrificed his own flying to encourage other pilots to plan their own targets. More later.

First into the K13 with me was Paddy Cosgrave. The first two flights were short giving him chance to practice circuit planning and the early stages of the approach. The third was a soaring flight to over 3000ft and gave Paddy his longest flight to date with 37 minutes.

Paddy all smiles after his longest flight to date.

Next into the K13 with me was David Moult. Two flights including a soaring flight of 29 minutes. With many shouts of "Rudder" from the back seat the soaring flight gave David plenty of opportunity to improve coordination of controls.

We were joined today by visitor Andrew Pooley. Andrew's trial flight voucher was a surprise gift from his wife Anna who came to the airfield with their two young children.  He only suspected what was afoot when they turned at the DGS "learn to fly a glider" signpost on the Tavistock to Sourton road.  Andrew currently works in the health care provision industry and had in the past been an infantryman. So it was a pleasure to fly him to 4,000 feet in our "Fly Navy" Glider, G-CFSD.

Andrew Pooley with IFP Gavin Short.

The first of the solo pilots, Steve Fletcher launched in his Open Cirrus CGY for a 300km out and return flight to Chicklade. Steve landed out at Crewkerne having flown 210km in just over 4 hours. More detail will follow in a separate blog.

Steve safely down near Crewkern.

Ed Borlase also took off in his K6 EWO for an attempt at 5 hours. He managed 2 hours and 39 minutes, landing as he was feeling cold and starting to get tired. Better luck next time in the warmth of the summer.

Ed's view north over Blackdown

Ed’s view south with paragliders.

Next to fly with me was Freddie Colton. His three flights culminated in two complete flights with no input other than verbal prompts from the instructor. These were his first complete flights. Well done Freddie.

A very happy Freddie

Returning junior pilots Oliver Hunt and Riley Powell-Thomas. They both flew with BI Richard Roberts to bring the both back up to speed after their absence.

After a couple of flights with Malcolm Roberts in the Twin Astir, Phil Hardwick was joined by his wife Jackie. Despite having flown for several years, Phil was going to take Jackie for her first ever flight in a glider.

Jackie and Phil Hardwick ready to fly.

Colin Boyd popped in whilst out for a drive. With a bit of spare time he had a couple of flights with me on his road back to solo. After a failed cycle ride we were joined by Paula Howarth who helped run the log while Freddie flew. As a reward I took Paula for a hangar flight at the end of the day.

Paula happy to fly again.

A day that promised a lot more than it actually delivered. As we packed up Richard and Gavin departed to go and pick Steve up, returning at 21:30 after a safe retrieve. Thank you to all at the club today.

Peter Howarth