Dartmoor Gliding News-Aston Down Expedition 2022 Part 4

June 9th 2022

Up with the lark, kind of, Hugh left us by 0730 so now we were seven. Kit out. Gliders rigged. First launch at 0834.  All trying to get some soaring ahead of the rain in the impending occluded front. There was some impressive scratching by Scratch (26 minutes) and Phil (38 minutes). All DGS members had flown by 1000  (Ed: DGS Sunday Soarers take note).

Operating from Runway 21 allowed us to make best use of the 1,500 feet launches, or 1,550 feet in the case of the K-6.

Photo from John's flight of 21 minutes in a grey sky.

The course training continued in the K-21 until the nose wheel got a flat. Not quite an F1 pitstop wheel change followed, but it was just long enough to give the course instructor a tea break. When the rain came it was but a few drops that cleared by midday.  So we paused single seat flying but didn't have to put the toys away.

K-21 circuits continued despite the rain with
 one of the students planning the circuits and landing. Who needs lift?

DGS members were now dressed for Dartmoor conditions

Despite the weather radar says the sky was clear it started raining after lunch.  Squeegees to the fore. The K-21 continued the training.

Andy and Phil went and saw one of the visiting pilots who was also carrying out the annual inspection of an LS4 owned by Sam, the course instructor.

Further flights were taken by the K-6 and the Std. Cirrii. Some launches were up to 1,780 feet which made for a long sleigh ride down to earth. John was man of the match for this particular weather clearance at 21 minutes. There was always promise of a clearance to the south west and better conditions to come but they never did...

Why didn't I get my glider out this morning. Everyone is soaring.

A Std. Cirrus pilot without his toupee, ready to launch

After the rain Mike gets ready to aviate

K-6, FUB, waiting for some action

Finally the blogger gets his happy face recorded while waiting for a 1,500 foot launch

Mike Bennett landing in the K6.

With the DGS private gliders put to bed we got stuck in with running club operations until 1930 by which time this delayed steak night but it was no less welcome when it was ready: Irish rump steak, fried egg, mushrooms, peas, and artisan served chips with peppercorn sauce for those who wished.

Scratch takes an inverted view of the local scenery

Calling cloud spotters. What type of could is this

Gavin Short