The forecast was for a moderate NW wind and rasp predicting soaring conditions during the afternoon, we set about rigging as necessary and setting the field up ready to fly. The winch had been left out overnight, so after a quick DI and fuelling the cables were towed out. Aircraft were towed to the east end launch point and we were ready to go.
After earning some brownie points by taking his wife to Normandy for a well earnt break, John Smith was at the club today. Four weeks since his last flight he took a precautionary check flight. After a successful flight he was cleared to fly the K8 when he chose to.
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| John off on his check flight. |
First trainee to fly with me was returning pilot Peter Hamilton. After a demonstration, he was flying his first launches at Dartmoor. Keep going Peter, you are well on your way.
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| Peter briefing Peter!!! |
Our first visitor for duty IFP Phil Hardwick was Fiona Chrichton. A couple of trips by the Jeep brought Fiona and supporting family to the launch point. Suitably briefed, Fiona was shown into the K13 by Phil.
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| Fiona watching with Phil. |
Back on the ground Fiona was given her certificate and joined by her family.
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| Fiona happy with the family. |
The next visitor, Fiona Lazarus arrived and was soon strapped into the K13 ready to fly.
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| Fiona all smiles. |
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| And off she goes. |
After two flights including 17 minutes aloft Fiona left with a smile on her face.
Next trainee to fly with me was Freddie Colton. Getting well through the training syllabus, it's time to get familiar with launch failures. The first flight gave Freddie several chances to finesse the recovery attitude. After a second full flight it was time to put the practice of the first flight into a launch failure. A good recovery and modified circuit shows the lesson had paid off. Well done.
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| Freddie concentrating ready to go. |
Our last visitor Liz Gillingham arrived for her air experience flight. Although she had seen gliders from North Hill overhead near her home, she chose the views over Dartmoor for her flight. 16 minutes soaring gave he some great views of the moor and surrounding area.
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| Liz and Phil ready to go. |
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| Liz and family. |
Solo pilots Adam Hoskin (K6 Woody), Andy Davey (Libelle), Ed Borlase (K6 Cherry B), John Smith (K8) and Colin Boyd (K8) all enjoyed soaring flights. Longest flight Andy 2 hour 26 minutes with Adam 1 hour 22 minutes, Ed 51 minutes and Colin 42 minutes.
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| Adam in K6 Woody |
The last two trainees Ollie Hunt and Riley Powell-Thomas were ready to fly with me. First up was Ollie. Two flights including 27 minutes soaring saw him cope with a strengthening cross wind and also handling the top part of the winch launch. Riley also coped well with the cross wind and the upper part of the launch.
Peter Howarth
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