Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 10th July 2022

Sun cream, drinks and hats were the order of the day. With the forecast giving an almost certain clear blue sky and temperatures due to reach 25°C plus, a steady stream of pilots arrived at the club. Two K13's, K8 and 3 private aircraft were DI'd and towed to the launch point.

First to fly with me was David Moult. David is starting to fly the top part of the launch and getting used to circuit planning with generally improving control coordination.

David with his distinctive headwear.

After a few weeks away due to work commitments, Freddie Colton was back to continue his training. Three flights saw him back up to speed and eager to progress on to the next stages.

Freddie keeping good lookout.

Our first visitor arrived for duty IFP Phil Hardwick to introduce to our lovely sport. Jason King (no not 1970's actor Peter Wyngarde) was briefed and was soon off on on his flight.

Jason and Phil waiting to launch.

The next visitor, Jon Hatch (sorry no picture) had arrived and enjoyed two flights, the second a soaring flight of 15 minutes, the first soaring flight of the day.

Jon off on his flight.

The first signs of soaring spurred Richard to take a launch. If he was able to stay up, the plan was to do a lead and follow with Hugh (K6 FUB) and Adam (K6 BVR). Richard returned after 8 minutes and the plans were curtailed to local soaring only for the K6's.

Richard did take another launch and started out on the original task of 100km out/return to Barnstaple. Having reached Hatherleigh and only one not so inviting cloud he made the decision to turn around and head home.

Richard's view towards Barnstaple.

Our junior trainees, Oliver Hunt and Riley Powell-Thomas were back today after a few weeks away. They both made good progress trying to perfect approaches and landings and also handling the upper part of the launch.

Riley contemplating the flight.

Ollie watching another glider in the thermal.

The last visitor to fly with Phil was Patrick Jenkins. He was treated to a 27 minute soaring flight with clear views around the area.

Patrick after his flight.

After erecting a new paperwork desk area in the bus, John Smith came to the west end launch area and took the K8 for a flight. He was rewarded with a 16 minute flight. Martin Broadway and Adam Hoskin also had short flights after helping around the club today.

As there wasn't enough time and a tired instructor, late arrivals Andrew Downing and Robin Wilson were allowed two flights and one flight respectively before we packed up. One of Andrew's flights resulted in a demonstration of landing in a different direction due to running out of height (ed - my shortest walk of the day back to the launch point).

K13 view of the airfield

A day that promised more than it delivered, mainly due to the stubbornly blue sky over the airfield and lift not as widespread as per forecasts. Thank you to all at the airfield today.

Peter Howarth