Dartmoor Gliding News-Saturday 27th August 2022

A reasonable looking soaring forecast ( thanks to RASP ) with a little east in the mostly northerly breeze saw us launching from the west end once again.

First up was Mark Elliot with today's instructor Mike Jardine. After 3 good circuits, Mike got out of the back seat, did up the straps and sent Mark solo for his first time. This is a big deal in any pilots journey. Well done Mark.

Mark ,looks very relaxed waiting for his first solo launch

Mike presents Mark with his well earned glider wings.

The thermic conditions tempted the privateers to rig and launch their aircraft and most undertook flights to local turn points; the reservoirs are always popular. There were 5 flights over 2 hours, the longest of which was 2hours 49 by Adam Hoskin in his bright yellow K6CR, who beat Phil Hardwick ( DG303 ) and Ged and Malcolm in the Twin Astir who all recorded 2hrs 48; were you guys flying in formation? A further 4 flightsw were in the 1 to 2 hour range.

Gavin relaxing in his Std Cirrus prior to his 2:35hr flight

Roadford from a distance

...and from overhead

Meldon reservoir

Our visitors today were a One Day Course with Dan Wysall who flew with me and 3 members of the Rooke family who all had 2 flight vouchers who flew with Scratch ( Dene Hitchin).

One Day Course candidate Dan being shown the instruments by Dave Archer

Paul, Maxwell and Sebastian Rooke showing off their certificates 
with Scratch in the background

Our thanks once again to all those who helped make this a successful day sometimes at the expense of their own flying.

Lots of soaring and a first solo. A great day.

We are still looking for the owner of this soaring hat.
We have started a collection for some washing powder

Steve