The day started with a frost under a clear blue sky and in still air; what a change from the howling gales and torrential rain from the past week!
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Calm conditions on Dartmoor in the middle of winter |
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Waiting for the canopy misting to clear |
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The early morning fog still clinging to the Tamar Estuary |
The gliders were out early and after a short wait due to canopy misting. it was game on. There was very little chance of a soaring flight on these conditions but that did not stop the training flights in the K13s or the solo pilots retaining recency in the K8.
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K13 on finals |
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The K8 launches again |
By far the biggest news of the day was that club stalwart Dave Archer flew his first solo flight followed later by another solo (just to prove that the first was not a fluke perhaps?). Well done Dave.
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A relaxed Dave waiting to solo for the first time and... |
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... off he goes |
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Mike presents Dave with his wings |
We welcomed One Day Course candidate Charlie Tucker who flew with me and used the absolutely smooth air to get to grips with the controls. Mackenzie Mclaughin and Dave Stewart both enjoyed Air Experience flights with Scratch ( Dene Hitchen). Also visiting today was experienced glider pilot Phillip Morgan who, after a couple check flights, made use of the K8 for a little wafting about in the gentle conditions.
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One Day Course Candidate Charlie ready to go. Soaring hat and sunglasses? I was hoping for great things |
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Mackenzie receives his certificate from Scratch while Dad looks on |
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Dave Stewart and Scratch ready to go |
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a very relaxed visiting pilot Phillip laying claim to the K8 |
Early afternoon the sky clouded over and gradually got darker and darker. Although this looked to be threatening rain, it never happened. It did. however, get very chilly and jackets, hats and gloves were soon widespread among the members.
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The cloud cover increased rapidly during the early afternoon |
Winching often goes un-mentioned but today saw the use of the GusLaunch winch with several members being trained in it's use. This is part of a plan to ensure that it our reserve winch gets some regular use.
Special thanks today must go to Stephen Fletcher who operated as Duty pilot all day and facilitated a very smooth running day with a total of 44 launches, Showing the way forward Steve!
A great winters day.
Steve
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