Dartmoor Gliding Society Club News: Dartmoor Gliding News

The continuing moist south-westerly airflow gave the prospect of low cloud early, possibly clearing around lunchtime. So driving to the club today, it was surprising the visibility across the moor was better the forecast. That was until I drove out of Tavistock and climbed up towards the club. The visibility was hazier, but with brightness all around, we were optimistic and set about getting ready to fly. Just after 10 o'clock the sky looked clear enough to take a launch. Sean Westrope and I took off only to find the cloudbase to be about 650ft AGL. So a quick circuit and stand down until the expected clearance arrived.

Sean and I ready to fly.

Two hours ensued where our one day course student, Sue Syson was regailed with stories of gliding and teas and coffees drank, the sky slowly brightened although it was unsure how much the cloudbase had risen. Only one thing for it, Sean and I took another launch. This time 1200ft into clear air. A quick radio call and it was game on for Sue and Richard.

Richard and Sue watching a launch.

And off they go

By the end of the day Sue had thoroughly enjoyed her day which included a 27 minute soaring flight, which was flight of the day.

Sue receiving her certificate.

After Sean's flights, training continued with Matthew Stone. His first approaches and landings at the east end were well handled. With a few more these should be improved on over the coming weeks.

Matthew getting ready.

Next to fly with me was Steve Fletcher. Steve flew from the back seat to continue his IFP training ready for assessment later in the summer. With all the trainees having flown and it being late afternoon, the K13's were given up for the solo pilots to fly. Andy Davey, Ed Borlase, John Smith, Phil Hardwick and myself all enjoyed time in the air to maintain currency.