Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 26th February 2023

Forecast for today gave moderate ENE veering easterly and chances of soaring early afternoon. In reality  the wind had a greater northerly component and was gusting more than was predicted in the forecasts. With only a small crew assembled at the club we decided to try to fly and set the field ready to fly.

First launch was Matthew Stone and myself. A rather bumpy ride up the launch, some turbulence in the air and another bumpy ride down the approach made the decision to stand down and wait to see if conditions moderated rather an easy one.

K13 returns.

Returning to the clubhouse for teas, coffees and warmth, new member Zen was in the simulator to learn pre-flight checks with Ed Borlase. We also took chance to cancel the two trial flights for today. Richard had brought up some new signs to adorn the new winch and the new ex-navy K13's, so Richard and I set about sticking them on.

New winch waiting for the return of it's gearbox.

K13 FGR with new logo.

K13 FSD with new logo.

Unbeknown, even the club secretary got in on the act:-

Yes somebody did tell him.

Having consumed lunch, conditions not improving and based on the stage of trainees, I took the hard decision to cancel club training for the day. Having earlier rigged his Open Cirrus, Steve Fletcher decided to exercise his licensed self authorising rights to take a launch. This proved a good decision as he managed to stay aloft for just over an hour.

Open Cirrus being rigged.

Off Steve goes.

Steve's view of the Tamar valley.

A view of the airfield from Brentor Church.

So yes I may have been over cautious, but considering what was beneficial for trainees probably acceptable. Thank you to all at the club, particularly those who did not fly and stayed to allow Steve to fly and help him de-rig after.

Peter Howarth.