Dartmoor Gliding News-Saturday 18th March 2023

The day started with nor a lot of hope in the weather. The south coast was swathed in low cloud and drizzle.  Arriving at the airfield at least the drizzle had stopped and there seemed to be an optimistic attitude about the weather improving; the gliders were out and the winch was on it's way to the west end for the expected westerly breeze.

Cloud base early on

Improved to this

Initially the cloud base was very low but things did improve rapidly allowing the first flight by !0.15am which was Rick giving himself a quick solo flight in a K13 after his 4 weeks away.  First flight in the K8 followed a couple of minutes later with Mike Bennett. Longest flights today were extended circuits of 10 and 13 minutes by John Smith and Malcolm Wilton Jones both flying the K8 (not together of course).

Daily Inspection

The DGS "X Wing" waiting to go

 Ricks training load today was fairly light. This allowed Steve Fletcher to extend his practice at flying from the back seat. Also making use of Rick's availability was Dave Archer and Mark Elliot both of whom had some more cable break practice.

Rick and Steve

Another solo to add to the tally from David Archer

Visitors today saw the arrival of Malakai Parsons and Shaun Taylor both of who had Two Flights Vouchers. After their flights with Scratch and myself, respectively both left with smiles on their faces.

Malakai and Scratch

Shaun

Throughout the Day there was a fwe issues with the radio in the bus leading to a temporary antenna replacing the permanent one. Davis Archer dashed home to get his kit to sort it out ( 2 2 hour round trip!!!) and diagnosed water ingress in the coaxial cable. Heroic efforts David

Running repairs

A somewhat muddy day whist maintaining flying skills.

Steve