Dartmoor Gliding Society Club News: Dartmoor Gliding News

Thee forecast was looking good. Light(ish) northerly breeze with lots of sunshine. The only fly in the ointment maybe the timing of the arrival the next frontal system due sometime late afternoon early evening.

Early morning over the launchpoint

Early on it looked like the day might over develop but this was ultimately not an issue and the cloudbase steadily rose to over 4000 ft above the airfield ( about 5000ft above sea level ). Dartmoor pilots are not slow to exploit these conditions and the fleet were soon soaring. One of the most notable flights of the day was by Richard Roberts in his Discus who used these conditions the fly to North Hill ( Dunkeswell ) returning to Brentor via Buckfastleigh a total of 151km. His total flight time was 2 hours 43 minutes. I am unsure how long he was actually on task; I think he made a couple of starts after his initial climb.

Passing over Castle Drogo on the way to North hill

Richard's view of Teignmouth

Richard back safely

Another good flight today was from early solo pilot Mark Elliot. He used today's conditions and the K8 to score a double personal best; longest solo flight - 49 minutes and highest solo flight - just over 4000ft QFE ( above the airfield ).

Mark looking pleased with his efforts ...

... from 4000ft

By far the most pleasing flight today however was by Alasdair Barclay who made a significant step in his training by flying his first solo flight, Congratulations Alasdair

A very relaxed looking Alasdair ---

--- received his wings from CFI Rick Wiles

There were several visitors today. Quin Rothwell had an introductory flight with me while the friends and family of our newest member, Rachael Dewsbury, Lauren and Shea Dewbury and Jessica Kneebone flew with Scratch.