Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 7th May 2023

A combination of the DGS Royalists staying away yesterday for the coronation and poor weather for both Saturday and Bank Holiday Monday, saw trainees and members turn up today. A busy day ahead with privateers rigging and other members getting the club aircraft ready. The weather slowed things up a little with low cloud that was due to rise and clear for possible soaring during the afternoon.

Some of the assembled privateers.

With the lower cloudbase I took the opportunity to put Matthew Stone through a couple of low cable break practices to progress his training towards solo.

Matthew ready for action.

Our third flight was a full launch which achieved 1200ft, so general flying could commence. With quite a few trainees at the club today, I was able to use the services of BI Gavin Short to fly with a couple of the newer members. His first trainee was returning ODC Joseph Wake to refresh his primary effects of controls and pre flight checks.

Joseph and Gavin getting ready.

My list progressed with Steve Lesson. A quick check flight and a couple of solo flights sees him progress towards conversion into his first single seater, the K8.

Steve Lesson happy to fly again.

The rest of my day progressed flying with Sean Westrope, David Moorly, David Moult and returning juniors Olly Hunt & Riley Powell-Thomas. All progressing well and getting back into the air after a break for some.

Gavin flew with early trainees Zen Kanwar and Valerie Kiely. His trainee program was interrupted with our visitor today, Jinine Cox. Janine Cox came for two trial flights with Gavin.  Janine works for a firm in Plymouth making precision steel tubing. She was intrigued by the tubular construction if the K-13.  She was accompanied by her younger sister who had bought the flight voucher for Janine who had never flown in any form of aircraft, even an airliner before.

Jinine ready to fly for the first time ever.

Jinine receiving her certificate from Gavin.

Solo pilots each took their chances with a launch. Mark Elliott (K8), John Allan (Mini Nimbus), Phil Hardwick (DG300), Richard Roberts (Discus), Steve Fletcher (Open Cirrus), Malcolm Wilton-Jones (Twin Astir), Mike Bennett (K8) and Ed Borlase (K6). The weather did not materialise as forecast giving the longest flights of Ed 14mins, Malcolm 22mins and John 25mins to claim flight of the day.

John in his Mini Nimbus.

K13 takes off again.

K8 landing long.

K13 rises into the air.

David Moorley and watching family.

Ed happy in his K6.

A very busy day at the club today. 44 flights achieved and some happy pilots. Thank you to all at the club that kept things moving smoothly. After packing everything away, a well deserved beer was consumed by those who wanted to, before we all headed home. (Ed - if I don't sleep tonight, I will not be happy)

Peter Howarth