Dartmoor Gliding Society Club News: Dartmoor Gliding News

Depending on which forecast you studied, we could either have a moderate wind straight down the strip with conditions improving with some soaring possible, or the same moderate wind with possible showers later in the day. However the weather hadn't read either script. The morning started with light rain showers which delayed the start of flying. Eventually we achieved first launch at 11:20.

We were joined today by sister and brother Emma Mitchell and Joe Quigley. After briefings by duty BI Phil Hardwick, Emma was first to fly.

Emma and Phil ready to start.

Joe and Phil ready to go.

By the end of the day they had both experienced soaring flights, getting to grips with the controls and visited the winch. They both thoroughly enjoyed their day and had plenty to talk about on their way home.

Trainees Guy Balmer, Freddie Colton and Robin Wilson kept DI Mike Jardine busy. Guy had four flights including a 23 minute soaring flight and is progressing steadily. Recently soloed Freddie Colton took Mike on a 27 minute soaring flight.

Freddie getting ready to fly.

Freddie at 2000ft.

After the usual launch failure on his second flight Freddie enjoyed another solo flight. Later in the day he had another solo flight and enjoyed 13 minutes alone in the air.

Ready for another solo flight.

Robin Wilson was next to fly with Mike. Three flights including a 19 minute soaring flight showed Robin hasn't lost his touch.

Robin off on another flight

The old doc hasn't lost his touch,

A new occupant was seen in K6 FUB. Malcolm W-J was offered his first flight in this K6 by Hugh Gascoyne. Malcolm promptly went soaring for 1 hour 8 minutes.

A new face in K6 FUB.

Other solo pilots John Smith (K8), Steve Lesson (K8), Steve Fletcher (Open Cirrus) all managed soaring flight of varying duration. The longest was Steve Fletcher 1 hour 19 minutes to claim flight of the day.