Dartmoor Gliding News - Monday 28th August 2023

Another Bank Holiday arrives with typical Bank Holiday weather. Initially low cloud, again, but clearing later so flying could take place. With no trainees and only a One Day Course (ODC) student booked in, it was decided to take both winches up to the airfield so that further testing of the re-built winch could be undertaken.

Having undertaken a couple of test flights on the new winch, general flying could commence.

ODC student, Viki Vincze arrived with her partner. They originally hailed from Hungary, but now live in Bristol. Viki is a bit of an adrenaline junkie so booked the course with us whilst they were down in Devon to see some of the sights.

Viki was given her initial briefing and introductory flights by Steve Fletcher.

Viki and Steve ready for the introductory flight.

Steve then handed the back seat over to Scratch to cover the BI part of the course.

Viki and Scratch ready for the next part.

Although getting used to using the controls, Viki was enjoying the launch and just being flown around rather than doing the flying herself. So up-stepped instructor No 3 to take her for her last flight where she could experience some tight turns, nose drop stalls all within the current limitations of the K13.

Viki and Peter getting ready.

Viki enjoyed her day with us and said they may return for her partner to experience flying with us.

With the winch performing reasonably well and the drivers getting tuned into driving the new winch, it was decided to give the much lighter K8 it's first launch. After a toss of the coin between Rick and Peter, it was decided Peter would take the first K8 launch. A slow ground run resulted in me abandoning the launch, but after speaking with the driver a second successful launch was achieved.

My view of the airfield and launch point.

And to the south west.

When I landed after 15 minutes, Rick informed me that I would have to pay for the flight as 15 minutes was excessive for a free test flight. At least I got flight of the day. After his stint on the winch Mike Bennett chose to fly with Rick. Malcolm W-J and Rick also took flights in the K8 on the new winch.

With the new winch performing well, but not fully on line, it was decided some more work needs to be done on the fuel system before it is fully on line.

Only a small crowd at the club today, but we hosted a ODC and some good testing of the new winch was achieved.

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 27th August 2023

Yet another Sunday with low cloud and drizzle to start the day. The forecast did predict things would brighten up for a weather window to enable some flying until early afternoon. So after early morning tea and coffee, enough people had arrived to set up and run the airfield.

First launch at a respectable 10:25 was a practice launch failure to wake Sean Westrope up. Well handled and flown, this was followed by a further two good circuits.

Sean, you don't know what's coming.

Next trainee to fly with me was Val Kiely. Val is starting to fly more of the launch and improving on her general flying.

Val sporting the latest Medusa hairband.

Val getting ready.

And off she goes.

Richard Roberts with no visitors to fly, took Sean for a quick flight. 

Sean now in matching hat and wind proof with Richard.

Colin, Ed and Adam came to the launch point after doing some work on K6 G-CEWO. Colin was flown around by Phil Hardwick. Both Ed and Adam took a solo flight in the K13. With the rain visible out to the west of the airfield. The final flight was Richard taking Matthew Stone for a quick flight and hangar landing. Having arrived at the airfield, Matthew chose not to fly using the IMSAFE advice.

Thank you to those at the airfield enabling some flying at least. Nearly at the end of August now, maybe September will improve

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News - Met Office Visit 22nd August 2023

Today we were hosting a visit by the Met Office (Exeter) to see if their forecast would result in conditions living up to expectations. Ed Borlase has been doing a lot of background work to facilitate this visit. Three members formed the group, Aidan McGivern (Presenter), Simon Hammett (Cameraman) and Caroline Patterson (Strategic Communications Manager). A number of volunteer members arrived to assist with the days proceedings.

A slow start due to cameras and sound systems being fitted in the K13 under the guidance of Colin Boyd to ensure all was secure and safe. In the clubhouse I gave the usual morning brief with my interpretation of the weather was followed by Scratch giving a visitor safety brief. Aiden then stepped up to give his Met Office brief of the days weather.

K13 FGR is wired for sound and video.

Following the usual parachute briefing, presenter Aiden was introduced to the K13 and strapped in. Final checks done it was time for Lights, Camera and Action.

Last close ups.

Camera and glider roll.

And action.

The initial cloud we headed for didn't give a result so explaining why I headed for Blackdown with the sun heating the south facing slope, we contacted some lift and climbed back to above launch height. Moving away we failed to find more lift so had to head back to land.

And safely back.

After Aiden recounted his experience to camera where he expressed his amazement how the forecast translated into the 3D environment of the sky, we got ready for a second flight.

Scratch came from the winch to fly with Caroline. Her first experience was a launch failure, but undeterred took off with Scratch for a second attempt. Successful this time they enjoyed 22 minutes soaring.

Caroline being briefed by Steve.

Caroline gets her certificate from Scratch.

The met office crew and Ed disappeared to the clubhouse to undertake some more recording. This enabled the helpers to be rewarded with some flying. Robin Wilson and Val flew with me in the K13 whilst Steve Fletcher, Martin Broadway and Malcolm W-J flew the K8. All enjoyed flights in excess of 20 minutes.

Today we have received this message from Caroline and Ed:-

Aidan and I were just saying today feels very ‘back to normal’. Shame we can’t have an adventure like yesterday every day although my heart might struggle with too many failed launches. 😊... I enjoyed reliving the 360 footage when I got home – some of it is hilarious particularly the sharp ascent/descent footage – I appear to be laughing throughout. I just want to thank you again massively from the three of us. I’m certain we’ll have a great final cut and look forward to sharing it with you, Peter and the others. I’m just sorry Rich had to miss out.

Thank you to all who helped out today giving the usual DGS welcome and friendly atmosphere resulting in a very successful experience for all.

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 23rd August 2023

Following a very successful briefing and flying day with the Met Office on Tuesday we were blessed with another pleasant summer's day.  The forecast wasn't spectacular just very pleasant; calm conditions, no rain, and some weak thermal activity due to the forecast predicting a limiting top cover (Ed: After two named storms in August we ought to be thankful for any flyable weather).

So the Wednesday Wavers were on for flying today at last.  However, the pause in flying operations due to the recent bad weather has been put to good effect by the maintenance teams who have recently conducted the annual inspections of a Standard Cirrus and two K-6s, and the production of the all important accompanying paperwork.

We had two visitors scheduled for today; extended family members Mark Swarbrick and Alan Lambert.  Alan had a One Day Course flight voucher as a birthday present and had twisted Mark's arm to come and keep him company.  Before they arrived new junior Matthew with his Dad were already here with his name appended to the flying list.  When the Duty Instructor, Mike Jardine gave the nod he helped the rest of the team to get the toys out.  

 

Sadly we were always going to be thin on the ground today as many members were absent to pay their respects at the funeral of Alan Holland.  Alan had been a stalwart member of Dartmoor Gliding Society and long time instructor at Brentor.  Almost all of us had learned to fly under Alan Holland's tutelage.  We owe him a great deal for a fantastic start to our gliding careers. During the day we had a chance to reflect his passing.

Following the morning brief by Mike two K-13s and later a K-8 were taken to the east end.  After giving the One Day Course Introductory brief I drove our One Day Course candidates to the East end to start flying.

 

Matthew had a set of three flights with Mike to brush the cobwebs off and a further pair of flights later in the day (Ed: Oh, to be 14 years old again and to be able master the fundamentals of flying a such a cracking rate). Meanwhile Matthew's Dad got to grips with retrieving the gliders and manoeuvring them at the launch point (Ed: Gliding is a team sport!).

Junior Matthew and Mike prepare for their third flight

The first of our One Day Course candidates, Alan Lambert, who drives trucks for a living and comes from Cornwall flew with Gavin (Ed: The assembled pilots running the ground operations weren't convinced by his argument that Saltash counted as "coming from Cornwall").

Alan Lambert ready to start his One Day Course in CCY with Gavin

Here for a day's flying at Brentor was Simon Harris who spends a lot of his time flying in France.  As well as holding a BGA Gliding Certificate he holds a French pilot's licence.  His aim for today was to reacquaint himself with BGA procedures both on the ground and in the air.  He had a successful time which included five flights during spread across the day. We expect to see him back at Brentor in about six weeks.

Mike Jardine listens as Simon runs through his pre-flight checks in English prior to his first winch launch in 15 years

As the conditions during the day were forecast to improve Gavin flew our visitors in sets of two to even up the experience.  Second up was Mark Swarbrick who like Gavin had taken early retirement to enjoy life.  Mark is a keen cyclist and often cycles on the moors, and knows the Brentor area, setting off on his two-wheeled tours from his home in Plymouth.

One Day Course candidate Mike Swarbrick ready to start flying with Gavin (Ed: Yes, Mike was lent a soaring hat, currently in his lap, as the day was warming up)

Club members Malcolm Wilton-Jones, John Allan, David Archer, Peter Howarth, Martin Broadway, and late arrival on site Chairman Steve Lewis, all made use to the delightful characteristics of the K-8, GDK, in the weak thermal conditions.  Inevitably the longest flights today were made in the K-8.  Flights of length included 34 minutes (John) and 27 Minutes (Malcolm).   While we are considering the "Man of the Match" award later in the day Mark Swarbrick, aided a tad by Gavin, soared to 1,600 feet QFE for a course-curtailed total of 17 minutes in K-13, CCY.

John Allan lands GDK after his "Man of the Match" 34 minutes aloft

Mike's view of the valley to the North of the airfield with Mary Tavy in the distance

We welcomed Dick Masters, who normally can't make our Wednesday flying days due to his naval lecture commitments, to the Wednesday Soarers (Ed: Three-phase high power electricity generation anyone?).  Mike took him for set of three flights and then a further flight later in the afternoon.

Glider and PPL pilot Dick Master's holds FGR steady at 40 knots while hunting the day's elusive thermals

The winch suffered a problem on the North drum which reduced us to single cable operation. Hard work by the retrieve drivers and the winch driver whilst some extensive repairs were effected kept us going.  Later in the afternoon two drum operation was restored.  Well done to all involved.  The reduction in the launch rate was minor and probably not noticed by our visitors.  Bravo Zulu!

The face of despair as Peter is faced with a horlicks (Ed: Is that the technical term?) at the winch

All smiles as the Fletchers prepare to aviate (Ed:  Our newly-minted Introductory Flight Pilot, Steve Fletcher, made the bold decision to fly his wife today.  I know that my wife will only fly if there is trolley service onboard the aircraft!)

Take up slack.  Arrows away!

Susan's Fletcher's first view of the Devon countryside from the air. In a reversal of stereotypical roles her husband Steve is back seat driving! (Ed: You are going to get shot for that comment!)

The airfield viewed from the West (Ed: Note the cumulus building over Dartmoor, but sadly not Brentor)

Susan and Steve Fletcher's view while thermaling on a beautiful summer's day

With the maintenance team and others at Weston Mill Crematorium today there was little activity in the hangar and workshops.  However, Hugh took the opportunity to rig his and Mike Bennett's new Club Libelle and adjust the length of the overly-large wooden wing trestles. (Ed:  I hope you don't realise why they were so big in the future...after wielding the saw there is no going back).

High cirrus (Ed: Ice clouds) and contrails

As the day drew to a close the final number of cables was determined.  All the solo pilots had had their fill of the K-8 and that left the two K-13s to be hangar landed.  Mike took Alan Lambert for an addition flight to demonstrate a hangar landing and Gavin did the same with Mark Swarbrick on Mark's final flight of his course.

Successful One Day Course candidates Mark Swarbrick and Alan Lambert with their Instructor

As to the weather.  It was hot!  Even in T-shirts it was hot in the cockpits as there was little wind at ground level.  As forecast the top cover of cirrus and a strange humid haze associated with the sea breeze from Plymouth did limit the thermal activity.  But we were warm, dry and able to fly (Ed: As you would reasonably expect in August, except August 2023 that is!).

Following the last launch at 1713 we packed the equipment away and said farewell to our visitors. Thirty-six flights were made today and all pilots had their fill.  It almost felt like a summer's day of flying.

Gavin Short

Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 20th August 2023

With storm Betty moving away, the forecast was for low cloud in the morning clearing mid/late morning with a south westerly breeze and soaring conditions during the afternoon. What we got was low cloud with rain showers, a moderate southerly wind and initially little chance of flying. With the hangar still full, room was made in the maintenance container for K6 G-CEWO to be placed so that the annual inspection could be undertaken by Adam, Colin and Ed.

The field had been set up early by ever optimistic Richard Roberts, but first we had to consume cups of tea and coffee in the clubhouse. Eventually after an early lunch the sky started looking brighter, so a K13 was prepared and towed to the east end. After a weather check flight launched at 13:27 which found the cloud base to be around 1000ft, general flying could commence.

Low cloud stopping flying.

Eventually the sky cleared.

Due to the rain and low cloud this morning we had to cancel the first trial flight of the day, junior visitor Jamie Young, so that he didn't have a nugatory journey from West Cornwall.  Jamie, we look forward to seeing you again when you have rebooked.

Our first visitor did arrive.  IT Specialist Chris Jones and family were in the local area having come down to the West Country from Wincanton. Despite the low cloudbase he enjoyed his flights with Gavin, one of which was an extended flight of 9 minutes.

Chris Jones with Gavin.

Chris receiving his certificate from Gavin.

Morgan Beeley came with her parents from Mary Tavy. Morgan was down from Swindon to support her younger sister who was due to give birth shortly. Nice programming Morgan; babies and glider flights.  Morgan enjoyed her flights with our newly-minted Introductory Flight Pilot, Steve Fletcher, which included a 12 minute soaring flight and an opportunity to spot the family home from the air.

Morgan Beeley with new IFP Steve.

Morgan being congratulated by Steve.

After the visitors had left training resumed with Night Owl Andrew Downing taking his first flights in four weeks. Three flights saw him go from a little rusty to flying the whole flight and coping with the cross wind take-off's and landings.

Andrew back in the saddle.

Sean Westrope was hoping for some soaring today. Unfortunately conditions didn't develop as forecast, so his flights were utilised to concentrate on finessing his cross-wind landings. Three good landings gave him a good confidence boost on his journey to solo.

Sean's view to the south.

Richard Roberts took Andrew for a flight and demonstrated a different approach direction from the north and landing on the stub runway. Finally Ed and Adam came to the launch point after successfully completing the K6 ARC. Each had a solo flight in the K13 to close flying at 18:16 and 15 flights. A day which started looking like no flying would be possible, but we managed some aviation and everybody flew who wanted to.

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 16th August 2023

Today I am substituting for the usual Wednesday Blog writer so it will not be in Short hand. Yesterday (Tuesday) there was a lot of email and social media traffic. Some cursing they could not attend and others hoping the day would live up to the forecast. After the recent unsettled weather it was forecast to be warm, light winds and soaring conditions up to 3000ft and a Rasp Star Rating of 3.

Joe Slater was today's One Day Course (ODC) candidate. After the usual briefings and paperwork, Joe started his flying with BI Phil Hardwick.

Joe Slater ready to fly with Phil.

And off they go.

Returning Junior member Matt was first to fly with Mike Jardine. Matt is getting to grips with the controls and had one flight of 15 minutes.

Matt and Mike in K13 FGR.

Our next visitor, Sarah Eddy arrived for her two flight voucher flights. She had received this as a present last Christmas. Her partner wondered if he could get away with one flight for last Christmas and one for next Christmas.

Sarah all smiles and excited to fly.

Alasdair Barclay was next to fly with Mike. After a quick check flight he was allowed to add to his total of solo flights. K8 next step when time allows. Two K8's were at the launch point today with Steve Lesson, Mark Elliott, Mike Bennett and David Archer making use of them. Longest flight between then was Mark with 44 minutes. Privateers John Allan (Mini Nimbus), Martin Broadway/Andy Davey (Libelle), Peter Howarth (Kestrel) and Rick Wiles (Std Cirrus) took their places in the launch queue. John, Peter and Andy all took two launches to get away. CFI Rick managed on his first attempt. Martin had an off day, but managed 15 minutes.

Rick's view of Plymouth Sound and the River Tamar.

John's view of Burrator.

John flying a convergence to 4700ft

John's flight claimed flight of the day with 4 hours 56 minutes.

 

With Mike's trainee programme complete, he assisted Phil with the last two visitors. Paddy Stubbs received his trial flight voucher as a present for his 70th birthday.

Paddy Stubbs with Mike.

After his dad flew a ODC with us recently, Ben Johnson wanted to experience gliding for himself. 3 flights including a 28 minute flight to 2400ft gave him a great experience of our sport.

Ben ready for his experience flights.

K13 view over Blackdown

The airfield in cloud shadow.

We were joined mid afternoon by Mark Courtney to carry out the final acceptance flights for Steve Fletcher in his quest to become an Introductory Flight Pilot (IFP). After two launch failures and a flight with Mark playing an inquisitive Bloggs, Steve was successful after putting in a lot of hard work towards this achievement. Well done Steve and welcome to the team.

Mark playing an inquisitive Bloggs.

Mark congratulates Steve.

So a day that did provide some good soaring, but possibly not quite as good as the forecast. A new IFP qualified and joined the team. Some happy visitors and pilots. A good day overall with 37 flights completed.

Peter Howarth