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