Dartmoor Gliding News - Saturday 23rd September 2023

We had a flyable window between the frontal systems responsible for the rain this week. The wind was forecast to be southerly giving us crosswind conditions (again) and increasing as the day progressed, RASP was forecasting good soaring conditions with 3 Stars. This turned out to be hopelessly optimistic (again).

Crosswind under a hopeless sky

All day there was high cloud cover eliminating any real thermal production, just a few teases from the slopes on the south side of the airfield. The longest flight was Adam Hoskin in a K8 with a dizzying 10 minutes.

K13's at the laiunchpoint

There were 2 visitors today, Anna Johnson with a One Day Course and Neil Keyworth with an Air Experience voucher. Both enjoyed their flights.

IFP Steve Fletcher with Neil Keyworth

Anna receives her certificate from Scratch

The big news today were 2 new members Josh Wehner and Freddie Varley. Welcome to DGS and enjoy your flying.

Josh with Rick

Freddie waiting for his first flight with me

By 5.30 the crosswind had strengthened and the temperature had lowered enough to discourage further flying So we finished with 38 launches for the day.

This was our welcome on return to the clubhouse.

Steve

Dartmoor Gliding News - Saturday 16th September 2023

 Depending on the source, today's forecast was mixed and did not really match what was happening on the airfield. RASP was predicting 15 knot winds from the east but the windsock showed the winds to be light and variable with a northerly bias. The atmospheric sounding did not look favourable to the development of lee wave from Dartmoor but the clouds looked like a mixed wave system from several directions. The only thing that the forecasts agreed on was that rain would arrive early to mid afternoon.

Does this show a wave system to the east?

The airfield was quiet with only just enough members to fly. We had 2 Junior One Day Courses to fly with a brace of sisters ( Eden and Alishia ) from Plymouth.  Flying Eden gave me the chance to explore the local area to see what the weather was really doing. From the first launch it was obvious that  the winds at flying heights were indeed from the east. There was signs of smooth reduced sink in the area of Mary Tavy but initially not enough to soar but to merely to delay the inevitable decent to circuit. The approaches showed some signs of rotor activity; not strong but enough to provide some interest.

Eden waiting for me to finish the pre-flight checks.

A little later, another flight with Eden saw us in definite wave in front of the airfield which gave us a gentle climb to 1600 feet and a flight time of 31 minutes until the approaching rain seemed to suppress the wave to drive us back to the runway once more. During this flight we were joined by Scratch and Alisha in the other K13 and Steve Fletcher in the K8 who managed to launch to 1650 feet onto the top on the wave. All 3 of us needed to return to the runway with in a few minutes.

K8 returns from the wave

We waited for the rain to stop and in one lull we managed to launch Scratch with Alisha. They found wave to the south which gave them 4 knots at 2900 feet before they had to return to the field after 28 minutes.. Unfortunately, that was the last launch, the rain just kept increasing so the aircraft and equipment was returned to the hangars.

Waiting for a gap in the rain but to no avail.

Presenting their Certificates. Myself, Eden, Alisha and Scratch

An interesting day 

Steve

Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 13th September 2023

Forecast: Sunny, warm, light airs, some thermal activity.

Duty Instructor: Peter Howarth initially while waiting for Mike Jardine to return from his holidays (Ed: Mike, now that you are retired you are on a permanent holiday, surely?)

Duty Basic Instructor: Phil Hardwick.

 

Phil had a heavy schedule programmed with four visitors. Phil's first visitor was returning One Day Course candidate David Miles who started his One Day Course with Richard on Sunday 23 April.  After four subsequent failed attempts to complete his course due to adverse weather conditions David was back with us (Ed: That's determination for you!).

 

Peter Howarth started trainee instruction with David Moult whom I hadn't seen in a while  (Ed: Congratulations on your appointment as the DGS Membership Secretary).   In amongst David's set of three flights Phil took David Miles for a pair of flights, the second extended one indicated that the day was starting to be thermic.

The view from the tower: David Moult and Peter Howarth prepare to avaite (Ed: No not in the K-8 but in K-13 FSD beyond)

After carefully observing the initial flights, none of which were soaring by then, Andy Davey took an early launch (Ed: For a privateer that is) and managed to climb and found a band of lift that appeared to be convergence.  Andy flew for two hours 1 minute before coming down to let his syndicate partner (Martin Broadway) have a go. What a perfectly balanced arrangement it was with Martin also soaring for 2 hours exactly.

When in the band of convergence Andy was climbing in a thermal when he noticed a bird of prey flying up and down the convergence line and maintaining the same rate of climb.  Andy acknowledged the expert and ran up and down the convergence line too.  Amusingly, Andy also reported that when he was at 3,000 ft he was joined by a pheasant (Ed: I know that they can be a bit dim but letting the updraughts take you to 3,000 feet is a bit more than a lapse of attention. On consulting t'interweb I found the following "Pheasant wings have a low aspect ratio (the ratio of wing area divided by wing breadth) of around 3.0 to 6.0 which allows them to explode into flight suddenly and are quite adequate for relatively slow powered flight, but not good for gliding").

The hat is back!  Peter watches David Moult climb during his fourth flight of the day.

Husband and wife team Crispin and Juliet Manners travelled from Kingsbridge for two trial flights apiece. After a short spousal discussion Crispin flew first but it was Juliet who got the longer flight!  Later in the morning both enjoyed soaring with Phil on their second flights.

Our first trial flight of the day;  Crispin Manners with Phil

Hot on Crispin's heels to fly was his wife, Juliet Manners, again with Phil (Ed:  Juliet, I think I found your pristine soaring hat. Its in the "lost and found" box in the club house.  A good reason to come back and use your three months temporary membership!)

Later in the morning Peter and David Moult observe Phil Hardwick and Crispin Manners flying in CCY far below them

While Andy was away in the Libelle Martin Broadway went for a quick warm up of 10 minutes in the K-8 while Richard took a pair of launches.

Richard launches his Discus ready for a cross-country flight

Once established aloft Richard decided to make the best use of the conditions by flying a 65 km cross country route: Brentor, Launceston, Liskeard, Yelverton, and then home to Brentor.  Here are some of the photos from his trip.

The Cornish village of Harrowbarrow with the railway viaduct over the River Tamar at Calstock in the far centre distance (Ed: The Calstock viaduct was built between 1904 and 1907.  It is the largest concrete bridge in the world and comprises 11,148 pre-cast concrete blocks.  Later concrete construction universally used steel rebar to make reinforced concrete).

Calstock viaduct (Ed: No! Richard wasn't this low)

Richard reports that the height of the cloud base was not good; varying from 1,800-2,400 feet for most of the day.  Odd bits were higher.  Alternatively one could go cloud flying like Andy up to 4,000 feet (Ed:  Don't try this at home folks! You have to be especially trained, qualified and the glider has to be fitted with additional instrumentation to go cloud flying).

Cruising at 1,800 feet QFE

St. Mellion Estate; A golf and spa resort (Ed: Having looked at their website Richard could have made today's flight several times in a club aircraft and it would still be cheaper than a round of golf on the Jack Nicklaus course!)

Cruising in zero sink at 1700 feet QFE

A different perspective on Kit Hill with Kelly Bray in the distance

Richard's experience with the quarry at Hingston Down is that, providing its sunny, it provides a reliable thermal source.

The quarry at Hingston Down

A delighted Crispin Manners receives his certificate from Phil after his soaring flight

Dave Bouchier climbing to cloud base at 2,600 feet with 8 knots of climb (800 feet a minute) on the vario (Ed: I see that Dave has marked his hat!)

Juliet Manners after her two soaring flights with Phil (Ed: I don't know how to break it to you Juliet but the glider pilots are all looking at the sky behind you as we are wont to do!)

Peter Howarth, having handed over the Duty Instructor responsibilities, to Mike Jardine set off in his Kestrel 19 and flew for 2 hours 30 minutes.

The never-ending wing of Peter's Kestrel 19 frames Roadford Reservoir (Ed: Is it full enough so we can start using water again?)

John Allan made the longest flight of the day in his Mini Nimbus (3 hours 16 minutes) and enjoyed the local scenery (Ed: John congratulations on achieving the final part of your Cross-Country Endorsement - you will be able to venture further afield soon).

John looks down on Plasterdown and Tavistock (on the right)

John's view north showing Peter Tavy and Mary Tavy

The Duty Instructor's view of the airfield from 3,000 feet (Ed: From the wispy stuff on the right of the picture I would say that your were at cloud base)

The airfield from the north.  Note that the "thermal generator" field in the valley is green again after being harvested.

While all this aviation was taking place Mike Bennett and Colin working on Mike's 205 Club Libelle. Just three simple jobs to do which inevitably didn't turn out to be simple at all.  Later a very "hot and bothered" Colin  flew in the K-8 for a quarter of an hour.

Andrew Downing and Mike, in FSD,  look down on Martin Broadway in his Libelle looking for lift over Blackdown

Hilary Anthony had travelled from Newton Abbot with her partner for a pair of trial flights.  Our new IFP, Steve Fletcher, stepped in to fly her while Phil headed to the hangar to help the team working on his syndicate's Twin Astir.

Hilary Anthony receives her certificate after an extended soaring flight with IFP, Steve Fletcher

John Smith after a massive stint on the winch came up and took a pair of launches in the K-8.  Despite a little extension of one of his flights it was clear that the sea breeze had arrived from the south.  If you were already airborne you could continue to soar but the chances of getting away from just 1,000 ft launches in the southerly cross wind became remote (Ed: So Steve ate all the thermal pies then?).

Mike Jardine flew a set of three with David Archer allowing him to concentrate on the precision of his circuits and landing before clearing him to take a flight in K-8.  With Phil not back from the hangar I flew with David Miles for two flights to finish of his One Day Course.  The expectation of an extended flight was not to be with a 5 minute circuit followed by a 2 minute circuit as I launched into massive sink thereby awarding myself the "wooden spoon of the day".  As we opened the canopy after landing I could feel drops of rain from under the dark clouds above.  It was time to draw David Miles' course to a close.  Back at the launch point I presented David with his flight record/temporary membership card and we look forward to seeing him again and having the chance to make some soaring flights.

While the final flights were taking place we had  some walk-in visitors; Tom and Jasmine, who had walked up from Mary Tavy.  Tom had observed our glider flying for many years from his viewpoint at home and came for a look and a "trial fitting" as he is 6 foot 3 1/2 inches tall.  As expected, when strapped in closing the canopy squashed his hat flat. So no good for flying.  Ever the optimist I tried seating Tom in the back seat as he has long legs and a shorter body.  Unfortunately he couldn't fit there either.  Nevertheless I gave Tom and Jasmine a good introduction to our site and sport.  Tom was furnished with the details of our sister club; Devon and Somerset Gliding Club at North Hill.  One of their fleet of two seaters;  K-21, Puchacz, or DG500 may be able to accommodate him otherwise he needs to talk nicely to the T-21 syndicate (Ed:  A T-21 is an open cockpit side -by-side two seater).

A blast from a past blog.  The T-21 fuselage in the hangar on 17 August 2019 (Ed: That should provide Tom with sufficient headroom to be comfortable)

In summary; the day proved to be better than forecast with some good soaring to be had if you managed to connect with the lift.  It was enough for some to go cross country.  31 flights of which 15 were soaring flights which isn't too bad at all.

A final thought for those who were working on the new 205 Club Libelle, the Twin Astir, work in the hangar, and general administration.  Your work is appreciated.

Gavin Short.

Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 10th September 2023

The forecast was for a light southerly wind veering south westerly as the day progressed. So after the early morning rain had cleared we set the airfield up to fly from the east end. A K13 and K8 were towed to the launch point.

First to fly with me was Matthew Stone. After a couple of launches the wind had backed to give us a tail wind, so it was time to change ends for the second time this week.

Windsock showing  an easterly component.

Matthew talking about his flight.

As we were changing end our first visitor arrived. Peter Cookson was greeted by duty IFP Hugh Gascoyne and was suitably briefed ready to fly. His flights were slightly delayed due to changing ends, but he really enjoyed the flight experience. Peter was keen to see the locality from a new perspective, snapping away with his smartphone as I described each ground feature. The conditions required moderate turns to prolong the flight.

Peter and Hugh ready to go after the delay.

And arriving back.

Peter receiving his certificate from Hugh.

As Matthew was the only trainee today, he was able to take another flight and experienced a high speed stall as part of his training.. Our next visitor, Thirteen year old Toby Irons arrived with his extended family. He enjoyed two flights, one of which was 21 minutes. Toby was the epitomy of the aviation enthusiast, and was a joy to fly with. I provided a commentary of the flight as we clambered up to 1700ft in the murky sky. The visibility was atrocious and so special emphasis on lookout was needed. Once briefed, Toby was the consumate hawk-eye in the front cockpit, picking out the K8 against the milky backdrop, giving accurate clock face references as he did so. I have no doubt he will progress to pilot status with ease!

Thumbs up ready tog from Toby and Hugh.

Landing Safely watched by his family.

Hugh presenting Toby with his certificate.

The last visitor of the day arrived. Alan Guest was given the safety briefings by Hugh and was soon ready to fly. Having made the trip to Brentor from Torquay, he was eager to get airborne. It was a pity however the conditions were deteriorating by this time, and so two short flights ensued. Alan may well be back to make the most of his three month membership.

Alan Guest squeezed into the front seat of the K13.

And off they go.

Alan receives his certificate from Hugh.

Ed Borlase and Gavin Short each took flights in the K8. The longest flight for flight of the day was Ed with 22 minutes.

Only a small group at the club today, but we entertained our visitors and all flew who wanted to. A special thankyou to Phil Hardwick who did the majority of the winching and chose not to fly.

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 6th September 2023

The schools go back, the sun comes out and we go flying. Well the roads were busier so the schools had returned. The sun was out and it was already warming up. Forecasts showed a good chance of soarable conditions but depending on which one you studied would we have a westerly component or an easterly one. With a windsock raised and sowing a westerly component we set the field up. With no trainees and two one day courses (ODC) to fly, one K13 and a K8 for the solo pilots were taken to the launch point.

The course students arrived. Nigel Brian and Michael Slaughter. Duty BI Richard Roberts carried out the required paperwork and briefs. I took the first launch solo in the K13 so they could watch a winch launch before experiencing it themselves.

Michael ready with Richard.

And Nigel.

After Mike's first two flights, Richard spoke with me. He told me Mike was a PPL holder, so he couldn't do any more with him and the rest of the course would have to be flown with me. Nigel then had his first flights with Richard.

With none of the solo pilots wanting to fly, we decided to stand down for a while and wait for the forecasted conditions to improve so the ODC students would get more benefit from hopefully longer flights.

K8 put to good use to shelter from the sun.

With a few cumulus clouds starting to appear over the airfield, the solo pilots started getting ready to fly. It was at this time we noticed the other forecast had turned up. A tail wind prompted a change of ends for flying to continue.

Privateers forming up to fly.

And after changing ends.

Solo pilots John Smith (K8), Mike Bennett (Libelle), John Allan (Mini Nimbus), David Archer (K8), Phil Hardwick (DG300) and newly converted Alasdair Barkley (K8) all took their chance throughout the afternoon to launch. Despite the sky looking inviting extended circuits were all that was managed with the exception of John Smith and John Allan. John Smith managed 1 hour 9 minutes and John Allan claimed flight of the day with 2 hour 26 minutes.

John Allan's view from the Mini Nimbus.

Between the solo launches I took Mike on his next flights of his ODC. On his fourth flight he managed to land the K13, and the last couple of flights took control at the top of the launch and release. A possible first for a ODC student and DGS. Mike left saying he would be back in the future to take up gliding, but it could be a year away before he is ready to do so.

Mike before his exciting day.

Nigel also enjoyed his day with us and left very happy.

Nigel receiving his certificate.

Thank you to all at the club today, where we made the best of the day, Changing ends and 25 flights saw us all leaving hot and tired.

Peter Howarth