Dartmoor Gliding News - Saturday 14th October 2023

The latest movement in the Jet Stream has changed the weather for us. Gone is the warm airmass from the south to be replaced by a cold airmass from the north. The local forecast for today gave the wind from the NW strengthening to 10knots+ later  and given the air temperature warm clothes would be essential. There was a also the possibility of showers. RASP broadly agreed with this and indicated a soarable window by early afternoon.

Early view from the rear seat of a K13

We welcomed father and son duo Richard and Chris Jenks for One Day courses. First flight with Chris saw us climbing to the 2000ft cloudbase in thermals that were being encouraged by a passing shower, Good start. After the shower moved away to the SE it was difficult to stay airborne and the day settled into extended circuits until about 1pm when soaring possibilities improved. Ultimately, Richard and Chris both enjoyed a mix of soaring and circuits and left with smiles firmly painted on faces.

Richard waiting to fly as Chris lends support

The sun shining on Plymouth sound round midday and...

Later with the sun now shining golden over Whitsand Bay

The RASP forecast encouraged a few privateers to rig. John Allan made good use of the conditions to record a day topping 2 hours and 40minutes only returning to the airfield because we ceased operations early to allow CFI Rick Wiles to discharge some family commitments, Phil Hardwick ( DG300 ) finally managed to record 1hour 30 after several relights. Andy Davy ( Libelle) recorded a sedate ( for him) 1:06 and Malcolm recorded 31minutes in the K8.

Showers ( and rainbows) where never far away but missed the airfield all day

John Allan's View of Roadford Lake from 3000ft

Early solo pilots Dave Archer and Alasdair Barclay were thwarted in their plans to add to their solo flying by the strengthening NW wind and somewhat lively approaches but both managed good soaring flights in the K13 with Rick.

Another shower passing to the north as we left for the day 

A bonus soaring day this late in the season

Steve