Dartmoor Gliding News - Saturday 11th November 2023

Today was the lull before the storm and allowed us to get some very gentle flying in. The temperatures overnight dipped to about 6°C in the city and as low as 3°C in the Dartmoor valleys. This left the day feeling decidedly chilly. RASP was again hopelessly optimistic.

Waiting for the canopy to demist

The forecast suggested a light SE breeze. Launching from the west end early flights found low level orographic cloud laying in the valleys ( above the streams and rivers? ) in absolutely smooth air.

Low level orographic clouds

Richard and Rick ready for annual BI checks

Most flights were slightly extended circuits but late in the afternoon a "feathery" was spotted under a particularly dark cloud and this allowed Gavin to record 13 minutes with his passenger in a K13 only to be followed by John Allan in the K8 who recorded 19 minutes.

Late afternoon "interesting clouds

We had four air experience visitors today, Terry Pullen, Kekelomo Somore, Ibukun Ajai and James Parmenter each of whom was flown by a different BI / IFP as we shared out the duties to keep our collective hands in.

Terry

Ibukun and Kekelomo with Steve (left) and Scratch (right)

James with Gavin

A useful flying day with 30 launches.

Steve