Dartmoor Gliding News - Saturday 25th November 2023

 A weak ridge of high pressure offered a respite from the seemingly endless bands of wind and rain of recent weeks. Early on it was cold with a ground frost. The winds today were forecast to be light and variable. In fact the various forecasts all disagreed as to which direction it might come from but it was so light it didn't really matter and the airfield was set up to launch from the east end.

The blue sky became increasingly obscured by high clouds

Another cloud view

The gliders were out early with canopies exposed to the sunlight to help clear the misting which occurs when the weather is like this. The club was very busy today. Alongside the normal training activities, the Puchacz would be busy with the Instructor cadre familiarising themselves with this "new to us" aircraft and the solo pilots would be trying out the Astir CS77. 

Puchacz and Astir waiting to go 

Who would let these 2 fly together?

Off goes the Puchacz again

We welcomed 3 scouts returning to fly with us after the weather defeated them a few weeks ago. We were also visited by Callum Barnes, an RN Engineer, joining us to fly as part of our newly strengthened relationship with the Royal Navy.

Henry was first up for the Scouts

Alfie flew with Steve ....

.... As did Olivia ( who seems very relaxed here)

Connor waiting for me

Early on the Puchacz trailer was washed a readied to be returned to the location of the second RM Puchacz by Jamie Steel. DGS will be using our own twin-axle AMF Trailer for our Puchacz.

A clean looking Puchacz trailer.

Off to be reunited with the other Puchacz.

An exciting, busy day with 37 launches despite some organisational frustrations.

Steve