Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 14th January 2024

The Sunday Soarers are back. After a long run of wet and windy days, today we were presented with light winds and a clear sky to start the day. A brace of winches were taken to the west end so we could operate with 4 cables. The Puchacz, K13 and Astir were readied and taken to the east end.

 

First to fly with me was Richard Roberts for his conversion flights to the Puchacz. Following a good circuit and a couple of launch failures he was cleared ready to fly with our visitors today.

Richard getting ready for his conversion.

I swapped over to the K13 to fly with Sean Westrope. A good circuit and a couple of launch failures would normally have seen him have another solo flight, but the forecast was for a possible deterioration in the weather as the day progressed. So that all could fly Sean forewent the solo flight for now.

Our first visitor arrived to fly with Richard. Paul Harris from Topsham enjoyed two flights in the Puchacz.

Paul being briefed by Richard.

Paul and family receiving his certificate.

Next to fly with me was junior Toby Irons. First flight was to bring him back up to speed after our spell of bad weather and no flying. We moved on to some tighter turns and Toby having his first attempt at flying the top part of the launch and release. Well done Toby.

The next visitor arrived. Keen air cadet Jamie Young had to fly in the back seat of the Puchacz due to weight limitations. After one flight conditions had started getting worse so Jamie will return soon to complete his flights.

Jamie ready to fly.

And returns.

After this Ed Borlase settled in the front seat ready to start his conversion flights to glassfibre aircraft. After one flight, with canopies starting to rapidly mist it was decided to call it a day.

Only 15 flights but we did manage to get back into the air on a Sunday. Thanks to all at the club today, particularly Andy Davey who winched for most of the day and was only thwarted in trying to fly with the misting canopies.

Peter Howarth