Dartmoor Gliding Society Club News: Dartmoor Gliding News

The forecast looked favourable and it turned out to be even better. The wind was forecast to be more or less down the runway from just south of east. Judging by the number of privateers rigged today I think lots of the members saw the potential today,

A good looking sky viewed from the west end of the airfield

The club fielded the Puchacz, K13 G-CFSD, K8 G-CGDK and the Astir CS77. Joining the club aircraft were an Open Cirrus, 2* Std Cirrus (Cirri, Cirrus's?), a Libelle, a Club Libelle , the Twin Astir, a K6 and a Mini Nimbus.

Club Libelle ready to go. Hugh is the pilot
with syndicate partner Mike handling the cable

Right from the start it was soarable. The first privateer to launch was Andy Davey who promptly disappeared 3 hrs 18 minutes. He was followed by John Allan in the Mini Nimbus who recorded the longest flight of the day at 3 hrs 40 minutes during which he completed his first cross country flight bagging his Silver distance. There is a separate blog from John about this flight available here

John's Cross Country Blog

The airfield from 2500ft

Looking towards Roadford

Tavistock hiding in the cloud shadows

The airfield was a popular photo subject today

A good view of the Tamar.

Gavin Short ( Std Cirrus ) had a good wander around the area. This is what he had to say.

My flight distance 165 km, 2 Hours 29 minutes. OLC Plus score was 127 km and 158 points.

"After a run of appalling weather, this was my first X country and first flight in my Std Cirrus this year. A delightful day that took in sights I'd not seen before; Plymouth Airport (closed) and the north coast near Holsworthy. Some great glides (over 20 km) and dolphin climbs. Two runs out to Princetown prison and the radio mast."

The flight included three 20 km glides.