Dartmoor Gliding News - Saturday 23rd November 2024

Storm Bert is with us giving torrential rain and a howling wind. The water is running off the airfield in torrents. So, the airfield was quiet was it? Well no. the clubhouse was busy.

Storm Bert as viewed from the clubhouse

Rick's gang ( trainees) were here. They undertook a series of lectures and simulator sessions as well as getting the mower down from the field, removing the mower decks, cleaning and storing them in the hangar for the winter. 

And the next lecture ... Spinning and Spiral Dives

Rick with Zak. Ready to launch

Spinning

Several other members were here. Gavin was deep into the Puchacz paperwork as well as collating all the details for the upcoming works and CofA. Adam was working around the aircraft. John worked on the simulator controls. David and I made a new lead seat cushion for the K8 preparing for when the juniors are ready to fly it. Scratch was in MT hangar keeping vehicles and winches on line. I am sure there are other tasks that I have missed but you get the idea. DGS was busy.

The track and apron became a river

By the time we left it was dark again and if anything the storm was even more severe. Those balmy, summer soaring days seem so long ago

Steve

Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 20th November 2024

It's getting colder at DGS.  The polar air has arrived on a north westerly air flow.  Frozen sleet had fallen overnight.  Time to adopt winter gliding garb.  The hangar apron's resplendent golden brown covering of beech leaves had been damped down by the sleet, its hues subdued.  New yard brooms arrived the club ready to clear the apron.

The road to Brentor Church with a promising sky

Now heading directly to the club, a less promising view

And at the club it looks glorious with evidence of an early fettler at work

A very crispy looking trailer park

No visitors were booked to fly with the Wednesday Wavers today so we had the club to ourselves.  With the juniors at school there would be no more first solos today either.  So the Duty Instructor, Mike Jardine and I, as the Duty BI, felt a little redundant at the start of the day.  But there was flying to be done and, some slightly older, trainees to fly.

The church of St. Michael du Rupe

Val arrived at the club which was bathed in bright sunshine but then things started to change.

Looking east to the moors over crunchy grass

As more Wednesday Wavers arrived there were changes in the sky

A wing walker's view of the airfield

We headed to the East end with a single K-13 and K-8, mindful of the soft ground.  We then headed back to the clubhouse, and the wood burner, ready for the morning brief.

What of the weather for the day?  To paraphrase our late Queen "Forecasts may vary".  So the Wednesday Wavers would have to make he most of what mother nature presented us.

However, this shows the reality, and the wetness of the ground, at the east end

I had long thought that the Icelandic and Inuit languages had the most words for snow but having heard Alasdair describe the onset of the drizzle on Saturday afternoon in Scottish (Gaelic for the pedants) I wondered.

Apparently there 421 Scottish words for, or related to snow. I am sure that Alasdair can enlighten us with some more when he is next at the club but in the meantime I have worked some into the blog.

The view towards Mary Tavy

K-8, GDK is ready to go.  What are the Wednesday Wavers waiting for?

The skies darken heralding the sneesl (to begin to rain or snow)

We experienced a flindrikin (a slight snow shower) at the launch point

The view towards Mary Tavy became distinctly dreich
(weather that makes outside look grey, dull, gloomy and very uninviting)

The snawie (snowy) launch point.

With that the launch point crew decided to head back to the clubhouse as the snow started to feefle (to swirl) whilst we were driving down the centre track.  To stop us misting up Geoff drove with the window open so we received some skovins (large snowflakes) inside the cab.  From the passenger seat I switched on the fans, heater, and the heated seats on instead!

Radioing the winch produced no response.  Robin had already abandoned his cab and had wisely headed back to the club house.

The Wednesday Wavers take shelter in the clubhouse from the oorlich (uncomfortably damp, cold and chilly weather) for a warming cuppa

Just as the Wavers were getting comfortable and warm the Duty Instructor cleared the clubhouse as the flukra (snow falling in large flakes) had abruptly ceased.  It was time to go flying.

Heading back to the launch point the Duty Instructor encounters
 two deer crossing the runway.  Can you spot them?

We welcomed Steve Raine, our previous long-serving treasurer, to the launch point who was happy to observe the proceedings.

Then came the unbrak (the beginning of a thaw)

The flying started with Geoff experiencing an aborted take off (the winch engine was cold!) and then on the next flight the effects of the controls near the stall which he found to be quite enlightening.

The snaw (snow) cleared at the launch point.

Behind the launch point Andy attempts to soar the ridge

Dave moves the cable into position ready for Neal and Mike's launch

Mike Jardine worked through the trainees; Geoff, Neal, Val and Robin before starting again on a second set for the trainees.

Hugh ready to hook Robin and Mike up!

View of the airfield and distant moors from the west

The same routine was carried out with the K-8 with flights by Mike Bennett, Hugh, Gavin, Andy, John Allan, Dave Archer, Peter, Phil, and Scratch before staring the cycle again.  There were some snippets of lift on the ridge but several of us concentrated on spot landing on the stub.  Dave successfully made his first landing on the stub in the K-8. Congratulations.

K8 ready to launch

Peter's view of Mary Tavy and the snawie moors

Mikes views of the Tamar

In the early afternoon is was quite warm in the sun.  I had to take off my woolly had whilst in the tower!

The launching continues unabated in the autumn sunshine

Having experienced the effects of the controls near the the stall on his first flight
Geoff is scrupulous on his pre-flight checks!

There was glush (melting snow) on the south-facing slopes to the north during the afternoon

Andy readies himself for the final flight of the day in GDK

After Andy's hangar landing the toys were packed away very smartly.  It was pleasant doing so in daylight.  We must thank DB for his efforts who emerged from the hangar, as we returned the gliders, after working there all day.

After the flight log had been produced (24 flights) we headed home after an unexpected almost full day of flying.

Gavin Short

Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 17th November 2024

After an exciting couple of days with aerotows on Friday and Jamie going solo on Saturday it was a bit of a surprise of a low turn out today. The forecast of a light westerly breeze and 1500ft cloudbase would allow flying until late afternoon. The field was set up to fly from the east end and the aircraft towed down ready to start.

First to fly with me was Julia Old. Three flights including her first launch failure practice sees her well on the way to maybe going solo again.

Julia off on another flight.

Next in the front seat was Viktor Skochko. After his first flight, the second was a launch failure practice which was well flown.

Viktor with dark clouds behind.

As our only visitor arrived, we had to stop flying for an unforecast shower to pass by. Once cleared the wind had increased slightly, but flying could continue. Max Doble was briefed and taken for his flights by BI Phil Hardwick.

Max and Phil getting ready.

Max happy with his certificate.

Viktor completed his three flights and made way for junior trainee Toby Irons. Three flight including another practice launch failure sees him back up to speed after a couple of weeks away.

With only a few members here today, I stopped for a bit of lunch whilst solo pilots Sean Westrope and Ed Borlase enjoyed a couple of flights each in the Astir and K8 respectively.

An Autumnal Blackdown.

Brentor and view towards Cornwall.

With lunch eaten, solo pilots satisfied it was time to give each of the trainees a couple more flights.

K13 returns on a normal approach.

Toby was all set up ready for the last flight of the day for a modified circuit and hangar landing. He was surprised to get a land ahead launch failure which was well handled and left his dad Howard gasping at the launch point.

Thank you to those who attended today, Particularly Sean who did a large part of the winching today.

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News - Friday 15th November 2024 - Aerotow day

Today was our second aerotow day held in conjunction with our sister organisation, Devon and Somerset Gliding Club (DSGC).  This followed the success of the first aerotow day, held on Friday 30 August, as part of DSGC's annual long-weekend expedition to Dartmoor.

It was a cool, early-morning start to ensure that we were all ready for the arrival of the Eurofox tug from North Hill.  As I left home there was mist in the valleys.  Then there were SNOWFLAKES!  Well actually one, on the dashboard, showing that the temperature had dropped to 2C at New Bridge at Gunnislake, while I crossed the River Tamar to enter Devon.

Geoff, Phil, Andy and I were the first to arrive at 0730 and we got the gear out.  Soon we were joined by Mike Bennett and DB, and others, who made short work of the field preparations.  The privateers were helped to rig.  It all went very smoothly and CNN, my Standard Cirrus was rigged and at the launch point by 0900.

It was an early start and the dew thick on the grass. 
Thank goodness I packed my welly boots.

All clear here.  Looking towards the north east

All the gear is out and has been inspected. 
Just waiting for some instructors to show up!

CNN rigged and at the launch point. 
However, I would have to wait some time before the condensation
cleared from the canopy and the dew stopped forming on the cold wings.

Today, at the brief, we welcomed three pilots from North Hill; David Perriam, Nick Harrison, and Shaun Dayman, who were keen to fly from a hill top site.  We were also joined during the day by DSGC instructors Mark Courtney, Mike Sloggett, Peter Smith, and second tug driver Robert Lee.

Setting up for the combined DSGC and DGS morning brief

The arrival of the tug from North Hill was delayed by the mist and fog.  It was worse to the east of Dartmoor, especially the radiation fog in the Exe valley.  The higher ground was clear especially at Crediton as the tug pilots leapfrogged from clear ground to clear ground to get to Brentor.

The tug arrived; resplendent in red in the crisp morning sunshine!

Aerotow operations today would repeat what had been established in August.  We were again launching from the west in light airs.  Wind forecast varied greatly and although the west end is not our preferred end it matched the majority of the wind direction forecasts.  The tug-glider combinations would take off from the North side.  The tug would land on the north side then taxi back to the launch point at the west end.

Gliders would land on the north side and clear to the south of the centre track.  Winch operations, including the cables, would be on the south side.

So we would use our elderly and rather dilapidated control tower on its trailer.  Its due for replacement and the project to replace it has been kicked off by one of our 14yro trainee pilots, Zack Smith.  He has set up an inspirational Go Fund Me page: Zack's Campaign   Check it out.  Its all his own words and sentiment.  The replacement would benefit our visitors as well as members and protect our equipment that we use during the flying day, such as the club parachutes and personal rucksacks.

First aerotow of the day.  DSGC leads the way in a DGS glider.

...with Mike Sloggett and Robert Lee aboard

Richard, although not booked in for an aerotow, came up to help.  Apparently fresh air on Dartmoor after a rubbish day at work yesterday was just the tonic he needed.  Dartmoor Gliding improves one's mental health. Who knew?  As the first aerotow launched Richard dispatched me to drive the winch.

Mike Jardine and Viktor in the Puchacz wait for the tug to land

Mike takes Victor aloft in the Puchacz for some more spin training

With all the punters taking aerotows initially it was quiet at the winch.  Which left me with my thoughts and to watch the tug-gliders launch into a fabulously clear and bright sky.  So I make no apologies for sharing many of these glorious scenes with our readers.

The tug and the Puchacz climbing hard, as seen from the winch

Viktor and Mike.  Sorry Viktor, I got the azure blue in the shot
but couldn't find any yellow. Slava Ukraini!

The rate of climb when viewed from the winch is impressive.  Normally the winch driver is looking at the faces of the pilots in the tug and glider as they are coming straight at him.  Looking up to see the tug and glider combination was a new sensation for me.

And away they go.

Building on our experience with the Eurofox tug in August the noise abatement procedures were improved.  Today the tug-glider combinations climbed to the right to circle to the south of the airfield, or on occasion head east over the moors, away from Mary Tavy and to keep to the north of the metropolis of Tavistock.  It seemed to work.  Once clear of the runway the tug engine was very quiet.  Indeed, I had to concentrate to hear it.

 

Third up was Mike Bennett with DSGC instructor Peter Smith for their journey into the blue.

The climb rate of the K-13 and tug seems greater than the Puchacz

Ever upwards

The tug-glider combination turns right,away from Mary Tavy,
to adhere to the noise abatement rules

As we thought. Scratch talking is louder than the tug on approach

Then came Geoff Cooper with Peter Howarth; Geoff's first aerotow experience. They were followed by DSGC's David Perriam for an aerotow in DGS's Astir CS77 to 3,000 feet.  I had no complaints to the Fleet Manager so he must have been happy with the improved operation of the aerotow release mechanism.

Peter and Geoff fly past the winch

One for your photo album Geoff

Mike Jardine and Neal's view of the airfield whilst on tow

Some mist remained throughout most of the day towards
Lydford and further north west

Mike Slogettt observes Steve checking the location of the airfield as the head towards Blackdown

Then they turn for the downwind leg and leave Mary Tavy behind

Then there was a short pause in tug operations as Mark Courtney handed the controls to Robert Lee while the Eurofox enjoyed a parsimonious sip of fuel.  Andy and Phil took the opportunity to squeeze in a quick winch-launch circuit to get their hand in.

Then a brace of 3,000 feet aerotows followed with Peter Smith and Shaun Dayman in the K-13 and John Allan in the Astir CS77.  In between, Scratch and DB went aloft in the Puchacz for a normal 2,000 feet aerotow.

DB and Scratch launch to the east

By now the aerotow queue was lengthening across the south side of the launch point and Phil aerotowed to 2,000 feet in his DG300.  I joined the queue.

Peter runs the wing for two DSGC pilots in DGS's K-13, FGR

Mike Sloggett and Nick Harrison lift off in FGR

At 1300 there was a tempting cloud street forming over the moors.  I was keen to get going and connect with it.  However Mark was wary of the sheet of cloud approaching from the west and sensibly made the decision that this would be the last aerotow of the day (No.13!).  The tug would head back to North Hill in the remaining good weather.  Despite a sense of urgency North Hill pilots wouldn't be North Hill pilots if they didn't stop for lunch.  One of their members brought lunch supplies from Tavistock for the tuggies before their departure.

My view of the tug drivers as they consume their pasties for lunch

Then we are ready to go.  "NHL, CNN take up slack"

The ground roll and take off distance of CNN was a little longer
with two pilots, and pasties, aboard the tug.

I had opted to go to 3,000 feet but the tug waved me off at 2,000 feet as they had reached cloud base.  The tempting street was decaying and so after a few attempts I returned to the airfield.  Not a memorable flight but currency, or is it recency now, on aerotow launching was maintained?

With that operations shifted to the winch with Geoff flying with Mike Jardine in the Puchacz this time. Andy, denied an aerotow, took a launch on the wire and achieved "Man of the Match" with a flight of 29 minutes.  Trevor had come to the club today to learn about ground operations with aerotows.  He was rewarded with a flight in K-13, FSD with Peter.  This was followed by a rear seat training flight for John Allan in the Puchacz, with Mike Jardine.

We managed thirteen power movements and 19 glider flights today, which totaled 32 launches.

 

We received several pieces of feedback on the day:

"A great day today, thanks to all from DGS for the teamwork!"

 

"I would like to say a personal thank you to Peter Howarth, Mike Jardine and Mark Courtney and all at the field today for what I believe was a very safe and successful days tugging."

 "Yes, many thanks for a fantastic day."

 

Shortly afterwards the Friday Flyers called a halt to the proceedings as all had had their fill.  Also we didn't want to encounter canopy misting problems as the air temperature dropped to the dew point.  A few remained at the clubhouse discussing glider electronics and how to enable a digital task declaration from an Oudie to a Red Box FLARM.  A plan was evolving for implementation in CNN in the near future.

So an another successful aerotow day.  Thanks to all who made it happen and facilitated good inter-club cooperation.  Let's do it again soon and hopefully the organsier on the DGS side, Rick, will be able to take a day off work and take part.  It's simple Rick; just say that you are WFH (Working From Height!).

 

Gavin Short