Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 27th October 2024

A similar forecast to yesterday gave optimism that some soaring may be possible. A K13, Puchacz and Astir were DI'd and taken to the east end launch point.

First to fly with me was Geoff Cooper. Geoff is progressing well and is flying most of the launch. He is also starting approaches and landings.

Geoff doing his pre-flight checks.

Duty BI Gavin Short had three visitors today. First up was Julie Baughan. Julie and her husband arrived early to take her flight.  They had visited us before and were suitably equipped with a picnic. She enjoyed the early developing thermals to prolong her second flight, indicating how the day might develop. They stayed to enjoy the beautifully warm sunshine and watch the proceedings.

Julie all smiles and ready to fly.

Next up was Trevor Ashbolt who had come from Newquay with his partner, also called Julie.  Gavin had met him in September and told him about gliding.  As a result, Trevor booked a two-flight voucher as a taster.  Determined to fly with us, this was his third attempt as previous Sundays were blighted by the poor weather we have experienced recently.  The two flights were both soaring flights with the second climbing up to 1,700 feet in 2 knot thermals in the late October sunshine.  Feedback received when Trevor got back to Newquay: "Many thanks Gavin. First class experience today. Already looking forward to return trips."

Trevor receiving his certificate from Gavin.

Next trainee with me was David Osment. His flying is progressing and he is starting to fly the launch. After David, it was dad John's turn. After a quick check flight he added to his recent re-solo with another couple of flights.

John with son David.

Other solo pilots lined up ready to fly. Sean Westrope (Astir), Andy Davey (Libelle), Steve Fletcher (Open Cirrus) and Ed Borlase (K6). Longest flight of the day was Andy with 1 hour 15 minutes. Not bad for the first day of winter.

Sean waiting in the Astir.

K6 waiting in the launch queue.

Andy returns after his flight.

Our last visitor arrived to fly with Gavin. Beki Richards who hails from Okehampton and was accompanied by her husband and two children.  The flight voucher was to celebrate her birthday. She had tried skydiving previously.  She should have been accompanied by her father, Robert Sargent, who had subsequently booked a flight on the same day to keep Beki company.  Unfortunately, we received a call early this morning that Robert had been running in the woods (he is training for a marathon) and had fallen and broken his ankle and was on his way to A&E in Exeter.  We wish him a speedy recovery. He told Beki to carry on with her flight booking which she did.  Beki enjoyed her flights although there was little thermic activity remaining the views, calmness, and serenity of our smooth flights were thoroughly enjoyed.

Beki and Gavin ready to go.

Last two trainees Freddie Purkiss and David Moorley were ready to fly with me. Both are progressing well and David finished his flying day with a good hangar landing. A late visitor arrived, a friend and family of Phil Hardwick. Phil took Josh Taylor for a last flight in the Puchacz to land at the west end ready to put the glider away.

Thank you to all at the field today with some good flying all around.

Peter Howarth