Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 18 June 2025

Today is moving day.  It's been a long time coming, but finally it's here.  The day we move Zack's Shack into its rightful place at the west end to become our new launch point.  The fitting-out work by John Smith was complete.  The electrical and solar installation by John Allan was complete. The painting by Mike Bennett was complete.  These were the lead actors; many others worked on it, enthusiastically encouraged by Zack when he was on site.  However, there is a consensus that Zack's corny jokes didn't help with the conversion!

There had been a lot of work on Tuesday to be ready for this day.  Scratch worked the whole day on raising the air suspension and freeing the air-powered brakes.  It sounds like a simple job, but it turned out to be a frustratingly long and difficult task.  Who knew that a bus could be so complex?

While this was going on, the DGS strimming team (Val and Mike) were in action, clearing the car park, tidying up the berm, and making more space.  The trailer park was strimmed, and of course, the all-important spot for Zack's Shack was prepared.  I was working on some follow-up actions after our successful BGA Quality Assurance audit last Friday, and carrying out some fettling on my Standard Cirrus.

When I arrived at the club today a little earlier than normal, there was a fair crowd present, but no gliders out.  The focus was elsewhere; the red tractor and two ropes were already connected to the bus, and a team of helpers was ready.

As to the weather, high pressure was in charge.  It would be blue and warm today.  Pleasant for both the Wednesday Wavers and the visitors.  Perhaps there would be some soaring.

We welcomed BGA Inspector Ian Mitchell back to the club.  He was there to conduct the annual inspection and Airworthiness Review Check of Phil's DG 300.  After the morning brief; no NOTAMS, all three firing ranges active, apply sunscreen, drink plenty of water, Scratch took to his feet.  "Operation Move" would involve two tractors, a compressor, a driver and helper, chocks and wooden block carriers, in a carefully choreographed evolution.

Scratch briefing "Operation Move"

Red tractor hooked up

It's on the move. 
With no power assistance, there are two "drivers" steering.

A gentle sweeping turn onto the track to the airfield

Nicely lined up on the track.  "Fares, please".

Space again at the clubhouse.  Harvey watches the action.

George "Chocky" Purkiss follows the shack up the track,
 ready to leap into action to halt the bus if needed

 

Push me, pull me. The handover from the red tractor
to the green tractor to pull the bus backwards to the west end

Zack's Shack in its new home. 
The trailer launch point looks tiny in comparison.

The old launch point on its trailer was spirited away
 after the communications gear had been transferred over

After "Operation Move", we were slightly behind the curve in getting the gliders up to the east end.  Our visitors were starting to arrive and were ferried to the launch point.  I briefed Esther van Delft in the clubhouse on her one-day course.  She had visited before, but the conditions weren't right, so fingers crossed for today.

Amazingly, the first flight took off at 1103, so not that far behind our normal schedule.  Duty Instructor Mike Jardine took recently re-soloed "junior" pilot Raymond Staines for a check flight and then the inevitable practice launch failure. 

In between these two flights, I took Tim Wallbridge up on a "birthday" flight with a voucher that had been purchased last year.  After some impressive procrastination, he finally booked his flight and could fly with us.  He had brought a veritable charabanc of supporters with him to see him fly; there were three generations of Wallbridges to support him.  Seeing granddad go flying was a thrill for his grandchildren.

Tim Wallbridge and Gavin ready for their flight

I then took Esther van Delft for a pair of flights; an introductory flight and a demonstration of the elevator.  The conditions weren't thermic yet, so we paused her course and I flew Alasdair Barclay’s friend Roy Bailey, a Power Engineer and scuba diving enthusiast who had recently retired and was busy trying different things.  We must have been busy with the visitors as we failed to capture either Esther or Roy for the obligatory photo of them in the Puchacz.  Then I flew Wayne Murphy-Jerett, whose son had recently flown with us.  Wayne has enjoyed a varied career that started off with making jewellery.

Dad Wayne Murphy-Jerrett about to see what his 14-yro son Arthur experienced earlier in the month

Earlier, Mike Bennett flew in the K-8 before David Osment was Mike's next trainee. He was then followed by Neal also for a set of three flights.  So far, the flight durations had been short.  The thermals were being shy and for quite a while, Mike Bennett was at the top of the leader board with an eight-minute flight.  It would be fair to say that the conditions were challenging, certainly trying to gain height in the Puchacz after not very high launches.  I think it was the same in the K-13s as the Duty Instructor took no photos all day.  

Steve Fletcher and Freddie made some short flights in the Open Cirrus and K-13 (solo), respectively.

After a solo flight in the K-13 Mike briefed Ray on the type conversion to the K-8, a type that Ray had flown a long time ago...when they were new!  Another milestone for "junior" Ray, who was then top of the leader board with a 10-minute flight.  So there was some soaring to be had, perhaps.

Ray Staines had his first flight in the K-8, and he soared for 10 minutes.

Freddie had another go, and John Osment had a go, but both flights were circuits.  So an opportunity for the big boys.  Peter's 19 metre wings in the Kestrel produced a 16-minute flight.  Half an hour later Steve Fletcher had another go with his 17.7 metre wings in the Open Cirrus:

"After seeing some small little clouds form where Peter had managed to stay up for a while, I took a launch and found some half decent but very tight thermals which took me to 2,200 feet then it all started to disappear."  

And he came down after 50 minutes proving the adage: TINSFOS (There is no substitute for span).

The question was whether the sea breeze front that had arrived would set up the forecast convergence.  With the sky being blue, it was difficult to judge.  While waiting for our launch, Esther and I witnessed a large cumulus cloud form over the launch point and then dissipate within 60 seconds.  This was happening elsewhere in the sky.  Our launch to 900 feet and a 3-minute circuit was insufficient to introduce Esther to the operation of the ailerons so reluctantly I called a halt to her course as the conditions were against us.  After discussion with the Duty Instructor,  Esther would come back on another flying day and join in with the trainees to complete her one-day course.

John Smith had a circuit in the K-8, and Steve Lesson had a circuit in the K-13 with Peter before being cleared to the K-8.  He took a flight in the K-8 and soared for 25 minutes in what we suspect was convergence caused by the sea breeze front.  Well done, Steve, to soar in those conditions with nothing visible to give you clues.

We were getting to the end of the flying list.  Freddie had another two solo flights in FGR while Mike and Harvey took three flights, and then a practice launch failure/hangar landing in CCY.  The ground team packed up and walked the Puchacz back to the hangar.  After eight flights today, I decided I didn't need to take another in the Puchacz , especially as the conditions weren't very enticing.

Visitors' flight complete for the day, the Puchacz earns a well-deserved rest

So a big milestone for the club with Zack's Shack now in position and ready for a formal opening by our Chairman, Steve Lewis, on Saturday. We look forward to christening Zack's Shack and enjoying its facilities and comfort at the west end.

Thirty-four flights today in conditions that were less than forecast.  However, we flew our four visitors.  Two early solo pilots flew solo, and one converted to the K-8.  Some soaring was to be had, and Steve Fletcher was "Man of the Match" with a soaring flight of 50 minutes.  There was a sea breeze front, but it was difficult to determine where it was in the blue, let alone exploit the resulting convergence.  An ARC was issued for Phil's DG300, and Colin made progress on the annual inspection of our other K-8, FXB.  A busy day for the Wavers.

Gavin Short

Dartmoor Gliding News - Saturday 14th June 2025

The challenge today, you might not be surprised to hear, was going to be the weather. Various troughs with associated fronts were passing overhead. This made the forecast uncertain as to the timings of everything. Wind was going to be SW with low(ish) cloudbases and frequent showers. Personally I actually enjoy these conditions as they provide a definite challenge to find rising air amongst the showers and clouds. 

Low cloud and the wind starting to back to the SW

We took 2 K13's, the Puchacz and a K8 to the east end. Meanwhile, Adam spent his day in the hangar with the Astir upgrading the hook release and the canopy catch retaining spring. Thank you for all the work Adam.

We ended up having plenty of practice drying off gliders as the frequent showers passed by. Rick's list of trainees was short today, with only Elliot and Val. He used his time very constructively by getting the annual BI/IFP flight checks done for Richard, Gavin and Steve Fletcher. 

Today we had a couple of visitors, Nicholas Mortimer One Day Course and Navy visitor Andrew Roberts. 

Andrew took his final flight with Rick

Nicholas ready for his One Day Course

During my flights I managed to find the lift in front of the showers and had a couple of short soaring flights. On the second of these I centred a 6 knot thermal core ( where did that come from?). The only snag with this was that 3 turns later  - about 1 minute - I pulled out of the climb to avoid disappearing into the clouds at the 1600ft cloudbase. Great fun.

Passing shower

Variable cloudbases looking south

We were joined by a couple of private gliders. Phil flying his DG300 managed a soaring flight of  23 minutes and Andy flying his Libelle for a day topping 39 minutes. Today would definitely suit a light agile glider such as the Libelle. Note to self to try the K8 in these conditions rather than a K13.

Phil and DG300 waiting to go

The day finished with a Committee meeting which stretched into the early evening.

No. I wasn't looking for divine guidance
but removing a stone from in front of the launchpoint

Steve

Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 15th June 2025

The forecast for 5 to 10 knot breeze straight down the strip and possible soaring to 3500ft AMSL saw 2 x K13's, Puchacz, K8, Libelle and K6 readied and taken to the east end launch point.

First launches were check flights for Viktor Skochko and Freddie Purkiss. Both were cleared to fly the second K13 as they wanted unless the conditions significantly changed. Viktor had four flights during the day and Freddie two flights one of which was 54 minutes just short of his Bronze 1 hour flight.

Viktor getting ready for a solo flight.

K6 looking down on Freddie.

Jamie Young also had a quick check flight after three weeks away. Successfully flown he was cleared to fly the K8 and notched up another flight of over an hour.

Training continued with Misha Skochko, Ed Nicholson and Aiden Hughes. Misha managed his first complete flight with a good approach and landing. Ed and Aiden are making steady progress through their training.

Ed climbing steadily on one of his flights.

Duty BI, Phil Hardwick was kept busy with four visitors today. First to arrive was Robbie Gillard and his family. Robbie enjoyed a 25 minute soaring flight.

Robbie and family before his flight.

Next to arrive was Margaret Barnes who had visited yesterday to see what happens. She enjoyed two flights, one of which was an extended circuit with a little soaring.

Margaret with Phil.

Phil's third visitor was Jayan Harrisson and was treated to an extended flight with some soaring in the local area.

Jayan being briefed by Phil.

Our final visitor was Samuel Noga, who after their flight said they would be back for some more.

Samuel thumbs up ready to fly.

The other solo pilots today each enjoyed soaring flights. John Smith 1 hour 2 minutes, his longest flight this year. Ed Borlase 1 hour 34 minutes. Andy Davey claimed flight of the day with 3 hour 11 minutes. He tried to get to Bodmin but was thwarted by a lower cloudbase in Cornwall and sensibly turned around to return to the airfield.

Ed's view from the K6.

K13 soaring above the K6.

Tavistock and River Tamar beyond.

Thank you to all at the club today for another successful day's flying.

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 11 June 2025

A very pleasant day was forecast for the Wednesday Wavers.  Easterly or south-easterly wind, depending on who you believe, increasing in strength throughout the day and warm air temperature.  The Skew T forecast didn't predict wave though.  All the firing ranges were active, so we would be staying west of the A386 and not exploring the moor today.  That shouldn't be a problem as the thermals were expected to be fairly weak. The RASP forecast barely mustered one star.

As the Daily Inspections were being conducted, I did my bit for nature in trying to turn our new big earth berm into something more attractive.

Me atop the berm, scattering wildflower seeds.  Let's see what happens in three weeks.

We would be operating at the west end, so one K-13, CCY, the Puchacz, a K-8, GDK, and the Astir CS 77 were fielded.

But first, during the Daily Inspections, it was time to get busy with the Henry and hoover the glider cockpits.  In addition, John Smith did an outstanding job cleaning the Astir CS77 top to bottom, including the canopy.  Robin did a lovely job on the Puchacz too.  The fleet has to look its best for the forthcoming BGA Quality Assurance audit on Friday, 13 June.  Suspicious of the date, moi?  Non!

David Osment gets ready to fly with Mike Jardine, the Duty Instructor

Summer must be coming as most of the Wavers were in T-shirt attire despite the wind.

David was first in the air today with a 12 and then a 25-minute soaring flight

John Smith took the Astir CS77 up for 18 minutes. The conditions were surprisingly soarable.  Was RASP being pessimistic?

Gliders at the ready viewed from the west

Peter's view in the K-8 while soaring to crank the flight time up to 26 minutes.

The Twin Astir syndicate, Phil and Robin, decided to have a go for all of a five-minute circuit.  Then the two Mikes (Jardine and Bennett) went up for an extended circuit.  Was the sky cycling?  To prove the sky watchers wrong, visiting instructor, and DCFI at Seahawk Gliding Club (at RNAS Culdrose), Steve Moore took the Astir CS77 up for 14 minutes.  Determined Phil and Robin went up again and soared for 32 minutes.  The record so far.

The Twin Astir viewed from the K13, looking for thermals

Then it was Raymond Staines's turn to soar for 27 minutes in CCY.  Mike reported that the new TOST hook in CCY, fitted on a very rainy Saturday last, enabled launch heights of 1,400 to 1,500 feet.  For most of the day, this was the height of the cloud base.

Ray goes through his pre-flight checks while a remarkably relaxed Duty Instructor looks on

We had one visitor today, Ian Warren, who came with a two-flight voucher.  IFP, Steve Fletcher delivered two extended circuits.  Unfortunately, Ian had to leave the field promptly on completion as his partner and their dog were waiting for him in the car park.  Ian, I hope you enjoyed your flights.

Mike Jardine stepped up Ray's game and subjected him to a brace of simulated launch failures.  Mike then stepped out of the rear seat and spoke those long-awaited words, "Ray, would you like to try that again, on your own?"  So he did.

It appears that the Saturday and Sunday Duty Instructors have been having a little competition to see how many juniors they can send solo.  So Mike decided to get in on the act and send our Wednesday Waver junior, Raymond Staines, solo.  Ray returned to Earth after an extended circuit after Dave Archer led the way for a circuit in the K-8.  Congratulations, Ray.  Welcome back to the fold.

Raymond about to try that again on his own!

Meanwhile, Malcolm had clocked up three flights in the Twin Astir and enjoyed a soaring flight.  Then it was Neal's term, after several weeks of layoff, for a set of three flights.  Scratch returned from the east end, having worked on replacing a guide wheel on the tractor's grass-cutting deck.  His efforts were rewarded with a 24-minute flight in the Astir CS77.

Neal back in the seat to practice circuits

Regrettably, I spent most of the time in the clubhouse poring over the glider documentation, ready for Friday’s inspection.  I did take breaks, though.  We had a stream of walk-ins; a previous lapsed glider pilot and former DGS instructor, a North Hill pilot who had never been to the airfield and thought he should since he was holidaying only ten minutes away, and a resident of Brentor who after 20 years of watching us fly over his house decided that he wants to come and try it.  I enjoyed being in the sunshine and warm air, but flying would have to wait for another day.

We also welcomed David Moult back to the fold after yet another visit to see family in Australia.  Then, knowing that Malcolm would be in the air forever in the Twin Astir (48 minutes) Robin flew with Mike in CCY for over half an hour.  They reported rotor on the approach, which made sense as the wind strength had increased and the slight south of east air flow would be setting of the Mary Tavy "Hydraulic jump".  Steve Fletcher took the latest flight for Mike for a practice launch failure to ensure his currency as he is due a revalidation check of his IFP endorsement presently with the CFI.

Malcolm will be up there forever.  Let's go and join him.

During the day family Osment  (John and son David) had been working with Colin on the annual inspection and ARC of K-6, FUB, in the hangar with their trailer ranged on the apron.  The poor range performance of the Flarm was sorted....the aerial needs to be vertical, not horizontal!  DB had been working on a K-13 tailwheel with a split tyre and unknotting a winch drogue shock rope.  Thanks to all the efforts of the maintenance crew.

The view of Tavistock with the cumulus building in the afternoon

So, who was the "Man of the Match" today?  It wasn't a glider pilot pushing the boundaries of what could be achieved in the conditions of the day.  No, it was a winch driver. or more specifically, Andy, who had driven from his home at Barnstaple just to winch.  He winched all morning and then headed home after lunch.  Andy, thank you. Your altruism is much appreciated. 

The hint of rotor on the last few flights reinforced the saying "Never say never " to the possibility of wave at Dartmoor.

The gliders were brought back to the hangar and then packed after CCY had been hoovered out again.  A clean fleet ready for Friday.

Twenty-six fights on a very pleasant June day.  It was a beautiful day.

Gavin Short 

Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 8th June 2025

With no flying yesterday, the journey to the club contemplating a busy day was in trepadation. On arrival all was well with initially four trainees which rose to five by the time we started flying. A K13, Puchacz, Astir, Twin Astir, Libelle and a brace of K6's were readied and taken to the launch point.

During the day we were to receive three visitors. I must now appologise as our usual photographers were otherwise occupied and we missed photos of Julia Collins. Julia enjoyed her flights including a 22 minute soaring flight with BI Phil Hardwick.

Malcolm Clackworthy enjoyed a 20 minute flight with Phil and stayed for a while watching operations.

Malcolm Clackworthy chatting with Phil.

The third visitor Carl Knight had three short flights with Phil and left happy.

Carl ready to go.

Carl Launching With Phil.

The training started with Ed Nicholson with three extended circuits in broken lift. He learnt the changing effect of the rudder near the stall which resulted in a small yelp from the front seat. A valuable lesson. Next was Freddie Purkiss. First flight a launch failure practice followed by a soaring flight finishing by being put out of position where he made the right decision to land in the opposite direction safely. Back at the launch point he was told we might fly again later!

View to the south past Tavistock

Airfield bathed in sunshine.

The day progressed with trainees Aiden Hughes, Connor Redburn and Ray Boundy. All steadily making progress.

Ray waiting for cables.

Solo pilots today took launches when the conditions looked favourable. Ed Borlase (K6 EWO), John Osment (K6 FUB), Sean Westrope (Astir DNE), Andy Davey (Libelle KCM) and Malcolm W-J (Twin Astir DSL). Longest flight of the day was claimed by Andy with 1 hour 46 minutes.

Ed in K6 EWO

John in K6 FUB

With still time to fly Freddie was given the chance for a couple of flights. The first was very short as it was a demonstration of the ultra-low launch failure. The second was not much longer as he suffered a slow power loss by the winch. Again well flown. Only one thing for it now, send him solo. After the relevant briefing and allowed to prepare in his own time it was time to put all the training into practice on his own.

Briefing for the first solo.

Off he goes.

Safely back 11 minutes later.

Congratulated by dad George

Freddie receiving his wings.

With one cable left George Purkiss was setled into the front seat of the K13 for a celebratory flight with me and a hangar landing.

Very proud George Purkiss.

An excellant day at Brentor Gliding. Another Junior joining the ranks of solo pilots. Thank you to all at the club today, 30 flights and one very happy Freddie.

Peter Howarth