Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 24 December 2025

Dear Santa,

This is a group letter from the Wednesday Wavers.

We think we have been good this year.  We especially didn't schedule a flying day today in the spirit of Christmas familial harmony.  This was particularly galling when our weather guru, Andy, posted a satellite picture showing that it was waving over Brentor at 1040 this morning.  Oh, to be there. 

EUMETSAT image at 1040. The heart at the centre of the picture is Brentor.

I was in Tavistock collecting the turkey and ham from Howell's the butchers and indulging in a little bit of Christmas shopping. Well, there's no point in starting too early, is there?  Although a clear blue sky, there was some low cloud, indicating the presence of rotor.  Occasionally it could be felt outside the pannier market.  From Plymouth, there were reports of a huge wave system overhead.

Although our hearts were in the sky today, we decided to leave it exclusively to you, Santa.  The Dartmoor Wave Box will be clear for your passage this evening.

Our thoughts turn to what presents you might bring the Wavers.  New gliders, new instruments, or new trailers (Ed?) perhaps.  Maybe you came early for some of us with canopy flashers to fit?  You definitely came early for Viktor, perhaps it's a Ukrainian tradition, with his K-6CR, G-DDKG. 

However, the best festive present would be the gift of lift, especially to understand how you can make such rapid cross-country progress.  If the wave persists, it should provide good conditions for you this evening.  The Wavers have had lots of theory lectures this year and our fair share of mountain lee wave, which leads us to imagine how you might make progress in wave.  You probably already know this Santa but just for fun, and for training purposes, we asked Mr. Google for an AI overview:

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Santa's sleigh could theoretically use powerful

mountain lee waves as a natural, high-altitude express current, though he would need his unique "quantum anti-gravity technology" and magic to navigate the severe turbulence and downdrafts associated with this weather phenomenon. 

How Santa Could Use Mountain Lee Waves

Mountain lee waves are a type of standing atmospheric wave that forms downwind (on the leeward side) of mountain ranges when specific weather conditions are met. 

• Natural Lift: Glider pilots routinely use the powerful, smooth, rising air on the upwind side of the wave crests to gain significant altitude and cover long distances. Santa's team could ride these upward currents, potentially saving reindeer energy or "magic dust".

• High Altitudes: The right conditions allow these waves to propagate vertically into the stratosphere, an unpowered glider once reached over 50,000 feet using this lift. This would place the sleigh well above most commercial air traffic and weather. 

• Speed Boost: The flow of air in these waves involves significant changes in wind speed, and Santa could use these fast-moving currents as a natural tailwind to enhance his supersonic journey. 

The Hazards and Santa's Solution

While beneficial for experienced glider pilots, strong mountain waves pose significant hazards for most aircraft due to extreme turbulence and powerful downdrafts. 

• Severe Turbulence: The "rotor" area, which forms below the main wave crests, is a zone of violent, rotating air that can cause an aircraft to lose control or even break apart. 

• Powerful Downdrafts: Sinking air within the wave pattern can exceed an aircraft's ability to climb, forcing it dangerously low or preventing it from clearing terrain. 

• Icing: If moisture is present, severe icing can occur within the associated lenticular (lens-shaped) or roll clouds. 

Santa's sleigh is likely equipped with advanced technology to handle these conditions: 

• Quantum Anti-Gravity Technology: This system likely provides sustained lift and allows the sleigh to maintain a stable altitude regardless of the powerful vertical air currents. 

• Aerodynamic Magic: The "aerodynamic magic" and a potentially a "time shield" mentioned by experts would counteract turbulence and sonic booms, ensuring a smooth and silent ride. 

• Advanced AI Navigation: The sleigh's navigation system would help Santa map out the most efficient path, likely threading the needle between turbulent rotors and using the smooth, lifting wave crests. 

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The Wednesday Wavers hope that this helps.  Have a good flight.  Make sure you adhere to the mnemonic IM SAFE, and please don't forget your pre-circuit checks, we don't want to have to disturb the British Gliding Association over their Christmas break with an incident report.

So Santa, that concludes our letter and news from the Wednesday Wavers.  I'll get back to dressing my Christmas tree in the front room while the rest of the family is busy in the kitchen.  All that remains is for us to wish our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 Gavin Short

Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 21st December 2025

The winter equinox today and rain forecast for sometime during the afternoon led to getting things ready as soon as enough bodies had arrived. Having not flown for a few weeks, I took a solo flight in the K13. After releasing I found the air very smooth and reduced sink with patches of lift. I saw the Astir launch so I made my way down to start training flights.

Cap cloud over the moors.

It was Andy Davey who had launched in the Astir and he managed to contact weak wave out over the valley nearer to the moors than I was. I launched with Ed Nicholson, but we were unable to join Andy, but extended the flight to 12 minutes. After our second flight Andy returned with what remained as flight of the day of  32 minutes.

Looking south towards Tavistock.

With no visitors today, Richard Roberts took a flight in the Astir, but could not emulate Andy's flight. I continued flying with Sean Westrope to complete his annual review and then Freddie Purkiss for recency flight after the recent poor weather.

Next was Aiden Hughes for a couple of circuits flying without an altimeter to improve his judgement in the circuit. Good flights Aiden.

Aiden flying well.

With rain approaching from over the moors the last person to fly with me was Ed Borlase for part of his annual checks. Everybody had flown, so it was time to pack the toys away which was completed as the rain arrived.

Only 10 flights, but we all flew which is always good for this time of year. Yes it was another wave day at Brentor. Will it be the last of the year? Watch this space as there are rumblings of possible wave 27th/28th December.

Thanks to those at the airfield today. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas from the Sunday Soarers.

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News - Saturday 20 December 2025

Twas, the night before Christmas.  Well, the Saturday before Christmas at least.  The clubhouse was fully of Christmas offerings, mostly of the biscuit kind, but the best were homemade mince pies from Wendy, Rowan's mum.  Tea was brewing, and the log burner was throwing out heat.

The rain had stopped and there was blue sky, in parts, but the wind was full cross and building.  Furthermore, the cloud base was due to drop - sadly not a flying day, and sadly we had to postpone a visitor on their third attempt to fly with us.

But there was plenty for the DGS elves to keep themselves busy in the build up for Christmas.  The paint for the cockpit surrounds had finally arrived.  I chose Humbrol matt grey enamel rather than the tricky to handle safely two-pack acrylic.  Over to Phil and Ian to continue their work when they are next at the club.

Could the toy shop have used a bigger box to accommodate our paint order?

Rick outlined the plan of the day and promptly disappeared into the Motor Transport Hangar with Scratch and started an intricate ballet with the vehicles and winches to pack it for the winter.

Steve Lewis and I found ourselves detailed off to go and retrieve the Twin Astir 1, G-DDSL, from its T-hangar at the east end.  This was a chance for two non-former syndicate members to get to grips with opening up the T-hangar and moving the glider down the runway.  Rick was keen on such a trial, as the Twin Astirs are heavier than the K-13s or the Puchacz.  Would it get stuck?  Well with Steve and I didn't get it stuck...

The bright picture belies the strength, and cold, of the strong southerly wind
as Steve and I tow the Twin Astir 1 to the west end

The club's new acquisition, looking splendid in the sunlight. 
To the eagle-eyed the lack of a tailplane was deliberate.

The transit to the west end went smoothly.  Once at the west end we took the opportunity to investigate the battery set up, firstly to get them charged, but primary to see what work needed to be done to standardise the installation, so it could accommodate the club's format batteries (end plates, fuse, and XLR sockets).  As suspected polarities would need reversing, connector wires made up, but more importantly the battery box repositioned.  All in the pursuit of standardisation (What did you expect, the Fleet Manager used to work for NATO, and they are hot on standardisation)?  But for now with the long planned introduction of the instructors to the glider, and the work on the Twin Astir Trainer, HBK, that could wait. 

The original battery box. Can it be used with batteries with end plates!

There was more room on the Port side of the shelf
 that can accommodate the club's battery format.

  

A taster for our members.  Their view of the front panel.

And the view for the instructors.  Hopefully the CFI will have
stepped out before we try and get in the back seat

Work was underway on the Twin Astir Trainer, G-DHBK.  The brake system was fully commissioned.  John Smith tidied the vinyl fabric on the side supports of the rear panel.  John Allan delved into the intricacies of the glider wiring.  The rear shelf and the battery stowage are now ready to be installed after the battery stays were insulated and thumb wheels, vice wing nuts, fitted. 

The rear shelf ready to be installed in the glider complete with Neal's 3D-printed battery boxes

Just because we were doing lost of jobs didn't mean that ground school was neglected for Rowan and Val.

Under the CFI's watchful eye, Scratch delivered a lecture on circuits.  I gave a lecture on stalling, which under the revised Instructor's Manual for the Sailplane Pilot Licence (SPL) syllabus includes slow flight.

After the theory lectures John Alan Coached Rowan round a small local task (Brentor, Roadford Lake, Lydford, Brentor).  Obviously too much fun was being had, so Rick asked me to fly with Rowan. We covered slow flight, stalling, and later thermaling techniques.

Scratch and John Allan were involved in discussions to improve solar battery charging arrangements for in the MT hangar.  Throughout this and late into the evening, Adam working on K-8 ruder pedal bushes, keen to get it back into service and ready for Colin's inspection when he returns from his hols in Portugal.

The light was starting to fade, and it was getting cooler in the stronger wind, so the Twin Astir Trainer was popped back in his box.  Rick and Steve took the Twin Astir 1 back to its T-hangar.   Rick proved, what we all knew, was if you tow a heavy glider off the good piste and through the boggy bits you can get a glider stuck.  The pair were missing in action for a while but made it back for the committee meeting that had been brought forward to 1500.  The Committee thrashed out a lot of issues, including the future composition of the club fleet.  Stop Press: The cost of trial flights is held at 2025 prices.  So come and blow away those New Year Cobwebs with Dartmoor Gliding Society

 Adult:

 

 

 

Junior (Under 21): 

 

 

 

 

 

At last the wind is forecast to go easterly over the Christmas period with the prospect of wave on Saturday 27 December and maybe the Sunday too.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers wherever you may be. 

Gavin Short

Dartmoor Gliding News - Saturday 13 December 2025

After almost a month of no flying for the Saturday crew, it was nice to arrive to the club with bright skies and calm winds.

However, despite the recent sunny spells during the week, the airfield was still very wet from the prolonged periods of rain we experienced last week, and we had to take as much care as possible to avoid damaging the field.

Early morning un peeking through the trees...

...and the view of the airfield

After no flying on Wednesday or Sunday, it was going to be a busy day.  Nine solo pilots were due to fly today, whilst the Duty Instructor had a quieter day with only three pre-solo students to fly.

We extracted the gliders from the hangar and DI’d the Astir CS77 and a K-13 before taking them up to the west end.  Rick Wiles gave a thorough briefing of how we would operate today.  The K-13 would be launching and landing from our runway to minimize damage to the airfield, whilst the Astir CS77 would continue as normal.

Rick admires the view towards the south and the Tamar Valley engulfed in fog, whilst Ed flies

The southerly wind gave us a full crosswind, sometimes we did have a tailwind component, but it was fairly light although stronger at height.  The absence of any thermals gave a laminar airflow throughout the entire day.

Val and Rick about to take off

The K-13 coming in to land

Navy Flyer Jake Hayes, who is a trainee at Middle Wallop (Portsmouth Naval Gliding Centre), came to pay us a visit whilst in the area.  Never having flown from another airfield, he enjoyed two flights with Rick and stayed for the remainder of the day to help out.

Firstly, a briefing with Rick...

...and strapped in, getting ready to fly following a further briefing

Rick had to make a dash at 3pm to meet his third grandchild for the first time, who had arrived the previous evening (Congrats Rick!).  Luckily, Chris Bryning, the CFI at Seahawk Gliding Club at RNAS Culdrose came to fly with us today.  After having a warm-up flight in the Astir CS77, Chris helped Rick with the instructing, flying with those pilots who needed to fly dual, and he then ran the field until sunset when Rick departed. 

Chris happy to be flying again, at Brentor

Elsewhere, work continued on the Twin Astir Trainer after arriving back from its beauty treatment at Les Clark's glider workshop.

David Bourchier recommissions the hydraulic brake system in G-CHBK

Rick sneaks in a quick flight in the Astir CS77 before promptly disappearing for grandfather duties

John Allan about to launch for a second flight

As the sunlight quickly started to fade, it was time to put the toys away.  A total of 29 flights today from just two aircraft.  Sixteen flights for the Astir CS77, is this a new club record for the number of flights it has flown in a single day?

A big thank you to those who helped today to ensure a smooth and efficient operation, especially to Chris who volunteered to run the airfield for the rest of the day when Rick had to depart.  It’s always nice to have flying this late in the year.

Jamie Young

Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 10 December 2025

I wasn't going to blog today as we didn't fly, but the Duty Instructor sent me photos for the blog, so here goes.

The forecast for once was dry, sometimes sunny, with a south westerly wind. The Dos Amigos (Mike and Peter) conducted a pitch inspection. The Duty Instructor was up for flying, launching from the track at the west end.  But prudence arrived on site, and we decided on ground school, glider and vehicle maintenance, rather than churning up the pitch even with the proposed conservative operating measures.

Scratch had a breakthrough with the retrieve vehicle.  For years, we have suffered from drained batteries when the ground radio is left switched on.  Separate switches, key switches, even the idea of timers haven't solved the average pilot's inability to switch off the radio at the end of the day.  As I am sure our readers know, car batteries are expensive.  So now the vehicle key has a kill cord attached.  Just like a jet ski.  Take the key out of the ignition and the kill cord comes off, and the radio is switched off.  Genius.  Why didn't we think of that before?

With the decision made not to fly, Scratch could start on some private vehicle maintenance.  A gnarly problem; how does a VW Polo lose all its engine oil when there isn't a leak?  Whether the issue was solved is undetermined, but members are pleased that our oldest trainee is back on the road, and she can continue to come to the club and fly.  However, we need another member to solve the problem of non-stop rain.

Mike Jardine had already prepared the club laptop for the morning brief.  But now it wasn't required.  So it would be ground school instead.  Following a few questions from new member Michael Malic-Smith, I offered to deliver my lecture on glider instrumentation to our trainees and others.

Gavin in full lecture mode

Before the lecture, a few hands withdrew the fuselage of the Twin Astir Trainer from its trailer.  The first Wednesday Waver to look at the fuselage was John Osment, who required a few more measurements and questions answered before he finalises, and makes, the new instrument panels.

While the lecture was underway, there was some simulator work going on behind the blackout curtains.  A local task had been set; Brentor, Roadford reservoir, Lydford, and Brentor.

Mike Bennett tries his hand in the revamped simulator.  Note the rear seat instruments under test on the right-hand side.

After the lecture, others had a go and I too tried my hand in the simulator.  On my initial attempt I landed out at Launceston as there is a bug that prevents you from looking up to get some pointers of where the thermal activity might be.  On my second attempt, I got round in 25 minutes.  I am not sure is that is good or bad, but it felt slow.  As the updated simulator gets more use, we will be able to iron out the bugs and get Viktor's 3D-printed instruments properly mounted and commissioned.

Outside, DB was beavering away recommissioning the hydraulic brake system on G-CHBK.  What should have been a simple job turned out to be a difficult one.  After struggling with the brake bleeding kit, DB removed the brake flexible (pipe) and checked it.  Very little movement of air.   The rubber had swelled with age and caused a blockage.  Time to start sleuthing and find some spare parts.

The hydraulic brake calliper

No part numbers, no manufacturer's name.

It would be good to know who makes this so we can get some new brake pads

Who built this? Where is used elsewhere?  Can any readers identify it?

A search of T'interweb didn't reveal any answers.  I then turned to the “saviour”.  However, AI is not really very helpful in practice.  Lots of noise and bluster, but not much in the way of hard facts.  Copilot told me what I already knew; this is probably a motorcycle rear brake system.  Clean off the dirt and look for part numbers and manufacturers names.  Ask enthusiast forums for help.  Talk about stating the ***** obvious.  I installed and tried using reverse image lookup software on my pc. Again without success, and they say that AI is going to revolutionise the way we operate.....perhaps not, a bit of normal intelligence seems to be able to do much more.  So here is a challenge, can any of our readers use AI successfully to identify who makes this brake calliper and its part number?  The reward won't be a chocolate bar, but one of those items we keep cool in the kitchen for when the hangar doors are closed after flying.

Nice new DOT 3 brake fluid, but can DB commission the system?

The master brake cylinder and reservoir lives under the rear seat

The brake flexible and the banjo fittings were measured; 10 mm ID with straight and 28 degree fittings were identified.  A replacement was ordered and should arrive ready for our next attempt on Saturday.  Meanwhile, I will contact the UK GROB agent, Oxford Soaring, and GROB and LTB Linder in Germany to find out more about our hydraulic brake system.

The suspect brake flexible

Phil and a team of helpers checked the paint on the cockpit surround of the rear canopy.  The verdict, not good enough. So Phil, Ian, and David Moorley set about rubbing it back. It proved to be a messy job, but they cleaned up after themselves. Meanwhile, I researched a better paint to apply the fibreglass.

In the sunshine a few trailers were opened up to air the glider and some fettling was underway.  Care was needed as the rigging area was muddy and care was needed when moving vehicles around.

The Wednesday Wavers departed earlier than normal but were looking forward to Saturday when the field should be drier and aviation might commence.

When I got home, there was a delivery from Oxford Soaring waiting for me; the next piece in the Twin Astir Trainer puzzle.

The new stick grip for the rear control column in G-CHBK, complete with EASA Form One

Here's looking forward to a flyable Saturday. 

Gavin Short

Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 3 December 2025

After such a long run of wet autumnal weather, it was strange to awake to a clear sky with a light southeasterly that was forecast to veer through the day.  There was even the chance of some mild thermal activity at lunchtime.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get to the airfield until mid-morning, so I didn't know the state of the airfield after all the rain and whether we could fly.  I feared the worst.  The day was so beautiful that I stopped on a lay-by on the A39O, just east of Callington at Sevenstones, to take some pictures of the Tamar Valley wreathed in radiation fog.  The fog was transitory, as it would slowly clear as the sun climbed in the sky.  It gave me a feel good factor for the day.

The glorious view of the Tamar Valley from the A390 looking to the Southwest

To the South

And to the Southeast

When I arrived at the club, it was delightfully sunny.  The field was not as wet as expected.  A K-13 and the Astir CS77 were taken to the west end launch point.  To conserve the field, the K-13 would launch from the track.

K13, FGR, and Astir CS77, DNE, ready to go to work

In the hangar, DB continued his overhaul of the pillar drill and rewiring to meet Neal Oxley's PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) standards.  I helped DB move the electric motor back into position.  An interesting exercise using an improvised block and tackle.  Yes, the Wednesday Wavers can turn their hands to almost anything, even gliding when the weather permits.

The red tractor's engine was given a run.  After the replacement of one of the huge rear tyres and an inner tube, the tractor is ready for work again.

John Smith's new shelving in the west end launch point means
we can look after our parachutes properly

John Osment, DB, and I opened the Twin Astir Trainer trailer, now back on site after its "paint and polish" upcountry, and pulled the fuselage out.  We had just about enough time to talk through the options on the instrument panel mockups, and bounce our thoughts off the Chairman, before admitting defeat to the sprinkles of rain that forced us to put the fuselage back in the box.

We pulled the Twin Astir Trainer out of its trailer to admire the new paintwork
on the fuselage and smart new registration letters.

After a leisurely start, flying commenced.  Duty Instructor Mike Jardine had just one trainee today, Lance Whitehead who is very much enjoying his transition from sail to sailplane.

Mike and trainee Lance enjoy the first flight of the day

Back at the clubhouse, Colin was moving on with his T21 trailer project; get it mobile and sell the aircraft.  Anyone wishing to recreate their teenage youth with the ATC, and become reacquainted with the COSIM variometer, this is where you can do it. 

Colin's van loaded up ready to take the A frame for the T21 trailer to be welded before final fitting

Despite "Padowan" Adam's best efforts with the K-8 rudder pedal refurbishment, they haven't yet met Colin's exacting standards.  Adam, its time for a final push. The K-8 devotees want their "wafting machine" back to allow them to play in those weak winter thermals that are rapidly approaching.

Chairman and Inspector in deep discussions over the progress of the K-8, GDK, rudder pedal repair

While Lance was enjoying his set of three flights the Astir CS77 was in use with solo pilots Phil, Steve Fletcher, John Osment, Peter, John Allan, and Malcolm.  Inevitably, Malcolm managed the flight of the day; six minutes.  As ever, he has ingenious ways of staying in the air longer than any of the rest of us.  Today he instigated a novel idea enabling him to stay in the air for a few more seconds.

Mike also flew some recency flights with John Smith and David Archer; a pair a piece.  A useful exercise as the weather is proving to be rather inclement this autumn (Cue: British understatement). 

Mike admires the view of Plymouth Sound to the south while John Smith does the flying

John observes the clouds to the south

On John's second flight, a right-hand circuit gives
Mike and him a grand view of the "L-shaped field".  No, not today please gentlemen!

Back at the "Glider rack" Viktor was busy with stakes in the ground and a laser tape measure as part of his initiative to optimise trailer parking at the west end.  Very commendable Viktor, but those in the know recognise your ploy to have an excuse to come to the club, open up your trailer and admire "Red Bear", your newly acquired glider.

John walks the wing of the K-13 back to the launch point, while
John Osment comes to a halt in the Astir CS77 on the south side.

Davide Archer ponders the line of cumulus that was generated
 in the south and streamed over the moors all day.

John Allan brings the Astir CS77 home with a brilliant blue sky as his backdrop

Recency flights complete, Mike made a further two flights with Lance.  Often the winter months can be the best time to learn.  None of those distracting thermals to worry about.  Lance is yet to experience wave flight.  Like many, until they have, he is a disbeliever.  Time will change your mind, Lance, we promise.

John Allan hands the Astir CS77 over to Malcolm

As discussion moved to how many cables were needed before we packed up, I donned a parachute for my turn in the Astir CS77.  My preparations were interrupted by the arrival of temporary member Paul Priscott who had seen the break in the weather and wanted to fly.

The Duty Instructor had had his fill of flights today and asked me to take Paul up.  As Paul had had flown his two flight voucher with me, I was delighted to continue his training as I shifted steeds to the K-13.  Paul was surprised that we were thinking of packing up by 1500, but he soon saw the problem of misting canopies as the day cooled.  We enjoyed a clear canopy launch and I maximised Paul's hands on time with him using the ailerons to conduct several "rolling the glider" exercises.  Back at high key, I set up to land the glider.  I showed Paul that a 35 degree heading off the line of runway, in the southerly cross wind, was needed to achieve the correct track over the ground to land.  It was quite an eye-opener for him.

We followed the Astir CS77 back to the hangar, washed the gliders down, and when the hangar doors were closed we retired to the clubhouse.  We hope that our Chairman has convinced Paul to join as a full member.  The Wavers would be delighted to see him again

Moonrise over Dartmoor, marking the end of the day's flying

The first Wednesday of meteorological winter brought the Wavers a pleasant day.  A chance to make 16 flights for training, recency, and to welcome a temporary member back after the spate of bad weather.

Gavin Short