Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 5 February 2025

In east Cornwall the morning dawned clear and frosty.  At Gulworthy Cross daffodils were in bloom and birdsong was audible when I opened the gates at the club.  Has Spring sprung already?

Unfortunately the clear skies had changed to high cloud cover but a watery sun was still visible.  Later, when Malcolm arrived he reported that he had driven through rain for most of the way from Newquay.  Shades of bad weather to come perhaps?

A watery sun was visible through the high cloud cover to the east

Unsurprisingly the airfield was still wet so the customary single K-13 and single K-8 would be used with vehicles sticking to the centre track where possible.

To day was going to be Flarm day.  A major push to update the firmware, normally an annual occurrence, to version 7.40 which doesn't have an expiry date.  Cue the Fleet Manager delving in to the innards of the K-13 and K-8, after their Daily Inspections, to insert the SD or micro SD card and upload the firmware.  We had a long wait as the update was evidently a big one.  The K-13 was then taken to the launch point.  The K-8 followed but at the launch point the firmware update had not taken so it was time for me to retire to the clubhouse and download the firmware again for a further attempt later in the day.

With that flying commenced albeit with a later start than usual, with the first launch at 1050.  Are the Wednesday Wavers loosing their mojo?  What was missing from this picture?  Perhaps it was that Andy was hors de combat with a bad cold.  There were no other obvious reasons.

Today's launch point

Back in the hangar the maintenance team made a big push to get K-13, FGR back in service following its annual inspection;  a small amount of paint on the aileron tips, fitting of the new 3D-printed battery box, measurement of the control surface deflections, an ensuing adjustment of the wheel brake, and of course the all important fresh ARC (Airworthiness Review Certificate) to be stuck in the cockpit.  In our post EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) world no aircraft shall fly unless its paperwork is complete, but you knew that didn't you?

Geoff flies his downwind leg while Mike enjoys the view

Mid-morning showers caught out both the maintenance team and the Wavers; tarpaulins were deployed over the open cockpit of the Puchacz on the hangar apron and a pause in flying and a retreat to the east end launch point (bus) respectively.

Hangar queens out on the apron?  No, they are are "seeking the sky", for a GPS fix, as part of the Flarm Firmware update.

Showers dissipated and flying recommenced.  Trainees Neal and Geoff continued working with the Duty Instructor, Mike Jardine, whilst the pundits tried their hand in the K-8.  Neal's training has moved on to practice launch failures which he conducted satisfactorily from low and high level.

Geoff and Mike ready to launch

"All out, All out"

And away they go into an overcast sky

Later Robin flew with Mike for some refresher flights.  Afterwards, with little demand for the K-13 Mike made a solo flight and then Neal and Geoff took a further flight each. 

The forecast had predicted some light thermals and our resident "Liftmeister", Malcolm soared, or perhaps scratched, in FXB for 19 minutes.  He only narrowly won "Man of the Match" award as John Allan flew FXB for 17 minutes on the next flight.  As I mentioned earlier Spring may have sprung (and thermals are appearing) despite the gloomy overcast. 

The K-8 in the circuit after passing the distinctive landscape of Black Down

Then the K-13 was used for refresher flights from the rear seat for those who fly our visitors; Steve Fletcher and Scratch took turns in providing "ballast" in the front seat so that the other could fly.

First, Steve's turn to fly

How's it going Scratch?  Note the K-8 that has just landed.

Steve returns the favour

Earlier there had been a request to replenish the weak link tool box with blue links (used for the single-seaters).  This was an unneeded precaution as John Smith flew the K-8 later in the day and the launch cable and strop returned to earth with the weak link attached.  At the end of the day John did have the good grace to say that it was a first for him, not breaking a weak link, so he must, finally, be getting used to the K-8's launch characteristics.

The Duty Instructor's perennial view from the back seat

After Colin helped Phil with a canopy problem on his syndicate's Twin Astir, he flew with Mike in FSD.

At the end of the day Neal (he loves it doesn't he?) flew with Scratch as "ballast" and Dave Archer clocked up some more flights in the K-8.

After 28 flights the toys were returned and the hangar packed after the Flarm firmware was successfully uploaded to FXB.  Not a bad launch total considering the late start on a gloomy day in early February.

A final aside; the maintenance team in the hangar was oblivious to a drama that occurred at some point during the day.  Neal was in the club house using the facilities when the plumbing decided to give him an impromptu (very) cold shower.  All credit to Neal; he stopped the leak, mopped up the water, and then called for the plumber (Aka Scratch) to make a permanent fix.  Yet another day in the life of a glider pilot but perhaps not one for his log book.

This is the nearest anyone got to seeing Neal battle the plumbing in the club house as he took an involuntary cold shower

Hangar packed, farewells made, the Wednesday Wavers wended their weary way home.  Until the next Wednesday then.

Gavin Short

Dartmoor Gliding News - Saturday 1st February 2025

With the high pressure moving slowly away to the east and a weak occluded front following in from the west today was forecast to be fairly quiet with the initial blue skies and frost quickly giving way to stratus cloud and slightly warmer conditions. Wind light from the SE. Flying was from the west end with only one K13 and one K8 with both aircraft landing on the track to prevent too much damage to the grass which is very soggy in places.

K8 on approach and ...

... rounding out

Flying was the expected round of training and currency flying. It was really good to see our strong cadre of junior pilots who are keen to be involved in all aspects of club life. Longest flight of the day was a massive 10 minutes by Malcolm Wilton-Jones who put his wafted around in the K8 for a dizzying 10 minutes.

FSD ready to launch and ....

..off they go

Three of today's juniors posing for the camera

Junior pilot Freddie getting ready to fly with Rick

As always there was a lot of  work going on apart from the flying. Before the morning briefing the juniors replaced the gate sign which was removed to allow entry of the "new" bus into the site. It is only fair that Zack was involved in this endeavour as the "new" bus ( now known as Zack's shack ), which he negotiated,  caused it to be removed in the first place. 

Zack and gate sign with Elliot supervising

In the hangar, there was much measuring, balancing and planning for the up and coming weighing of the Puchacz after the canopy and instruments are replaced, Later in the day, K13 FGR was rigged following it's recent C of A. 

Working on the plan to reweigh the Puchacz

A lot of the tasks needed to run a successful gliding club often goes unseen but continue seven days a week. The treasurer team do a lot of work behind the scenes keeping our coffers suitably serviced. On the maintenance front there is always files to be updated, parts to be sourced and firmware to be updated, plans to be laid etc. etc. The IT group are having a busy week with a problem with EE displaying our website. Plans are being made to update the site entrance, fit out Zack's Shack, upgrade the solar system, keep the tea fund supplied and so on.  All of this is but a small sample and doesn't even mention the management effort by the various committee members.

FGR being assembled (rigged)

A good club day.

Steve

Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 2nd February 2025

The forecast for the cloudbase to lower as the day progressed and for possible rain early afternoon, inspired the few gathered members to get on and set the field up to fly. This forecast led to there being just enough to fly, so duty BI rang our first visitor of the year to see if they could come earlier for their flights.

First flight took off at 09:44 with Viktor and myself. A launch to 1200ft and cloudbase still above us showed us we had made the right decision to fly.

Lower cloud over the moors.

Clearer to the south.

After Victor's second flight our first visitor, Philippa Knight had arrived, so we handed the glider over to Gavin for her flights. Philippa Knight from Plymouth with partner Jack from Plymouth. Philippa had never flown in a glider or light aircraft before. We quickly established that both the BI and visitor worked at Cotehele; one as a shuttle bus driver, one in the gift shop as part if her university placement to become a ranger. There were more coincidences as Philippa's dad and Gavin had served in the same submarine as engineers. It's a small world. 

Partner Jack watches Philippa return.

Philippa receives her certificate from Gavin.

Philippa was the whisked away to walk the dog and a nice pub lunch as her flights were part of a birthday treat.

Ed Borlase and I took a flight, but the cloudbase had already started lowering and the southerly wind had increased.

Airfield from the east.

This would be the last flight of the day as we decided to return the K13 to the safety of the hangar. A short day, but we made the most of it. Back to the clubhouse for a late lunch and well earned teas and coffees. Thank you to Phil Hardwick who winched and was unable to fly.

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 29 January 2025

Today the Wednesday Wavers do it again; go flying. The Wavers have managed to fly on all the flying Wednesdays in January!  One month to go and then its spring. Hurrah.

You've been waiting for it  - the GREAT REVEAL - but first you will have to read about some flying.  The forecasts revolved around the track of a low; to the south and we could have a flyable day, to the north then low cloud and rain.  RASP and Skysight had a high cloud base and rain filling in from 1230 and 1430 respectively.  The wind would have a touch of east in it; initially northeast backing to the north, and strengthening, later in the day.  Wave, perhaps unlikely, but you never know at Dartmoor Gliding.

FSD had to take the weight today as FGR is undergoing its annual inspection

The Duty Instructor inspected the pitch.  It was as wet as he has known it but he decided to use the track only as has been done already this month with the CFI's encouragement.

The Astir CS77 would remain a wallflower today and be later tucked away in the hangar to keep the apron clear for the Great Reveal

Vehicles manoevering gently at the launch point due to the soggy pitch

First up was Neal with Duty Instructor, Mike Jardine, for a weather check.  Weather check. It's flyable. Lets continue. So Neal took a second flight, a little longer as he found some reduced sink.

Neal heading east in search of wave

The view to the North

A murky view to the South, but with some interesting clouds

Despite the forecast there looks to be a clearance to the North

Mike and Gavin getting ready for a Basic Instructor check flight for Gavin

Happy flying!

Getting ready to turn back to the high key area

Gavin on his downwind leg

Then Andy took the opportunity to fly with Mike for a check flight to achieve that crucial recency in one's log book.  In the hangar Colin checked the tail plane and the wings of FGR.  All received a clean bill of health.  Now to the paperwork.  If completed in time then FGR can be rigged at the weekend and return to service ready for the season.

Meanwhile in the hangar wing cleaning and inspection of FGR was underway

After Andy's flight Steve stepped up for a rear-seat flight but sadly achieved just a circuit.

Dave offering his service as ballast for Steve to maintain his currency in flying from the rear seat

Dave then flew with Peter, who gave Mike a break, and they went soaring in a grey and cold January sky.

Peter could concentrate on the views as Dave climbed in wave

That certainly looks higher than launch height.  Dave tops out at 1,600 feet AGL.

1/2 a knot is still lift. Patiently does it.

Dave achieved 21 minutes aloft in weak wave, climbing from a launch height of 1,300 feet and climbing to 1,600 feet.  Congratulations Dave, you can soar and you proved it by getting the "Man of the Match" award for what we think is the first time.  Bravo.  Now concentrate on climbing in those pesky round and occasionally bumpy, thermally things.

Dave and Peter on a precision approach to land on the track

Perfect, just perfect!

John Allan flew with Mike Jardine and achieved a very creditable 13 minutes aloft. This was followed by a final (third) flight for Neal with ten minutes in the reduced sink.  Despite the forecast the rain held off.

Country code: "Just leave foot prints". Either there is a Sasquatch (Big Foot) on Dartmoor or the field really is very wet.

Another launch into a grey and cold sky

When all had had their fill we returned the gliders to the hangar and to await developments.  Eight flights made to maintain currency.  Eight pilots flew today for a total of 1 hour 20 minutes.  Flying the K-13 from the track and keeping the vehicles on the track allowed us to fly in conditions that would previously been unflyable.  Wednesday Wavers proving the CFI's theory. Also the K-13 was a lot cleaner and so less washing of gliders before packing the hangar.

The GREAT REVEAL

Readers will be aware of Zack's initiative to raise funds to our elderly west end launch point.  

Zack's go fund me page   It's still live so you can still contribute if you wish.

To date he has raised £640 towards a new launch point.  Zack, and his mum, Nicky, had a meeting with the CEO of City Bus in the New Year to discuss his project.  Thanks to the generosity of City Bus he walked away with a single-decker "DART" bus.  Figuratively, that is.  We had to arrange delivery and today was the day.

Telephone calls from Mike Bennett to the delivery driver were nearly continuous all morning to check on the ETA, which kept on being put back while the delivery driver struggled to get the rear suspension on the bus raised (air suspension) ready for transport.

The Wednesday Wavers, hangar packed and waiting around, knew the arrival was imminent when the "Bus Controller" (AKA John Smith) pitched up, to oversee proceedings.  John will lead the team converting the bus into a launch point.

The Bus Controller arrives at the clubhouse

Its arrived at the gate, causing a modicum of inconvenience for passing Brentor traffic. Sorry!

Moving forward to let Brentor traffic pass

The Dartmoor Gliding Society sign was removed from the entrance.  Delivery could commence.

The bus transporter trying to squeeze onto the site

At this stage the delivery driver got concerned about clearance, overhanging branches, and whether the bus would follow him through the outer and inner gates.

So the wavers swung into action with the green tractor, driven by John Allan.  Who knew that having a freshly minted Sailplane Pilots Licence (SPL) included skills as a bus recovery operator?

DGS members have waited over forty years for a bus to arrive at the DGS bus stop.  They look pleased don't they?

When the going gets tough for the bus transporter you can rely on the mighty DGS Green Tractor to step up to the plate

Negotiating the entrance

And here it comes.  Gently does it through the gates.

The delivery driver, who steered the bus confers with John Allan about the next manoeuvre to get the bus on to the hard standing by the club house.

On to the hangar apron.  Its already attracting attention of DGS rubberneckers.

Up off the apron. Neal follows with an emergency chock, ready if needed.

Chocked and stopped on the hard standing.  Ready for the conversion work to begin.

The Wavers check it out

Zack's Shack has arrived!

Zack's Shack has arrived thanks to his initiative and the generosity of Plymouth City Bus.  His funds can be used to convert the bus in to a launch point.  Now work can start;  a tower, solar power and power outlets, seating, a briefing area, parachute storage, and much more.  It will be painted green like the east end launch bus to blend in with the surroundings of the national park.

What a day; flying, completing FGR's annual inspection, and the GREAT REVEAL.  Not bad for the last flying day in January.

Gavin Short