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 3rd 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

Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 30th November 2025

With no flying yesterday and a calmer, brighter day today it was no surprise of a large turn out today. When I arrived the hangar was already being unpacked and the ground equipment prepared ready to fly. After a quick ground inspection it was confirmed flying would take place today. We were joined by two members from Culdrose today. Chris Bryning (Culdrose CFI) and Nic Beretta (Culdrose FI(S)). The first flights of the day were to give Chris a couple of re-acquaint flights so he could assist me with instructional flights.

First flight takes off for a busy day.

Chris would first fly with new member Michael Malric-Smith and later with Lance Whitehead. My first student was Jamie Young who wanted a practice launch failure as recency requirements ready to fly the Astir later.

Lance and Chris getting ready.

My flying list would continue with Misha Skochko and later Aiden Hughes. I could take a short break so duty IFP Steve Fletcher could fly with visitor Emma Wilkinson-Brice. Originally purchased as a parachute experience, her Into The Blue voucher had been exchanged for a gliding experience voucher. This proved a good choice as Emma thoroughly enjoyed her flights with Steve.

Emma ready to fly with Steve.

A very happy Emma with certificate.

Chris was continuing his training by flying with Ed Nicholson and would finish with fellow Culdrose pilot Nic Beretta. Nic has previously flown with us, but was maintaining recency with the lack of flying at Culdrose at the moment.

Our solo pilots Jamie Young, Andy Davey, John Osment and Sean Westrope all took turns in the Astir. In the benign conditions, Andy claimed flight of the day with 10 minutes. With the K8 still off line, Freddie Purkiss enjoyed a couple of solo flights in a K13.

Astir Launches.

K13 Launches.

Nic returns with Chris.

Finally returning visitor Olena Vlasink was taken for a flight by Steve. Olena is hoping to be able to join as a member to learn to fly with us.

30 flights on a winters day was achieved by all members working together with all the tasks required to get a glider in the air. Thank you all for your help. I would like to add a personal thank you to Chris with assisting with instructing today. Without him there was a chance some pilots may have gone home without flying today.

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 23rd November 2025

The general forecast probably caused the slow arrival of members today. But with the weather better than the forecasts, when we had enough members we set about getting things ready. The K8 was still off line, so with the small turn out just the K13 was DI's and taken to the launch point.

First flight was a solo flight by me to see what the conditions were like and shake the cobwebs off after two weeks without a flight.

First to fly with me was new member Lance Whitehead. After his recent one day course with us, today he had two flights getting to grips with turning the glider and controlling the airspeed of the glider. Next to fly with me was Michael Malric-Smith. With other flying experience, Michael is quickly progressing through the syllabus. On his first flight he expirienced his first launch failure which I managed to turn into a demonstration of how to handle such an event.

Michael ready to fly.

Duty BI Richard Roberts only had one visitor today. Charlie Bannister was initially a bit nervous, but some gentle talking saw him get into the glider and thououghly enjoyed his flights with Richard watched on by grandmother Julie.

Charlie ready to fly.

Receiving his certificate.

Trainee Misha Skochko was paired up with instructor Jamie Steel for three flights including an unplanned launch failure. Whilst in the air they explored stalls in different situations. Jamie was very pleased with Misha's flying and said he is definitely well on his way to his big goal of going solo.

Misha and Jamie waiting for a cable.

Solo pilots Viktor Skochko and Sean Westrope each flew with me to start their Pilot Annual Reviews. Both flew well to nearly complete their reviews. 

Sean under the rainbow for luck maybe.

Last flight of the day saw Phil Hardwick come from the winch to hangar fly the K13.

A day spent dodging showers, but we achieved 17 flights, but everybody flew on a day where we were not expecting a lot of flying. Thanks to all at the airfield today. Just nice to fly with all this unsettled weather at the moment.

Peter Howarth

Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 26 November 2025

The Wednesday Wavers weren't focused on the arrival of today's budget but on the arrival of the approaching warm front.  Earlier during the week, Wednesday's weather looked like rain throughout the day, so I was planning on more work on the Twin Astir Trainer's canopies.  I was the duty Basic Instructor, but we had no visitors booked, and I wasn't expecting to fly due to the rain.

But this morning's forecasts had a slower arrival of the warm front and hence the rain at 1230, not first thing.  That meant that the rain would coincide with the budget statement at 1230.  An omen or an unhappy coincidence?  Time would tell.

So the Wavers got the kit out and set up the field at the east end, but guess what, the forecast veer in the southerly wind direction didn't happen.  Maybe we should have launched from the west end.

Mindful of the oncoming rain, we took just a K-13 and the Astir CS77 to the launch point.  Unfortunately, I found that the brake cable repair in the Astir CS77 did not pass my daily inspection and so Scratch and I ran a new Bowden cable to the main wheel brake drum to the control column.  Meanwhile, Mike Jardine kicked off the flying with a check flight for John Osment and then refresher training with John's son David after a three-month lay-off.

John Osment prepares for a check flight.

David Osment prepares for the first of many refresher flights with Duty Instructor Mike Jardine.

Dave Osment dusts off the cobwebs with some good circuits,
approaches and landings in the southerly crosswind.

No rain on the horizon yet

The west end of the airfield. Can you spot Scratch and Gavin working on the Astir CS77?

After a pair of flights by David, it was Ian King's turn for his pair.  With the Astir CS77 now at the launch point, John Osment took the first flight which was followed by Scratch.

John Osments prepares to launch while Scratch shows the Chairman that he can count to three.

Clearly, it takes a lot of checks and talking by the ground crew to get an Astir CS77 in the air.

Scratch is the second Waver to launch in the Astir CS77

Amazingly, David Archer made it to the airfield before the rain set in to have a pair of flights.

Dave Archer shows that he hasn't forgotten how to do it.

It might be greyer but still no rain visible

I took a launch in the Astir CS77.  I enjoyed the comfort of the recently-installed headrest and settled into an enjoyable flight.  I explored the slow speed flight characteristics with the wheel down and then with the wheel up, and compared the sink rates.  I then sped up to the minimum sink speed and continued to push into the surprisingly strong southerly wind.  A good circuit and landing were rewarded by the flight of the day at six minutes.  Yes, it was that type of day. 

The sky didn't look like it was going to rain soon, so the Wavers continued launching.

With the rain still holding off, it was time for David Osment to resume his refresher training with a further three flights.  These were interrupted by the arrival at the launch point of Neil Tucker, who had come to conduct the quinquennial (a chocolate bar is available for the first junior to tell me what that means) electrical safety checks of the clubhouse, hangar, and workshops.  The results, mostly good.  Neil was rewarded with an air experience flight with Mike Jardine.

Neil Tucker about to conduct aviation

Neil, the visiting electrician, about to launch

Peter had a flight in the Astir CS77 and was followed by John Allan.

John Allan looks happy, as does launch Marshal Ian King

A man outstanding in his field

The club pundits wait to critique John's launch

David Osment about to take his fourth" get back in to the groove" flight.

Dave Osments's refresher training continued with a fifth flight, a practice launch failure to land ahead, as the rain had now set in.  Indeed, the Astir CS77 was walked by back to the hangar before his launch by Steve, Phil and Gavin. 

Back at the clubhouse, Mike Bennett continued to sort out the blackout curtains for the simulator after winching for the first half of the day's flying. 

Scratch makes reversing the tractor and winch into the Motor Transport hangar look like child's play

The end of the day's cleaning of gliders before putting them to bed.

I wasn't fast enough.  In this picture, there are two Flight Instructors washing the gliders. 

David Archer assists John Smith in the building of improved parachute storage for Zack's Shack.

The Wavers retired to the clubhouse after the kit had been packed away, rather than heading straight home.  The warmth of the wood burner was too tempting.  The mock-ups of the instrument panels for the Twin Astir Trainer were discussed.  John and David Osment will bring the glider back to DGS tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon after delivering their Standard Cirrus to Les Clark for some tlc.  While Viktor and I head to Colchester to bring his new acquisition, Ka-6cr, G-DDKG, Aka "Red Bear" to Brentor.

The rear canopy scoop for the Twin Astir Trainer was repaired, and some time was spent rationalising the flight manuals for the Twin Astir Trainer (G-CHBK) and the Twin Astir 1 (G-DDSL) 

At 1600, it was time to lock up and head home.  A productive day that involved flying.  An unexpected bonus, namely 16 flights, that many of us weren't expecting.

Today, the warm front and the associated rain arrived about an hour later than forecast, which was good news for the Wavers.  Due to an "inadvertent leak" the budget arrived an hour or so earlier than planned, which was bad news for the rest of the nation.  It appears that politics can be as unpredictable as the weather.

Gavin Short