Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 9th February 2025

Talk over the recent days was over the forecast of moderate NE'ly and a possibility of another wave day at Brentor. When I arrived there were two Libelles rigged and the field set up to fly from the west end. Whilst Andy Davey prepared to take an early launch other members liberated the club aircraft from the hangar as the only serviceable K13 was at the back of the hangar.

Tantalising early wave as seen from the winch.

I took a launch in K13 FGR to give it a test flight post annual inspection. With the K13 given a clean bill of health, the first trainee, David Osment settled into the front seat. Two flights in the morning and two later in the day saw his general judgement improve. The latter two were with the altimeter covered up.

David on his downwind leg.

Andy had three flights but the wave eluded him and all flights today.

Andy returning on one of his flights.

Jamie Young had a check flight and then added another solo flight, plus another two later in the day.

Jamie ready for another solo.

And watched returning by mum Alison.

Richard Roberts took a back seat ride to check recency ready for his visitor today. A break between training allowed him to fly Nakul Puri from Tavistock who was watched by his partner.

Nakul and Richard ready to fly.

Other trainees Freddie Purkiss and Viktor Skochko each enjoyed four flights each and are both progressing well towards their goals. Ed Borlase brought the K8 to the launch point and enjoyed two flights, one of which was 17 minutes to claim flight of the day.

Ed happy back in the K8.

Our other visitors today were the local PCSO's (Police Community Support Officers) on their monthly visits to check all was well at the club. Whist they were at Brentor International they showed keen interest in the cliders and what we were up to. Maybe we might see them in a non official capacity to try a couple of flights.

PCSO's on duty at Brentor International.

Thank you to all at the club today. Not a wave day in the end, but at least a soaring day with one flight of 17 minutes and 25 flights.

Peter Howarth