Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 13th April 2025

A light westerly breeze with only a low possibility of rain showers around midday we set about getting ready to fly. Five trainees, two visitors including the first of the Naval Adult Trial Flights would give a fairly busy day for myself and duty BI Gavin Short. After the morning brief, a K13, Puchacz and K8 were towed to the east end launch point.

First trainee was Edward Nicholson who by the end of his three flights had experienced his first launch failure and completed his first full launch from ground to release. Well done Ed. We also welcomed back Misha Skochko, Viktor's son to start his formal training. After three flights he was getting used to coordinated turns and good speed control.

Misha ready to start his flying training.

After Misha, it was dad Viktor to settle into the front seat. Following two good circuits and landings with a third flight being an awkward height launch failure Viktor was given the chance to take his first solo flight.

Viktor ready for that memorable flight.

And off he goes.

Watched by those on the ground.

And safely back.

All smiles for the Skochko family.

After that momentous occasion it was back to more training flights. Freddie Purkiss continued with general progress and Raymond Boundy taking his first flights with hands on the controls after three years away form flying. Ray managed two whole flights showing he hasn't lost it, but just a bit rusty.

Ray ready to take flight again.

During all this excitement our first visitor, Jeremy Bond arrived to fly with Gavin. Jeremy, a dairy farmer from the Holsworthy area who farms six miles from Phil Hardwick's farm.  He knew Phil from when Phil was a young farmer!  He was accompanied by his wife, Linda, who flew in our Women in Gliding event in 2024 and loved the experience.  His daughter and son-in-law had traveled from Exmouth to support him. 

Jeremy and Gavin ready to go.

Jeremy receiving his certificate.

The second visitor was our first Navy flyer, with the voucher and flight booking entirely online through our website.  Rory Oxborough, who hails from Harwell in Oxfordshire, was accompanied by his parents, wife and young daughter.  On his first flight with Gavin, they managed the longest flight of the day,13 minutes.  Happy belated birthday, Rory. Happy 1500th launch for Gavin.

Rory ready to fly.

Rory and family with his certificate.

With flying drawing to a close, two pilots could be seen lurking in the Puchacz ready for a hangar flight.

Name the pilots?

Finally after all the equipment was packed away, there was just one thing left to do. Back in the clubhouse the relevant paperwork was completed and Viktor received his wings for his successful first solo flight.

Viktor receiving his wings from me.

Thank you to all at the club today, particularly winch drivers and retrieve drivers who kept a steady supply of cables to the launch point. A day when one Skochko reached a milestone in his flying career and anothe Skochko started on his journey.

Peter Howarth