Dartmoor Gliding News - Saturday 3rd May 2025

The various forecasts could not agree on the wind direction for today. Some gave NE some N. There was not much soaring in the forecast. We started Flying from the West end eventually changing ends as the wind moved to the north.

Today K13 DCCY rejoined the fleet after it's extended period of maintenance. The refurbished cockpit was delightful. After a couple of false starts and a successful test flight it was used for both visitor flying and club training.

The big news today was the first solo flight by 15year old Zack Smith. He is probably still smiling now. Well done Zack.

Zack getting a final briefing

Looking confident

Ready and ....

 ... off he goes

Conquering hero

Zack being congratulated by Rick

Zack receives his "wings"

We welcomed several visitors today. Tim Gilbert attended for a One Day Course. He was joined by Peter and James Leidig and Martyn Alford our Air Experience visitors.

Peter 

James ( with me )

Peter and James reunited with their family 

Martyn

Tim 

As forecast the soaring was fairly limited. In fact things improved after we changed ends as the north ridge became active giving Malcolm Wilton-Jones the day topping 28minutes in the K8.

Our two newest solo pilots

A successful day.

Steve