Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 4th May 2025

With a 10knt northeasterly breeze, cumulus developing during the day and a 5 star rasp rating it was surprising of few members other than 6 trainees at the airfield today. The winch had been left out after yesterday's flying, but it had to be moved to the east end ready to fly. A K13, Puchacz and Astir were prepared for the day's flying. They would be joined by privateers Sean Westrope (Libelle) and Ed Borlase (K6). Sadly Ed's status with an ASW28 had changed to a K6 as his Flarm has now been registered to show the correct glider.

First trainee to fly was Misha Skochko. His first launch was to be a demonstration of the ground run and transition. As it turned out it resulted in a demonstration of an ultra-low launch failure due to a break at the winch. Instructor now well and truely awake. After a second attempt, Misha was able to complete two successful winch launches.

Misha preparing for his first full launch.

Smooth transition into the full launch.

Next trainee was dad Vicktor. A quick launch failure practice cleared him to add another two solo flights to his total.

Vicktor ready for another solo.

Late on parade due to car troubles including a flat tyre, Richard Roberts arrived ready for his first Air experience flights. Hannah Eagle is a keen kyaker and rock climber and today added gliding to the list. 

Hannah’s Husband and daughters were on site to encourage her for the challenge. Well done Hannah.

Hannah being settled into the Puchacz by Richard.

Charlie Barnaby was next to fly with Richard. During a soaring flight he was able to show that he had a keen sense of coordination climbimg to over 2500ft. After landing he said he would be back tomorrow (Monday) for another flight.

Charlie keeping a good lookout.

The two privateers also launched. After a short flight of 26 minutes, Ed took another launch hoping for a longer flight. He eventually returned after 2 hour 11 minutes. Flight of the day was claimed by Sean with 2 hour 45 minutes.

Ed's view of Tavistock.

And the Tamar esturary

Ray Staines stepped into the K13. A returning pilot was keen to get some stick time and with a flight of 37 minutes keeping a good lookout watching the K6, Libelle and Puhacz at various times during the flight satisfied his stick time request.

Ray soaring away.

K6 below.

Puchacz above.

With all this soaring going on it was time to liberate Richard from the Puchacz and for me to take Freddie Purkiss for the first part of his spin training. This was a big step forward on his journey to solo. Well done Freddie. Steve Lesson meanwhile enjoyed a couple of flights in the Astir.

Richard settled into the K13 with our last visitor. Julie Barlow had flown with us while back, but returned for another experience with us.

Julie in the K13 with Freddie in the Puchacz behind.

Ed Nicholson and I then took over the K13 again. A 43 minute flight saw Ed getting some valuable stick time and concentrating on flying straight and level in between some thermalling practice.

Ed launching Misha earlier.

Last to fly with me was Ray Boundy. Only expecting a short flight, he surprised himself working some weak lift to achieve a flight time of 17 minutes.

A good day with some achievements made. Thank you all at the field today including the winch drivers and retrievers particularly George who retrieved for a large part of the day.

Peter Howarth