Dartmoor Gliding News - Tuesday 20 May 2025 - Aston Down Expedition Day 2

The day dawned bright and blue with a light north easterly wind.  Lots of gliders lining up for aero tows and then winch launches on Runway 02.

The Cotswolds pundits were heading to East Anglia.  Andy and John planned a 300 km task to Telford, Devizes, and back.  Peter and I planned a 174 km task Aston Down, Edgehill, Cirencester Church, Nympsfield, Aston Down.

What of Sean?  "Pyjama man" was up early with the lark, well the Libelle actually ready for his first cross country task.  A 50 km task from Aston Down to Edgehill.   It's actually 62 km and Edgehill is 42 feet above Aston Down so there would be no problems with the 1% rule (which accounts for the difference in airfield height, of your destination is lower than your starting point).

By 1130 there was a full grid waiting for aerotows the Cotswold Gliding Club training flights commenced.  Reports of 4.5 knot thermals from Ryan, the Duty Instructor, in a training flight sparked a flurry of activity.  Mercifully, there was a sheet of thin high cloud that just took the edge off from the relentless sun for those on the ground.

Then there was a change of plans.  The tug driver had another commitment in the afternoon, so everyone needed a winch launch. Two queues were formed.

Gliders gridded on Runway 02

The aero tow queue lines up

ABCDE checks - Tail dollies off

Those gliders with water ballast keep their wings level

The T-21 comes out to play

Walking the T-21 down the runway.  Goggles and flying helmet anyone?

Sean's close up view of Edgehill (Shenington in old speak) as he rounded the turn point

Rick's view of Edgehill from height

Peter's view.  Those long wings always seem to get into the picture

It was hazy towards the Severn estuary

It's one of those 19 metre wings in the picture again!

Scratch and his trusty steed (DG 500)

Gavin gets his Standard Cirrus, CNN, ready

Waiting for the cumulus and the tug pilot to arrive

Rick waiting in style

Two winch queues forming.  Snoopy, AKA BVR, ready for an adventure

Pundits study the sky

I am ready

"Hey there Mr Blue Nose", with apologies to ELO

A promising looking sky

These two believe it or not share a birthday, literally, they were born the same year.

Neal enjoyed a mini cross country.  1 Hour 20 mins: Stroud, Nympsfield, Kemble.

Val. 1 Hour flight: Stroud, Cirencester, Kemble and back.

Gavin's view of the bridges into Wales.  Passport anyone?

Gavin's view later on during his flight.  Glorious.

Looking good.  Notice CNN's shorter wing when compared to Peter's Kestrel

Approaching Kemble from overhead Highgrove

A close up of the jets arranged on Kemble airfield

Gavin heads towards the Severn Estuary

Adam's amazing flight to Devizes, Worcester, and back all with just a map and compass.

Sean's route to Edgehill and back for his 50 km flight, and 100 km Part 1, and his 5 hours duration flight. Bravo.

Then there was a change of plans.  The tug driver had another commitment in the afternoon, so everyone needed a winch launch.  Two queues were formed.

What of the flying when we finally got going?

Sean set himself Aston Down to Edgehill and return and if lucky his five hours duration.  He did it! Congratulations Sean.  Rick also went to Edgehill and back.

John's second turn point, Grafham water

John set him self a 303 km Aston Down, Nympsfield east, Grafham Water, Aston Down and got round. Potentially a diamond goal, subject to rectification.  Andy stayed local. Peter and I chickened out when faced with the large blue hole and soared in the local area.

So a slow start, but the day became great and much was achieved.  Congratulations all.

Gavin Short