Today marks the 4th day where DSGC would bring their Eurofox tug to give our members the experience of aerotowing and for DSGC members to have the opportunity to fly from a different site in different aircraft.
This was also the first time we would be aerotowing from the east end. Duty instructor Peter Howarth gave a thorough briefing on how we would operate. The plan was for the aerotowing to occur on the south side whilst winching and gliders landing would continue on the north side. Tug pilots Mark Courtney and Simon Jordy took turns throughout the day to fly the Eurofox and DSGC instructors Mike Sloggett and Steve Westlake gave aerotow training to those who wanted. Pilots were given the option of either a 2000ft tow or 3000ft tow.
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| Eurofox Tug. |
The first launch occurred at 10:26, Peter Howarth took Elliot Flannery up for his first experience of aerotowing in the Puchacz whilst DSGC instructor Mike Sloggett took Zack Smith up to start his aerotowing training.
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| K13 on tow. |
With the promised forecast of soaring during the day, the club gliders were joined by a K6, DG300, Mini Nimbus and a Ventus.
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| Ed's view after the tow. |
Misha Skochko and Ed Borlase also had their first experience of aerotowing whilst Malcolm W-J, Jamie Young and Mike Bennett continued aerotow training. Val Kiely had an aerotow experience flight with Scratch.
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| Val & Scratch. |
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| Jamie & Steve. |
After 20 years, DSGC member Josh Howlett reconverted to the K8 and enjoyed a 42 minute flight. Jamie Young also took the K8 up for 44 minutes whilst Zack Smith had 2 short soaring flights.
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| Zack launches in the K8. |
Privateers Andy Davey, Phil Hardwick and John Allan all had flights in excess of 3 hours, the longest being 3 hours and 50 minuted by John Allan to take flight of the day. Ed Borlase wasn’t as lucky, only enjoying 2 short soaring flights.
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| John's view of the Tamar bridges and Saltash. |
With the day coming to an end, Viktor Skocho had 2 solo flights in the K13, Jack Sewell flew with Gavin Short in the Puchacz on aerotow to have his first flight from a different site. Chris Warnes and David Sewell both had solo flights in the K13 and David Perriam took the Puchacz for a solo flight.
What a day! 14 aerotows and 16 winch launches and some notable achievements all done before 5pm. A big thank you goes to all those involved in making this day possible.
Jamie Young
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