Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 29th June 2025

The forecast for a light northerly breeze and some possible soaring saw 2 x K13's, Puchacz and K8 taken to the east end launch point. These were joined by privateers Open Cirrus, K6 and Libelle.

The first to fly with me was Daniel Hardy. Daniel is a solo pilot visiting the area from Austria and wanted to fly from another airfield whilst staying in Newton Abbot. Two six minute flights gave him time to see the local views and take a couple of photos.

Daniel ready to see the local views.

Also today was a day we saw some returning recent trial flight visitors. First was Samuel Noga who flew with BI Phil Hardwick to learn the primary effects of controls. Also returning were Rhiannon Jones and Ian Smith. Both had started their One Day Courses a few weeks ago but was curtailed due to the weather. Phil re-introduced them to flying. They both then finished their courses with me. As they both had some power experience it was a case of introducing the to coordinated turns.

Rhiannon with Phil (Sorry no picture of Ian).

Gavin Short brought some Friends & Family to the airfield today and flew them in the Puchacz. Mother and daughter Katherine Flashman Kitson & Millie Kitson were joined by Stephen Robillaid.

Katherine and Gavin.

Millie and Stephen watch on.

My day continued with Edward Nicholson and Julia Collins. Ed experienced his first stalls and learnt symptoms of approaching stalls. Julia a lapsed solo pilot who previously flew at Lasham enjoyed the quietness of a small airfield and enjoyed getting back into the air.

Solo pilots Jamie Young (K8), Malcolm W-J (K8), Steve Fletcher (Open Cirrus) and Ed Borlase (K6) had flights which were only extended circuits. Steve claimed flight of the day with only 17 minutes.

The day didn't develop as per the forecast so Sean didn't fly his Libelle and was one of the winch drivers for today. Alison did a sterling job retrieving for most of the day. Thanks to all at the airfield today.

Peter Howarth