Dartmoor Gliding News - Saturday 18th October 2025

 Today's weather was going to be challenging. Strong SE wind ahead of the approaching front which will bring heavy rain with it. The timing of the rain was different on each forecast we looked at but the consensus was 5 to 6pm. It the real world the rain started at 3.15pm.

After the morning briefing Gavin and I had the pleasure of the delivering the final product of a project we have been working on for the last 4 months or so. The club now has 4 brand new parachutes. This project was supported by a grant from West Devon Borough Council. We are very grateful for the Council's input. To mark this we have embroidered their logo on the shoulder strap of the new parachutes with the club's branding on the back. For those who do not know, emergency parachutes have a working life of 25years after which they need replacing. During the lifetime of a parachute it also needs to be periodically repacked to confirm ongoing operability.

One of the new parachutes

Modelling the new parachutes

The club branding on the rear

Council branding on the straps

The wind was quite strong which precluded us from flying visitors today. However, The club members flew to keep / augment their skills. Longest flight of the day was John Allan in the Astir who pushed out to the east looking for wave and was rewarded with some reduced sink for a 13 minute extended circuit. The rain arrived at 3.15pm and the kit was quickly put away.

John on approach in the Astir

K13 lift off

And into the climb

Meanwhile back in the hangar, the work on the new Twin Astir trainer continues. Rewiring, cleaning off the old glue ready for the new upholstery and inspecting some of the gliders kit. were the order of the day. 

Zack and Elliot try out our new inflatable glider for size.
(these are actually the outdoor covers for the Twin Trainer)

Also working down at the clubhouse was John Smith who is installing a small side extension to house the new, much larger, side screens for the Simulator. If you ;picture a bay window, you would have the right idea.

A busy day.

Steve