Dartmoor Gliding News - Saturday 13 December 2025

After almost a month of no flying for the Saturday crew, it was nice to arrive to the club with bright skies and calm winds.

However, despite the recent sunny spells during the week, the airfield was still very wet from the prolonged periods of rain we experienced last week, and we had to take as much care as possible to avoid damaging the field.

Early morning un peeking through the trees...

...and the view of the airfield

After no flying on Wednesday or Sunday, it was going to be a busy day.  Nine solo pilots were due to fly today, whilst the Duty Instructor had a quieter day with only three pre-solo students to fly.

We extracted the gliders from the hangar and DI’d the Astir CS77 and a K-13 before taking them up to the west end.  Rick Wiles gave a thorough briefing of how we would operate today.  The K-13 would be launching and landing from our runway to minimize damage to the airfield, whilst the Astir CS77 would continue as normal.

Rick admires the view towards the south and the Tamar Valley engulfed in fog, whilst Ed flies

The southerly wind gave us a full crosswind, sometimes we did have a tailwind component, but it was fairly light although stronger at height.  The absence of any thermals gave a laminar airflow throughout the entire day.

Val and Rick about to take off

The K-13 coming in to land

Navy Flyer Jake Hayes, who is a trainee at Middle Wallop (Portsmouth Naval Gliding Centre), came to pay us a visit whilst in the area.  Never having flown from another airfield, he enjoyed two flights with Rick and stayed for the remainder of the day to help out.

Firstly, a briefing with Rick...

...and strapped in, getting ready to fly following a further briefing

Rick had to make a dash at 3pm to meet his third grandchild for the first time, who had arrived the previous evening (Congrats Rick!).  Luckily, Chris Bryning, the CFI at Seahawk Gliding Club at RNAS Culdrose came to fly with us today.  After having a warm-up flight in the Astir CS77, Chris helped Rick with the instructing, flying with those pilots who needed to fly dual, and he then ran the field until sunset when Rick departed. 

Chris happy to be flying again, at Brentor

Elsewhere, work continued on the Twin Astir Trainer after arriving back from its beauty treatment at Les Clark's glider workshop.

David Bourchier recommissions the hydraulic brake system in G-CHBK

Rick sneaks in a quick flight in the Astir CS77 before promptly disappearing for grandfather duties

John Allan about to launch for a second flight

As the sunlight quickly started to fade, it was time to put the toys away.  A total of 29 flights today from just two aircraft.  Sixteen flights for the Astir CS77, is this a new club record for the number of flights it has flown in a single day?

A big thank you to those who helped today to ensure a smooth and efficient operation, especially to Chris who volunteered to run the airfield for the rest of the day when Rick had to depart.  It’s always nice to have flying this late in the year.

Jamie Young

Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 10 December 2025

I wasn't going to blog today as we didn't fly, but the Duty Instructor sent me photos for the blog, so here goes.

The forecast for once was dry, sometimes sunny, with a south westerly wind. The Dos Amigos (Mike and Peter) conducted a pitch inspection. The Duty Instructor was up for flying, launching from the track at the west end.  But prudence arrived on site, and we decided on ground school, glider and vehicle maintenance, rather than churning up the pitch even with the proposed conservative operating measures.

Scratch had a breakthrough with the retrieve vehicle.  For years, we have suffered from drained batteries when the ground radio is left switched on.  Separate switches, key switches, even the idea of timers haven't solved the average pilot's inability to switch off the radio at the end of the day.  As I am sure our readers know, car batteries are expensive.  So now the vehicle key has a kill cord attached.  Just like a jet ski.  Take the key out of the ignition and the kill cord comes off, and the radio is switched off.  Genius.  Why didn't we think of that before?

With the decision made not to fly, Scratch could start on some private vehicle maintenance.  A gnarly problem; how does a VW Polo lose all its engine oil when there isn't a leak?  Whether the issue was solved is undetermined, but members are pleased that our oldest trainee is back on the road, and she can continue to come to the club and fly.  However, we need another member to solve the problem of non-stop rain.

Mike Jardine had already prepared the club laptop for the morning brief.  But now it wasn't required.  So it would be ground school instead.  Following a few questions from new member Michael Malic-Smith, I offered to deliver my lecture on glider instrumentation to our trainees and others.

Gavin in full lecture mode

Before the lecture, a few hands withdrew the fuselage of the Twin Astir Trainer from its trailer.  The first Wednesday Waver to look at the fuselage was John Osment, who required a few more measurements and questions answered before he finalises, and makes, the new instrument panels.

While the lecture was underway, there was some simulator work going on behind the blackout curtains.  A local task had been set; Brentor, Roadford reservoir, Lydford, and Brentor.

Mike Bennett tries his hand in the revamped simulator.  Note the rear seat instruments under test on the right-hand side.

After the lecture, others had a go and I too tried my hand in the simulator.  On my initial attempt I landed out at Launceston as there is a bug that prevents you from looking up to get some pointers of where the thermal activity might be.  On my second attempt, I got round in 25 minutes.  I am not sure is that is good or bad, but it felt slow.  As the updated simulator gets more use, we will be able to iron out the bugs and get Viktor's 3D-printed instruments properly mounted and commissioned.

Outside, DB was beavering away recommissioning the hydraulic brake system on G-CHBK.  What should have been a simple job turned out to be a difficult one.  After struggling with the brake bleeding kit, DB removed the brake flexible (pipe) and checked it.  Very little movement of air.   The rubber had swelled with age and caused a blockage.  Time to start sleuthing and find some spare parts.

The hydraulic brake calliper

No part numbers, no manufacturer's name.

It would be good to know who makes this so we can get some new brake pads

Who built this? Where is used elsewhere?  Can any readers identify it?

A search of T'interweb didn't reveal any answers.  I then turned to the “saviour”.  However, AI is not really very helpful in practice.  Lots of noise and bluster, but not much in the way of hard facts.  Copilot told me what I already knew; this is probably a motorcycle rear brake system.  Clean off the dirt and look for part numbers and manufacturers names.  Ask enthusiast forums for help.  Talk about stating the ***** obvious.  I installed and tried using reverse image lookup software on my pc. Again without success, and they say that AI is going to revolutionise the way we operate.....perhaps not, a bit of normal intelligence seems to be able to do much more.  So here is a challenge, can any of our readers use AI successfully to identify who makes this brake calliper and its part number?  The reward won't be a chocolate bar, but one of those items we keep cool in the kitchen for when the hangar doors are closed after flying.

Nice new DOT 3 brake fluid, but can DB commission the system?

The master brake cylinder and reservoir lives under the rear seat

The brake flexible and the banjo fittings were measured; 10 mm ID with straight and 28 degree fittings were identified.  A replacement was ordered and should arrive ready for our next attempt on Saturday.  Meanwhile, I will contact the UK GROB agent, Oxford Soaring, and GROB and LTB Linder in Germany to find out more about our hydraulic brake system.

The suspect brake flexible

Phil and a team of helpers checked the paint on the cockpit surround of the rear canopy.  The verdict, not good enough. So Phil, Ian, and David Moorley set about rubbing it back. It proved to be a messy job, but they cleaned up after themselves. Meanwhile, I researched a better paint to apply the fibreglass.

In the sunshine a few trailers were opened up to air the glider and some fettling was underway.  Care was needed as the rigging area was muddy and care was needed when moving vehicles around.

The Wednesday Wavers departed earlier than normal but were looking forward to Saturday when the field should be drier and aviation might commence.

When I got home, there was a delivery from Oxford Soaring waiting for me; the next piece in the Twin Astir Trainer puzzle.

The new stick grip for the rear control column in G-CHBK, complete with EASA Form One

Here's looking forward to a flyable Saturday. 

Gavin Short

Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 3 December 2025

After such a long run of wet autumnal weather, it was strange to awake to a clear sky with a light southeasterly that was forecast to veer through the day.  There was even the chance of some mild thermal activity at lunchtime.

Unfortunately, I couldn't get to the airfield until mid-morning, so I didn't know the state of the airfield after all the rain and whether we could fly.  I feared the worst.  The day was so beautiful that I stopped on a lay-by on the A39O, just east of Callington at Sevenstones, to take some pictures of the Tamar Valley wreathed in radiation fog.  The fog was transitory, as it would slowly clear as the sun climbed in the sky.  It gave me a feel good factor for the day.

The glorious view of the Tamar Valley from the A390 looking to the Southwest

To the South

And to the Southeast

When I arrived at the club, it was delightfully sunny.  The field was not as wet as expected.  A K-13 and the Astir CS77 were taken to the west end launch point.  To conserve the field, the K-13 would launch from the track.

K13, FGR, and Astir CS77, DNE, ready to go to work

In the hangar, DB continued his overhaul of the pillar drill and rewiring to meet Neal Oxley's PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) standards.  I helped DB move the electric motor back into position.  An interesting exercise using an improvised block and tackle.  Yes, the Wednesday Wavers can turn their hands to almost anything, even gliding when the weather permits.

The red tractor's engine was given a run.  After the replacement of one of the huge rear tyres and an inner tube, the tractor is ready for work again.

John Smith's new shelving in the west end launch point means
we can look after our parachutes properly

John Osment, DB, and I opened the Twin Astir Trainer trailer, now back on site after its "paint and polish" upcountry, and pulled the fuselage out.  We had just about enough time to talk through the options on the instrument panel mockups, and bounce our thoughts off the Chairman, before admitting defeat to the sprinkles of rain that forced us to put the fuselage back in the box.

We pulled the Twin Astir Trainer out of its trailer to admire the new paintwork
on the fuselage and smart new registration letters.

After a leisurely start, flying commenced.  Duty Instructor Mike Jardine had just one trainee today, Lance Whitehead who is very much enjoying his transition from sail to sailplane.

Mike and trainee Lance enjoy the first flight of the day

Back at the clubhouse, Colin was moving on with his T21 trailer project; get it mobile and sell the aircraft.  Anyone wishing to recreate their teenage youth with the ATC, and become reacquainted with the COSIM variometer, this is where you can do it. 

Colin's van loaded up ready to take the A frame for the T21 trailer to be welded before final fitting

Despite "Padowan" Adam's best efforts with the K-8 rudder pedal refurbishment, they haven't yet met Colin's exacting standards.  Adam, its time for a final push. The K-8 devotees want their "wafting machine" back to allow them to play in those weak winter thermals that are rapidly approaching.

Chairman and Inspector in deep discussions over the progress of the K-8, GDK, rudder pedal repair

While Lance was enjoying his set of three flights the Astir CS77 was in use with solo pilots Phil, Steve Fletcher, John Osment, Peter, John Allan, and Malcolm.  Inevitably, Malcolm managed the flight of the day; six minutes.  As ever, he has ingenious ways of staying in the air longer than any of the rest of us.  Today he instigated a novel idea enabling him to stay in the air for a few more seconds.

Mike also flew some recency flights with John Smith and David Archer; a pair a piece.  A useful exercise as the weather is proving to be rather inclement this autumn (Cue: British understatement). 

Mike admires the view of Plymouth Sound to the south while John Smith does the flying

John observes the clouds to the south

On John's second flight, a right-hand circuit gives
Mike and him a grand view of the "L-shaped field".  No, not today please gentlemen!

Back at the "Glider rack" Viktor was busy with stakes in the ground and a laser tape measure as part of his initiative to optimise trailer parking at the west end.  Very commendable Viktor, but those in the know recognise your ploy to have an excuse to come to the club, open up your trailer and admire "Red Bear", your newly acquired glider.

John walks the wing of the K-13 back to the launch point, while
John Osment comes to a halt in the Astir CS77 on the south side.

Davide Archer ponders the line of cumulus that was generated
 in the south and streamed over the moors all day.

John Allan brings the Astir CS77 home with a brilliant blue sky as his backdrop

Recency flights complete, Mike made a further two flights with Lance.  Often the winter months can be the best time to learn.  None of those distracting thermals to worry about.  Lance is yet to experience wave flight.  Like many, until they have, he is a disbeliever.  Time will change your mind, Lance, we promise.

John Allan hands the Astir CS77 over to Malcolm

As discussion moved to how many cables were needed before we packed up, I donned a parachute for my turn in the Astir CS77.  My preparations were interrupted by the arrival of temporary member Paul Priscott who had seen the break in the weather and wanted to fly.

The Duty Instructor had had his fill of flights today and asked me to take Paul up.  As Paul had had flown his two flight voucher with me, I was delighted to continue his training as I shifted steeds to the K-13.  Paul was surprised that we were thinking of packing up by 1500, but he soon saw the problem of misting canopies as the day cooled.  We enjoyed a clear canopy launch and I maximised Paul's hands on time with him using the ailerons to conduct several "rolling the glider" exercises.  Back at high key, I set up to land the glider.  I showed Paul that a 35 degree heading off the line of runway, in the southerly cross wind, was needed to achieve the correct track over the ground to land.  It was quite an eye-opener for him.

We followed the Astir CS77 back to the hangar, washed the gliders down, and when the hangar doors were closed we retired to the clubhouse.  We hope that our Chairman has convinced Paul to join as a full member.  The Wavers would be delighted to see him again

Moonrise over Dartmoor, marking the end of the day's flying

The first Wednesday of meteorological winter brought the Wavers a pleasant day.  A chance to make 16 flights for training, recency, and to welcome a temporary member back after the spate of bad weather.

Gavin Short

Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 30th November 2025

With no flying yesterday and a calmer, brighter day today it was no surprise of a large turn out today. When I arrived the hangar was already being unpacked and the ground equipment prepared ready to fly. After a quick ground inspection it was confirmed flying would take place today. We were joined by two members from Culdrose today. Chris Bryning (Culdrose CFI) and Nic Beretta (Culdrose FI(S)). The first flights of the day were to give Chris a couple of re-acquaint flights so he could assist me with instructional flights.

First flight takes off for a busy day.

Chris would first fly with new member Michael Malric-Smith and later with Lance Whitehead. My first student was Jamie Young who wanted a practice launch failure as recency requirements ready to fly the Astir later.

Lance and Chris getting ready.

My flying list would continue with Misha Skochko and later Aiden Hughes. I could take a short break so duty IFP Steve Fletcher could fly with visitor Emma Wilkinson-Brice. Originally purchased as a parachute experience, her Into The Blue voucher had been exchanged for a gliding experience voucher. This proved a good choice as Emma thoroughly enjoyed her flights with Steve.

Emma ready to fly with Steve.

A very happy Emma with certificate.

Chris was continuing his training by flying with Ed Nicholson and would finish with fellow Culdrose pilot Nic Beretta. Nic has previously flown with us, but was maintaining recency with the lack of flying at Culdrose at the moment.

Our solo pilots Jamie Young, Andy Davey, John Osment and Sean Westrope all took turns in the Astir. In the benign conditions, Andy claimed flight of the day with 10 minutes. With the K8 still off line, Freddie Purkiss enjoyed a couple of solo flights in a K13.

Astir Launches.

K13 Launches.

Nic returns with Chris.

Finally returning visitor Olena Vlasink was taken for a flight by Steve. Olena is hoping to be able to join as a member to learn to fly with us.

30 flights on a winters day was achieved by all members working together with all the tasks required to get a glider in the air. Thank you all for your help. I would like to add a personal thank you to Chris with assisting with instructing today. Without him there was a chance some pilots may have gone home without flying today.

Peter Howarth