Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 11 Febraury 2026

The day was better than forecast, but with rain due to set in at 1400.  Promising perhaps, but the pitch not so much.  So a decision was made by the Duty Instructor to cancel the trial flight and concentrate on the fleet.  

The Wednesday Wavers made short shrift of derigging K-13, FGR, ready for its annual inspection by Colin.  Colin sadly could come to the club today, which prompted some teaching by our resident physician, Robin, on how it's possible for vegetarians to get food poisoning.  Who knew? 

The apron and hangar were a hive of activity

After the K-13 derigging the Puchacz was assembled following its annual inspection.  The main wheel access panels were refitted, a fresh ARC certificate mounted in the cockpit, wings and tailplane taped and washed.  The need for a test flight remains before our Polish beauty can be released to service. 

Neal Oxley directs rigging operations under the watchful eye of DCFI, Peter Howarth 

The rain thankfully held off during the Puchacz rigging so team Brentor stayed dry.

Now the Wavers are ready for the better weather.  Elsewhere, DB finally finished his Opus Magnum, the battery shelf modifications and installation in the Twin Astir Trainer, HBK.  This is very good news because you shouldn't have to read about it ever again. 

The simulator was put to good use and was observed by peripatetic glider pilot Nigel Bray who called in en route from Camborne before heading further up country.  Despite his best attempts, he couldn't convince the Treasurer to part with yet more cash on the Mini-LAK FES that he was breaking for parts.  The Fleet Manager was told firmly that two TOST Releases (hooks) and a Schroth four-point harness were quite sufficient purchases for one week.

Discussions and updates were conducted in the clubhouse and around the site on the outcome, and how to implement some of the recommendations, following our recent marketing and security consultations.

Before the rain set in, later than expected, the "Butcher of Brentor" made partial amends by fitting a new door sill to the bottom of the clubhouse door.  He later recognised that he needed to cover up his sins on the inside of the door too.  On the plus side today, he added guttering on the hangar to protect our new billboard.  Thank you, John.

Since this photo was taken, the juniors have been busy power washing the side of the hangar
and John Smith added some strategically placed guttering to keep our new billboard clean.

The Wavers departed slightly earlier than normal after a productive day. John Allan brought up the rear as he wanted to complete a flight to North Hill in the simulator before he, too, headed for home in the rain.

Gavin Short