Dartmoor Gliding News - Saturday 11th April 2026

The weather was going to be a challenge today. The front went through last night and left very breezy airflow. Wind direction was forecast to be NW so this was at least more or less down the runway. After checking out all the forecasts ( and his seaweed no doubt ) CFI Rick Wiles agreed to give it a go. 

Two K13s were got ready and taken to the East End launch point and after a short morning briefing it was game on.  Rick flew a solo weather check after which he announced that it was flyable with care for instructors and BIs. The aim was to give the assemble members experience a the somewhat boisterous  conditions.

Definitely lively

This continued until 11.45 when a break was called to allow all the members to return to the clubhouse for the 12pm AGM during which the Chairman presented a very successful year which saw many  improvements to the club infrastructure including the addition of  two Grob 103 Twin Astir two seat aircraft to the fleet. The Chairman highlighted the great team spirit and effort from all the club members many of whom go about their tasks barely noticed ( unless you know where to look ) but vital to our success. The meeting also saw Mike Jardine step down as Treasurer to be replace by David Osment. Mike Jardine stepped down as Field Manager to be replaced by John Smith. 

25 minutes later and it was back to the launch point. It was a little thermic and Rick and Zack managed 21 minutes. This was followed by Scratch and Mike Bennett with 27 minutes for flight of the day.

Climbing well

Zack enjoying himself

Blackdown & Gibbet Hill

Looking down at the airfield from the East at 3000ft

By 2.45pm the conditions had strengthened to the point that it was time to put the toys away for a well deserved early finished.

A great day.

Steve