Dartmoor Gliding News - Aston Down Expedition Day Two - Tuesday 12 May 2026

The order of the day was a cooked breakfast; Full English with mushrooms.

While waiting to start flying John fitted a better loudspeaker for the electric vario in the Twin Astir Trainer.  It arrived yesterday at my home, but we didn't find it until late in the evening. The postie had popped its through the cat flap in the back door into the utility room! 

Ten gliders gridded.  Then after the obligatory tea break back in the clubhouse it was time to go flying.  Andy winched initially then the rest of the grid was launched by John Allan.  Neal came to the field to help and ran the tower throughout the day.  Many thanks Neal, it is much appreciated.

The grid, currently seven in the photo that increased to ten. It proved to be a very efficient method of launching the privateers.

The wind was from the north-west as it was yesterday, but the darker clouds made way for lighter, white, almost promising looking cumulus.  It was time to go flying.

The grid started to launch at 1145.  Those who were at the head of the grid got the best flights; Rick, 1 hr 41 mins, and Phil 1 hr 18 mins.  Both admitted that the conditions, including wind shear were challenging. 

Tail end Charlie's view of the back of the grid. Let's get going!

Peter had a couple of attempts in the mighty Kestrel.  I soared for over an hour and shared a strong thermal with Rick.  Cloud base was almost 4,000ft QNH.  Soaring flights were enjoyed by Andy and Sean.  Steve Fletcher shook off the winter cobwebs in his Open Cirrus with a long flight.

My view of the Hamoaze, Plymouth Sound, and Tavistock in the foreground.  No one tells you how difficult it is to take a photo through the DV panel with a smartphone.

The K-6 boys found the strength of the wind and the gustiness in the thermals a challenge.  Today's K-6 King was John Osment who managed 17 minutes.

With the wind strengthening and dense cloud cover shutting down most of the thermal activity, all had their fill by 1400.  Viktor managed ten minutes in his Red Bear on his third flight in difficult conditions.  Well done.

Viktor and the Red Bear return

Phil and I helped John Osment derig K-6, FUB, at the east end of the airfield.

Meanwhile, CNN waits patiently to return to its trailer at the west end of the airfield.

Throughout the day there were discussions on what we could do during the week.  Another gliding site might be an option perhaps for aero tow instruction and practice.  The weather might deteriorate during the week; the weather forecast for Friday was initially bad and then came good.  Should we go elsewhere on Friday or stay at Brentor?  Decisions, Decisions! 

In fact in all boiled down to "Should I stay or should I go now?" (with acknowledgement to The Clash).  Yes we are an old bunch for that song to come to mind. The single was released in 1982 and was a number one hit in 1991.

Fourteen flights on day two of our staycation.  What will Wednesday, which will also be a club day, bring?

Gavin Short