Dartmoor Gliding News - Friday 31st July 2026

After a couple of previous attempts, would today be the day North Hill bring their tug to Brentor for members to experience aerotow launches again. Avid watchers watching on Glide & Seek saw the tug take off from North Hill only for it to turn around just past the M5 and head back to North Hill. The reason a thick bank of cloud prevented passage. After an eager wait and spotting the tug outside the hangar start to taxi, would it manage the passage to Brentor. Further watching saw it inbound to Brentor passing Black Down.

Tug arrives at Brentor.

First aerotow was a check flight for myself. Mike Sloggett took to the front seat of the Twin Astir to see that all was well. A smooth climb out and tow to release, all went well with a couple of minor comments so it was game on for me and the Twin Astir (nobody else wanted to sit in the back seat of the Twin on aerotow). I would gradually work through those requiring aerotows in the Twin, Lance Whitehead (experience flight), Jamie Young (revisit spinning as part of SPL), Misha Skochko and Aiden Hughes (Spin Training towards solo).

Aiden prepares for his aerotow.

Twin Astir off on another aerotow.

We haven't seen the airfield that small for a while.
Can you see it?

North Hill instructors Mike Sloggett, Mark Courtney and Stuart Proctor took both DGS pilots and visiting DSGC pilots for various flights both on aerotow and winch. Steve Fletcher and Michael Malric-Smith had aerotows moving towards getting their aerotow qualification. Visiting pilots Callum Ellis, Charlie Fabb, Roger Davis and Chris Woodward all enjoyed flights of various durations over Dartmoor and the surrounding area. Callum probably left with the biggest smile after being cleared to fly his LS4 and soared for 2 hours 27 minutes.

Before the tug arrived, some DGS privateers launched into some promising conditions. Andy Davey (Libelle) tried a 250km flight. Phil Hardwick (DG300) ventured away from the local area (sorry no task details) and Gavin Short (Std Cirrus) circumnavigation of the moors. Here are a few of Gavin's photos:-

Harrowbeer airfield Yelverton

Lee Mill claypits.

View towards Torbay.

A diferent view of the moor.

Earlier in the day Steve Fletcher took Michael Malric-Smith for a ride around to keep his hand in.

Michael enjoying his flight.

Our CFI Rick Wiles had a busy day. After flying with Mark Courtney earlier in the day resulting in him qualifying as a BI Coach (well done Rick) he then took his Std Cirrus for a 1 hour 11 minute flight.

Gavin looking down on Rick.

Rick being congratulated by Mark.

Another very successful aerotow day at DGS. A very big thankyou to our friends at DSGC who make this possible and to all at the airfield who made operations as smooth as possible.

Peter Howarth