Dartmoor Gliding News - Saturday 15th August 2026

 Thermals were on the cards for Saturday, though RASP had flagged a blip of more overcast conditions rolling through between 14:00 and 15:00, and as forecast a 7-10 knot crosswind fromthe north kept things interesting for those launching. I discovered on my own training flights thatthere was some sink to the north of the airfield, at one point reaching a strong 8-10 knots down.

Here are the clouds at the start of the day, and the windsock showing the northerly crosswind.

Duty Instructor Rick had a full list, ably supported through the day by Scratch. Rick's first traineewas Val, who had three short flights in the K13, FGR, followed later by a fourth, longer 18-minute flight with Scratch.

Val and Rick coming into land on their second flight together.

I had four short flights with Rick in the Twin Astir, DSL, working on slow flight handling and had a high speed stall demonstrated.

We welcomed two visitors today. Herbie Higham was in for a One Day Course and flew fivetimes through the day in both the Twin Astir and K13.

Herbie and Scratch ready to go for their first flight of the day,
with family watching from behind

Club members and visitors alike watch on as Twin Astir DSL .

Herbie and Scratch launch again.

Visitor Ethan Meek had a two-flight voucher, starting with a 13-minute flight with Rick in the K1 before a second flight with Scratch. Ethan had to sit in the back, as he was too light for the front seat in the K13.

Rick and Ethan ready to go but someone needs to attach the cable!

Rick hands Ethan his certificate,
hopefully he will return when he is older to start his training!

Among the privateers, Phil rigged his DG300, HME, and had two soaring flights, the second a very respectable hour and five minutes, which was the longest flight of the day. Mike Jardine took his Standard Cirrus, FCN, up for 20 minutes, doubling as a test flight for the newly installed radio antenna, fitted with help from Dave Archer, I could hear it from the tower much better than previously! Dave Archer also had a short flight later in his K6, HEB.

John Allan in the club K8, waiting for a cable to take him for his first flight of the day.

John Smith about to launch in the single seat Astir.

On the club gliders, Jamie put together a good hour soaring in the single Astir, DNE. Once the overcast had cleared through, John Allan got away well on his third flight and ranged out quite a distance in the single Astir, while Alisdair had a nice long flight in the K8, FXB, and had the distinction of being the last to land for the day.

Alisdair hangar lands the K8 after a nice soaring flight to end the day of flying.

On the ground, Colin completed the ARC on Gavin's glider, which passed, ready for the rest of the season. A good, varied days flying for everyone involved.

Rowan Guest