Dartmoor Gliding Society News - Wednesday 19th August 2026

There was an autumnal feel to today's weather, a stiff westerly breeze increasing throughout the day and with the early morning showers and leaves falling onto the ground. It looked a lot more like a day in October.  

Gavin’s view on the way to the club.

After a parade of showers there was eventually enough enthusiasm to fly 

With a late start at 11:34, Duty instructor Mike Jardine took Michael M-S for a check flight and was then suitably cleared to fly 2 solo flights to add to a total of 9. 

First flight of the day, Mike takes Michael for a check flight  

Ivan and Richard strapped in ready for their first launch  

We welcomed one day course candidate Ivan Foster, who used to fly with the Cornish Gliding Club at Perranporth 27 years ago. After his first flight with duty BI Richard Roberts, it was evidently clear that he needed to fly with an FI. Peter Howarth stepped in, and by the end of the day he was flying the whole flight with only a few prompts. Ivan hopes to be able to return and join as a full member to satisfy his 27 year itch. 

Ivan managed to find his way into a more familiar K13 

Ivan and family 

David Osment rigged his K6, as did Dave Archer. Michael and David Osment each had their first experience of flying solo in stronger wins conditions. 

A blast from the 1960’s? This photo was taken today

David ready in his K6 

Duty instructor Mike Jardine flew with Ray Staines, Rowan Guest, Robin Wilson and Neal Oxley. Rowan's second flight saw him soaring for 19 minutes to claim flight of the day and looked at spin recognition and recovery. We also welcomed back Steve Lesson who had 2 flights in the Twin Astir.  

The view to the north

The view down the Twin Astir wing to the launch point below.

Rowan climbing nicely in the Twin.

Solo pilots Steve Fletcher (K8), Mike Bennet (K8), John Allan (Astir), Jamie Young (Astir), Gavin Short (Astir), John Smith (Astir) each had their turn. The only real success being Steve Fletcher with 16 minutes. Mike Jardine also took the K8 up at the end of the day and achieved 18 minutes. 

 Despite good looking cloud streets surrounding the airfield, it remained a blue hole for the majority of the day and most thermals were being broken by the 20+ knot wind at flying height. 

The strong wind straight down the strip made way to great launch heights for flying from the east end. I achieved a 1500ft launch flying the single astir, my personal best for flying from the east end. 

Back at the hangar, work was continued on K13 FSD for it's annual inspection and the single Astir had it's undercarriage door fitted. 

Colin recovering K13 FSD's fuselage

The Astir with refitted undercarriage door.

So despite a late start, we managed 33 launches, some soaring and a happy one-day course candidate.

Jamie Young