Dartmoor Gliding News - Saturday 26th September 2026

The morning briefing outlined considerable variation in the weather forecast depending on which model it was based on. RASP was the only one with forecast winds in the north. All the others ere southerly. RASP predicted a blue sky day with 8 hours of sunshine. A look out of the window proved that wrong with considerable cloud in view. 

Not exactly a blue sky day

Due to the unfavourable weather forecast for tomorrow, today we had 9 trainees on the flying list. Rick managed this with help from Chris Bryning and Steve Moore and have both a K13 and Twin Astir available all day. Lots of training progress was made.

Training flight on approach

And off again

We welcomed 2 visitors for One Day Courses Sylvia Price and Robin Lawrence. Both courses were completed using Twin Astir DSL flying circuits / extended circuits.

Robin receiving his Certificate from Scratch

Sylvia waiting to go

Try as they might both solo pilots and Instructors struggled to find lift to extend their flights. At 2.50pm Gavin Short managed to find some rising air ( possibly a convergence ) and managed 25minutes in the K8 followed by Ed Nicholson flying solo in the K13 who launched 5 minutes later and soaring for 12 minutes. And then the lift was gone again.

K6 on approach

A mackerel sky late afternoon

Not all the best news came from our home airfield. Jamie Young was away flying at North Hill to complete his skills test for his SPL. He passed this and will shortly be the holder of a shiny new SPL ( Sailplane Pilots Licence }. Well done Jamie.

As the kit was put away at the end of the day the Committee started their regular meeting to review the club's progress and plan future enhancements.

A good training day.

Steve