Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 6th September 2026

A forecast for a 10 to 15 knot south-easterly wind which may increase and veer southerly during the day caused thoughts of how long or if we would actually fly today. However the ever keen Sunday Soarers set about getting the gliders out of the hangar and setting the field up ready to fly.

With six trainees, two returning trial flight students, a one day course and a couple of pilots wanting recency checks it was going to be a busy day for the two seaters, myself and Bi's today. Richard welcomed the One Day Course Student, Alysia Maciejowska to the club. After the necessary paperwork and briefings, Richard introduced Alysia to the world of gliding.

Richard ready to take Alysia flying.

And off they go.

My trainee list started with retuning member Toby Irons. After his set of flights he was please to have completed a full flight including launch and landing.

Toby ready to fly.

Phil Hardwick would step in to fly with the two returning trial flight students. Eleanor Hattersly and Brett Makinson were introduced to the controls and also helping launch the gliders throughout the day. Hopefully they are getting a taste for gliding and may join as members in the near future.

Eleanor and Phil ready to fly.

Bret ready to fly again.

Throughout the day I steadily worked through the trainee list. Jess Nicholson, Steve Lesson, Ed Nicholson, Aiden Hughes and Misha Skochko all continued towards their individual goals. I also had a recency flight with Viktor.

Ed looking cool in the front seat.

Twin Astir returns.

K13 launches again.

While one of the Twin Astirs was not being flown Steve Fletcher took Steve Lesson for a fly around to maintain back seat recdency.

Steve and Steve all smiles.

John Osment had flown the K8 earlier, but after returning saying that was a bit rough, the K8 was parked up and not flown for the rest of the day.

John ready for his flight.

Due to time and the conditions some pilots were unable to fly today. Sean Westrope, Ed Borlase and John Smith all did their part by winching for those who did fly. Also George Purkiss helped out winching and retrieving cables for us.

Meanwhile down in the hangar, Colin was busy giving K13 FSD a coat of white paint. This glider will be looking great after the hard work when it returns to flight soon. A long hot day with 30 flights with no soaring was enjoyed by all at the club. Thank you.

Peter Howarth