Dartmoor Gliding News - 17th October 2026

 A surprisingly soarable autumn day in spite of the forecast.

Gavin's view from the CS77 looking towards Plymouth
with the sun shine on Whitsand Bay

The forecast today showed NE wind with an blue sky and little soaring possibility. In spite of the forecast by midday there was CU cloud forming over the airfield and it was very soarable. Longest flight of the day was Mike Jardine in the Std Cirrus who returned after 2:04hrs because he was feeling cold at 3200ft above the airfield. 

Twin Astir rear seat view of the runway from the west

There were plenty of other soaring flights around the 30 minute mark as pilots returned to allow others to fly. This included our 2 visitors today Steve Appleby and Richard Sandercock

Steve Appleby

Richard Sandercock

My own flight in Twin Astir DSL was interesting and probably typical of the day. I launched to 1100ft. Immediately on release it was obvious the we were in some rotor mixed with a thermal. After several circles the thermal drifted downwind and smoothed out as we moved clear of the rotor. This was followed by a short climb to cloud base. After some flying exercises for my passenger we made our way back from Tavistock to the east end of the airfield in a line of constant smooth lift. This felt like a wave bar. Interesting. A full airbrake descent from cloud base lead to an uneventful landing.

K8 turning finals

Returning One Day Course candidate Sylvia with her family

John Allen had the last flight of the day in the K8 where he was able to stay airborne comfortably in the ridge lift coming off the North edge of the airfield.

A great autumnal flying day.

Steve