Sat 7th September

Admittedly the forecast wasn’t great and schools restarting always takes off the edge but this Saturday was decidedly quiet. At the briefing we really only had just enough to contemplate operating the airfield and with low cloud brushing through the trees one had to wonder if the majority weren’t right! 

My confidence that the morning at least would be become flyable paid off as with the field set up the super low cloud edged back towards Dunkeswell and with launches from the west there was good margin to safely start. 

Congratulations Alan Rappaport  resolo after 30 year break (John Pursey)

 With the support of the ubiquitous James Flory wearing two hats as both tug pilot and instructor No2, I effectively only had young Arthur Lean and not so young Alan Rappaport to deal with and we had the luxury of multiple launches and trading exercises. For Alan this was cable breaks and a re-solo in a glider after a break of 30 years. Welcome back Alan!

On cue, the rain arrived mid-afternoon but only once pretty much all the planned flying had been done and the hanger was being packed. Tom Sides managed to fly 3 visitors and the curious weather allowed at least one aerotow. 

 "North Hill Tower" Sally in her element (John Pursey)

 The biggest stars of the day were the usual suspects that despite the frankly zero-soaring opportunities drove the winch, manned the control, ran the wing and generally made things happen.  Dave, Ashley, Paul, Rob, Sally, Alan T and others I thank you! - John Pursey

Wed 4th September - Course Week

The last course week of the season with Peter Field and Steve Westlake, school term under way, and an indifferent forecast reduced the club flying list to achievable proportions. Mike Sloggett joined us for the day after looking at Thursday’s forecast and was kept busy all day. 

North Hill from the north (Peter Smith)

 

The crosswind was boisterous at times and launch heights weren’t impressive, I only once saw over 1,000 ft at release in the Perkoz. The opportunity to get away was short-lived but several managed to do so.  James Rowe, a potential new  member, joined us for the morning and was impressed by his first winch launch. After a quick up, round and down he had an extended flight to begin the basic handling exercises and have an insight into soaring.  

 

Congratulations to Sandy Harrup for passing her BGA Crosscountry endorsement navigation(Ian Mitchell)

 

Pete Startup 230 went flyabout to the west and reported difficult conditions around South Molton. Nick Harrison had the second longest flight in JDD. 50 glider flights in total made it a worthwhile day, thanks to all who contributed, and particularly  Mike for making the guest appearance.  - Peter Smith

Sun 1st September - Dartmoor GS expedition

 The day started with a thorough and welcoming briefing in the DGS clubhouse by Gavin Short. There was a decent rain shower early on and low clouds but these conditions quickly lifted into a fair weather day. 

Lily Sanders-Page in DGS K13 (Mike Sloggett)

The launching occurred from the west with a light wind down the field. There wasn't much lift to be found however it was still a productive day. The DSGC instructors were Mike Sloggett and Peter Smith who flew the K21 first together to test flight conditions. Andrew Broderick, Chris Woodward and Lily Sanders-Page all enjoyed flights over Brentor in DSGCs K21 or in the K13 that DGS kindly allowed us to use. 

Thanks DGS with Lily and Mike..... (Hayley Sanders-Page)

The longest flight being 23 minutes by Lily Sanders-Page and Peter Smith. Paul Medlock took advantage of the chance to fly in an Astir, his first time in that glider type (we believe). He had three flights. 

....and Chris and Mike (Hayley Sanders-Page)

 

Everyone from DSGC was able to experience circuits and landings from a new airfield, their confidence growing as the day progressed. KEK was derigged about 3pm and was quickly back on the road with Peter Smith on its way home. 

Peter and Lily in KEK before being taken home (Hayley Sanders-Page)

Big thanks to both the DSGC instructors and everyone from DGS who hosted the visit over the weekend. -  Hayley Sanders-Page (first-time blogger and feet firmly on the ground still!)

Sat 31st August - Dartmoor GS expedition

Wave! The wonderful lift* version, rather than the flailing of arms type, summed up the amazing start to Day Two of the DSGC 2024 expedition to the Dartmoor Gliding Society. Rick Wiles (DGS Duty Instructor) had given a very thorough briefing that indicated that ‘wave’ might be a possibility but not a certainty.  Gavin followed up with a ‘Visiting Pilots Briefing’ and for the DSGC members present: Kevin Fairburn, Hans Jenssen, Karen King, Dave Perriam, Paul Medlock and instructors James Flory and Mike Sloggett hope was in the air. 

KEK ready (Dave Perriam)

 First to fly was Kevin Fairburn and Mike Sloggett borrowing a DGS K13 with Karen King and James Flory next in the DSGC K21.    Initial flights for both were short and described well by James as being in ‘a washing machine’ as close to the airfield there was a large amount of ‘rotor’. 

In wave over Dartmoor National Park (Mike Sloggett)

However, on the following K13 and K21 flights by flying straight ahead both gliders flew into wave and whilst at times the lift was broken seeing the vario hit 10 and easily maintaining a height of 2500-3000 feet was a breathtaking experience.  Added to which to be over the stunning sunlit landscape of the Dartmoor National Park was an absolute privilege. 

Dave Perriam flying the DGS Astir (Karen King)

To give other DSGC members a similar opportunity, both gliders after about 30 mins headed back to the airfield with Hans Jenssen/Mike Sloggett and Dave Perriam/James Flory next to fly and whilst all had reasonable length flights the wave had dissipated. 

Giving others the chance to fly (Dave Perriam)

Much later in the day Paul Medlock flew with James, but conditions didn’t improve. However, it did lead to Paul being signed off to fly the DGS Astir.  Dave Perriam having had a couple of launches in their Astir mid-afternoon. In closing, an excellent day made even better by the great welcome that all DSGC pilots received from the Dartmoor Gliding Society members.  Additional appreciation goes to DGS for the invitation to join their summer barbecue that night with a good time had by all attendees (thank you to DGS Mike Bennett for the hard work putting it together).  - Karen King
*for any non-gliding readers for more details please see: https://www.dsgc.co.uk/about-gliding/how-gliders-fly

Sat 31st August

 With a significant contingent of regulars away on the club expedition at Brentor (Dartmoor Gliding Society) and, given the poor soaring forecast, private owners electing to direct their efforts elsewhere (accruing domestic credits in advance of the next soarable day, no doubt!), it was a very quiet club house at North Hill this morning. 

Aerotow (Andy Batchelor)

Just a handful of weekend regulars and a couple of enthusiastic, relatively new, juniors waited patiently with one eye looking out of the window, observing the blustery NE wind, and the other on the door hoping that a Duty Instructor would magically appear, with some uncertainty prevailing over instructor availability for the day.  Salvation soon appeared, in the form of Simon Leeson, who was technically on duty as the ‘stand-in’ tuggie.  But, as the only instructor on site, he was quickly ‘promoted’ by the assembled collective to Duty Instructor, Duty Tuggie and Duty anything else that needed doing.  

With Simon Jordy arriving to look after the trial lesson visitors, a K-21 and the DG505 were walked down to the west end of the field.  Simon Leeson and Andy Batchelor took to the skies first on a met flight, and although less boisterous than initially anticipated, conditions were still challenging enough that it was declared a yellow card day.  Thankfully, the 2-seater training list was relatively short, and Simon Leeson bounced between tug duties and working his way through the training list. 

Stuart Procter and Edith Williams (Andy Batchelor)

 

Additionally, and despite having been called out to work earlier in the day, Stu Proctor answered a call to arms and arrived mid-morning to help out with the flying, his assistance being very much appreciated.  He was rewarded by the ‘longest’ winch-launched flight of the day of just 13 minutes, flying with new junior member Edith Williams.  Shaun Dayman stepped in to fly a donated winch launch trial flight too, while Simon Jordy took an extra trial lesson visitor on an aerotow.  

Trial lesson visitors family watching on (Andy Batchelor)

 With those who wanted to fly having flown, and the trial flight guests all leaving very satisfied with their respective experiences, the airfield was all wrapped up by around 15:45.  Despite the small number of people on site, a good day was had by all with some great teamwork from everyone, and we made the most of the day. Particular thanks, though, must go to Simon Leeson for being ‘Duty Everything’ and Stu Proctor for his welcome assistance, as well as Alan Turner and Phil Rowlands, who both spent extended time on the winch but didn’t fly. - Andy Batchelor

Fri 30th August - Dartmoor GS expedition

As an ad-hoc coterie of would-be X-country fliers got together at North Hill for Bumblebee aerotows, at Brentor the first day’s DSGC visitors were being welcomed by the DGS locals. Soon after, DSGC’s G-GNHL Eurofox arrived, flown in from NHL by Stuart Procter with James Hood aboard. 

Meanwhile, instructors Mark Courtney and Steve Westlake supervised rigging of KEK with loads of help from George Sanderson, (who wasn’t really there to be an inspector) but instead was there as one of the day’s DSGC flying squad, along with Tom Gunner, Chris Warnes and Tim Petty.  Karen King and Paul Medlock were also on site, having arrived early for the expedition’s later days but they also helped both DSGC and DGS fliers.

DGS K13 FGR taking an aerotow (Steve Lesson)

The Eurofox, piloted by Stuart and Mark, was kept busy towing aerotow-starved DGS fliers plus planned tows for the DSGC visitors, together with instructors Stu, Mark or Steve. Soaring conditions were inconsistent as Tom and Tim both had around 1hour up to about 4000ft but the same thermals declined to play ball for unlucky George, who managed just over a quarter of an hour. The flight with Tim and Mark was notable for two things: the P2’s inability to centre in a thermal for ages until one was found – at last! - with 10 kts up; and then those 10kts were sustained!

DSGC at DGS (Steve Lesson)

Meanwhile Karen renewed her acquaintance with a  K13 for a launch by DSGC’s old SupaCat winch.
Despite great enthusiasm of the DGS pilots for an opportunity to fly aerotows at Brentor - power is normally limited to 15 launches a month - early on we watched as DGS Junior Jamie was winch-launched for an intensive series of stall and spin exercises in the DGS Puchacz: who needs a tug, anyway? 

Puchacz gets away from the winch for spinning sorte (Steve Lesson)

A great day out with spectacular (and different) scenery and the very hospitable DGS gang. Two conclusions: we must get some working trestles for the K21 trailer; and, if anyone suggests quad-bikes for glider retrieval at NHL, just tell them to shut up! - Tim Petty

Thur 29th August

 Another day when the forecast didn't turn out as expected but was still better than yesterday....but probably not as good as tomorrow. But that's gliding for you! It was meant to be an epic 5 star day but although it didn't materialise it was still pretty good. Congratulations to Junior Member Joel Roulson for completing his Bronze with the flying tests with Stuart Procter.  

Joel Roulson congratulated by Stuart Procter Bronze complete (Stu Procter)

 

It was also good to see  the first Navex in Eurofox, Nicholas Johnson flew his Navex flight with Mark Courtney in the Eurofox.

Perkoz on approach (Mark Layton)

With Mark Courtney, Simon Jordy and Stu Procter doing the tugging between them,  they actually outnumbered the winch launches as pilots took advantage of the cheap (but not for long) aerotows which gave most a better chance of connecting with the thermals. 

Joel being tested by Stuart (Mark Layton)

Instructors Steve Westlake helped by Chris Wool worked their way through the flying list which consisted of early learners, currency flights, bronze tests, instructor training and just those who wanted to fly for fun. Several private gliders joined in but most stayed local as although the thermals were plentiful, they were unpredictable at times. Shaun Dayman  helping out Dave Perriam took his first Trial lesson visitors.

Shaun Dayman (new BI) looking after some of the Trial lesson visitors (David Clements

230 NH2 - LANGPORT -  HEMBURY HILL - CREDITON WEST - CULMSTOCK - NH2  151kms
" Very slow start to the day at North Hill and after my misadventures with sea air convergences a few days ago, I thought I'd play with them rather than them with me. Nice run along one out to Langport and back. Then decided to go West in thermal mode and had a couple of amazing climbs, Nice flight if not very ambitious." Pete Startup

KPA  NH2 - KNOWSTONE -  N TAWTON - HEMBURY HILL - Spreyton Church - NH2 181kms

"Not quite the weather we were expecting, and very hazy at times, but some very strong thermals on the sunny side of the clouds.  I decided on the Club 100Km task.  That went OK, although there was one fairly pushy glide to get past Tiverton initially.  That done and back at NHL, it still seemed pretty good, so set out for Brentor by way of a track to follow - just to see how far I would get :-).  Made it close to Whiddon Down, then decided it was getting harder to stay high reliably, as every other cloud seemed unreliable.  Had to head over to the wind farm to the North to find a climb, no idea if it was the thermal source but did seem like it, and after that good climb I got all the way back without much turning following the cloud streets." John Allan 

Come late afternoon one of the K21's was derigged for the weekend expedition to Brentor and things became very thin on the ground and  unfortunately a couple of members missed out on their flights.

 
Meanwhile Paul Medlock saved the day by giving up a day's gliding to fix the club water supply as the pump in the pump house down the hill failed. With some outside assistance the issue was thankfully sorted by mid-afternoon. Well done  and thank you to Paul and well done Vicki for coping in the kitchen and keeping us fed and watered with limited facilities. - Mark Layton

Wed 28th August

Following the grotty weather on Sunday, and some better (but tricky) skies on Bank Holiday Monday, it was Wednesday. Although the gliders and ground equipment were out nice and early, all DI'd ready to go it was still a bit of a slow start before the first flight at 11:00 hrs. The mixture of old and new members worked well together getting everyone flown but the flights were mainly circuits, extended circuits with the aerotows giving the longest flights, but nothing epic. 

Not an epic sky (Mark Layton)

The conditions didn't help as one minute we were looking at the gloomy low clouds, the next sunny skies with some high cover followed by rain showers that covered the whole sky. All in the space of 20 mins. 

Gloomy low clouds at times (Mark Layton)

 Everyone flew including new Junior member Sam with Dave Perriam and Chris Warnes looked after the three trial lesson visitors. The rain arrived again at about 16:00 hrs so the decision to pack up early proved to be the best idea until an hour later it was bright and sunny again which was typical of the whole day! Still an enjoyable one and a good time was had by all. 

Filling in the mystery hole (Mark Layton)

Meanwhile there was a few things going on behind the scenes such as a hole that had appeared in the middle of the airfield in way of the old hedge line that needed to be filled in, unblocking of the gents urinals and securing the shelves in the launch point. All done by willing volunteers! - Mark Layton

Sun 25 August - Junior Nationals

Well, a decision has been made on safety grounds to scrub the last day due to the continuing high winds at flying height. 

Dan Hender flying JDP in Junior Nationals (Rob Hender)

Not the most successful competition (4 out of 9 days flying) we've been to, but on a positive note, Dan finished 15th overall out of 47. For comparison, I think he was 20th last year. 

Final Task - a pub crawl round the airfield (Sally Hender)

A great effort in trying conditions, and to be honest, I think if there had been more flying days, he would have finished higher.
Overall, an enjoyable time was had by us all. - Rob Hender

Sat 24th August

 For a day that was forecast to start as a definite grey one, on arrival it was good to see that several other optimistic souls had made the journey although admittedly all were taking shelter, from the rain, in the clubhouse.  With the presence of the CFI and the previous CFI this brought the number present to a perfect 10. However, an indicator of the Summer not having behaved as most of the UK had hoped, was that Stuart Procter had decided it was a ‘long trousers’ day. 

Cloud Street as far as you can see (Mark Courtney)

 After most members enjoying a cuppa or two from the North Hill café, the weather improved, therefore, around 11ish the ground equipment, the two K21’s and a Junior were D.I’d in readiness.  However, as the briefing took place dark clouds re-gathered and an early lunch was called. Pleasingly by 1pm, the rain had cleared and not long after Ashley Thomas and Mark Courtney took the 1st launch of the day.
Due to wind strength the day was given a Yellow Card rating later going to Blue Card.  Of the 11 flights flown, and before it went to Blue,  Simon Jordy flew two of the three trial flight visitors.  Both of whom loved the experience.  Solo pilots of the day were John Allan and Pete Startup both with 2hr+ flights. 

230 " Boistrous in the 23kt wind - never thought I'd get to KNO, let alone NTA as the conditions past Tiverton got worse - even got rained on by one rogue shower that I had to go through on the second leg. Stayed high as I thought getting low might prove difficult. Still, got more out of today than I expected!" Pete Startup

KPV "Wet and Rain until a cold front passed through after lunch, nice out towards Dulverton and views of Wimbleball lake.  With a brisk NW wind of around 18Kn getting back from Chard was a bit slow.  lovely cloud streets later, and one of those flights where you just want just "one more thermal" before you call it a day because everyone else has packed up!!" John Allan

Dave Weeks enjoying the vigorous thermals (Mark Courtney)

 Now to the exciting bit well certainly for Dave Weeks, Joel Roulson and Karen King who all had incredibly thermic flights experiencing at times 8-10 up!  Although often broken, the thermals were amazing leading to sufficient height for the fantastic opportunity for Karen (Mark on the controls) of a loop, some chandelles and a careful beat up along the ridge.  Going onto the circuit, the thermals continued making it a very lively experience with glider HCX after an approach of 70 coming to a stop just over an hour after launch.  From such a grey start what a day and thank you to everyone involved! - Karen King