The weather forecast suggested that we might fly today albeit in “interesting” conditions with the forecast wind strength anticipated to be a potential challenge. On arrival at the Club, our optimism from the forecast was quickly replaced by the reality of the actual weather, with the gusting wind and low cloud preventing us getting any gliders or ground equipment out.
But as the Clubhouse steadily filled with Club members ordering their breakfasts and hot drinks then so the weather improved and with various Instructors keen to make the most of the potential for flying, the hangar was soon being unpacked and the launchpoint set up for winching to the North West.
But as the Clubhouse steadily filled with Club members ordering their breakfasts and hot drinks then so the weather improved and with various Instructors keen to make the most of the potential for flying, the hangar was soon being unpacked and the launchpoint set up for winching to the North West.
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| The weather improved (Mike Sloggett) |
Initially both K21s and a Junior were being used, but with the ridge working well and with further members arriving, and keen to fly, soon the DG505 and Perkoz were also brought out of the hangar.
With cloud base of only around 1000ft, it soon became evident that limiting the number of gliders on the ridge would be prudent and with quite a long flying list flights were limited in duration to allow others to fly.
As lunchtime arrived then so did lower cloud to the extent that full height launches could not be achieved - and then sooner than had been expected - the rain arrived, so it was time to put the gliders and ground equipment away.
During the morning, Mark Courtney completed some Basic Instructor ground school and flying with Richard Roberts and Roger Appleboom from Dartmoor Gliding Society.
With cloud base of only around 1000ft, it soon became evident that limiting the number of gliders on the ridge would be prudent and with quite a long flying list flights were limited in duration to allow others to fly.
As lunchtime arrived then so did lower cloud to the extent that full height launches could not be achieved - and then sooner than had been expected - the rain arrived, so it was time to put the gliders and ground equipment away.
During the morning, Mark Courtney completed some Basic Instructor ground school and flying with Richard Roberts and Roger Appleboom from Dartmoor Gliding Society.
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| Dartmoor GS members using the DSGC simulator (Mark Courtney) |
Another day when the opportunity to fly was taken for as long as it was possible - thank you to everyone who turned up today for the teamwork to help others fly and apologies to those who ended up not flying due to the weather stopping the fun.
Gliding is described as ‘Affordable, Challenging and Exciting’, today saw all three elements! - Mike Sloggett
Gliding is described as ‘Affordable, Challenging and Exciting’, today saw all three elements! - Mike Sloggett
