Thurs 29th September

 After a morning of looking out of the rain splattered windows hoping for some improvement there was a lot of 'will we, won't we fly' conversation going on. A return of the Thursday Weather Lecture by Pete and Jill reminding those present how much they had forgotten and prompted some for the need to do some revision ready for the next installment. It filled in the time until the kit was readied with a huge amount optimism for flying followed by an early lunch. There was also a brief demonstration of the DSGC Simulator to Dartmoor GS visitor Steve Lesson.

Some brightness (Mark Layton)

 Various members had already left but those remaining took two K21s and a Junior to the west end under the guidance of Mark Courtney and Chris Wool. The first flight was at 14:30 with nothing more than slightly extended circuits for those who got into the air. A bit of juggling around was required due to the lack of experienced people able to do the necessary tasks but it enabled everyone to have least one flight before the last flight at just before five. 

Skeleton crew with heavy skies at times (Mark Layton)

 Everything was safely packed away and everyone was pleased they made the effort on an otherwise indifferent day!

Thanks to our instructors for their encouragement and to all who worked hard to enjoy the afternoons fun and games. A total of 14 flights were completed. - Mark Layton

Sun 25th September

 A start was made by the usual early crew in a slightly sharper temperature than recent, with even the need for a coat or two for some. The ground equipment was DI ed and lined up with aircraft out to warm just after. Post experts review, a start was planned with a K21 and Junior positioned to the west end and winch to the east ( in a NNE wind). Numbers improved during the process and so DG505 and the other K21 also headed west. First flight got the pre10:00am discount! and flying continued with the list. Duty Instructor Peter Field started on the training list. At the other end, winch training was also being done to make the most of a nice club day (even with the 90degree cross wind.

James Flory congratulating Ella Penny on her first solo (Jill Harmer)

 

The key achievement today, was Ella Penny working through two instructors and lots of practice launch failures followed by achieving her first solo flight with a second solo to celebrate! Well done Ella.

Ella Penny solo at North Hill (Jill Harmer)

 

The rest of us flew extended circuits and short soaring flights, but being shown up by John Pursey who took the best of the timing and weather to get 2 hours in the Junior. We had to change ends at lunchtime (adding to Ella’s high workload day, and helping with the winch trainee ( Chris Woodward’s) training requirements ) ( wind NNW).  Afternoon training was done by Guy Adams, but thanks also to James Flory, Martin Woolner and John Pursey for helping with the 2-seater list throughout the day. Also thanks to James Smart who flew the Trial flight visitors and managed the large number of spectators that they brought with them.  In the end a good day with mixed flying for members, and a high percentage of instructors / IFP also keeping current, total flights 44 with 7 Aerotow’s done (Simon Jordy got some tugging at last). - Gordon Hutchinson

Wed 21 - Fri 23 September - Portmoak

 Wednesday 21st

With a Southerly component in the wind today c.210/15kts, we were wondering how well the hill would work but the wind gradient dragged the wind round to 225/18 at the Bishop ridge top so it was working remarkably well again. Good thermals started as the ground warmed up and people soared out as far as Alva along the Ochills to the West and Dunning to the Northwest on the North side of the Ochills.

Lovely wild flowers at Portmoak (Pete Startup)

Thursday 22nd

This was a day for the ridge rats among us! A front went through during the night with some rain on it - the only rain we saw all week. The Orographic cloud low down on the Bishop slowly drifted up the slope as the air dried out and as soon as it was clear of the top we launched. The ridge was quite soft today in the light wind but was working reliably right round to the NW face of West Lomond hill and although we started flying under a grey cloud sheet we ended up in brilliant sunshine as the front finally moved away.

Bishop and Loch Leven (Chris Wool)

Friday 23rd

Another beautiful day in Scotland with the possibility of showers later in the day. Wind around 290/10kts so the Bishop ridge was working from the off but it didn't take long for the thermals to start and some good soaring was had going as far as Perth in the North and Dollar to the West, Stirling being a step too far as showers were around that end of the Ochills.

711 and FUN playing (Andy Williams)

 We landed around 3pm for the mass de-rig(in the only shower that actually hit the airfield!),  and trailer park up ready for an early start home on Saturday morning. The evening meal was enjoyed by all at the Court House restaurant in Kinross.

Great trip (Simon Minson)

A great trip with 3 days with wave, 3 with good thermals and one for the ridge rats.  Lots of hours flown, good food and beer consumed in the local hostelries. Trips are already planned for April and September next year - see you there? - Pete Startup

Sat 24th September

 The airfield was set up at the west end, so the first launch didn’t happen until about 11am. Duty am Instructor Mark Courtney, ably assisted by James Flory (tug pilot) and Mike Sloggett (pm instructor).
There was a fairly short flying list, but this gave each of the pupils great opportunities to fly. Well done to Mike Willmott for the longest flight of just under an hour.

Launch Control gets to fly (Sally Hender)

 With everyone flown by about 3pm, I was given the opportunity of a flight with Mike, thank you! We then did a few extra flights for the people on the list, and finally packed up by about 5pm.

A lovely chilled day on the airfield, thank you to everyone for your help, especially Connor Williams, Dave Weeks, Phil Rowlands and Mark Wallis who helped all day and didn’t even fly.  - Sally Hender

Thur 23rd September

 With several of the Thursday Regulars on holiday or with various ailments, it was a very depleted team that gathered today, eventually a few more members turned up giving a total of  5 Instructors, 5 solo pilots, 3 on the 2-seater training list or check flights and a new member. The  ground kit had all been readied early thanks to Ashley and Dave, but the humidity was extremely high with low clouds at the end of the airfield. So the morning consisted of various briefings, discussions and tea drinking followed by an early lunch.

Congratulations to Dave Perriam (Ian Mitchell)

Congratulations to Dave Perriam for completing his Cross-Country endorsement with Ian Mitchell this morning. 

 

The newly seeded area waiting for rain (Mike Horwood)

 The wind picked up a little and the moist air suddenly started drying out, so the field was set up and flying started. Dave Perriam got away and had a 40 min soaring flight before being called back for others to fly. Training and check flights continued with the Instructors rotating, and our new member Paul enjoyed 2 extended circuits. For most of the day there were just brief glimpses of the sun with a lot of top cover, but launches were reaching 1400ft with mainly extended circuits. 

3 of the 5 instructors posing (Mike Sloggett)

 Thanks to all the team for making it happen 16 flights all together- J&P

Wed 21 September

 The day started early with a few of the Wednesday regulars arriving at the gate just before 8am. The vehicles and both the K21’s were promptly DI'd & set up on the airfield with the winch in the south-west corner and Launch Control in the North East. Members were a little thin on the ground at the start of the day, but in true North Hill spirit, everyone worked well together to get the aircraft in the air and the ground ops ran smoothly and swiftly. The first flight launched at 10:28.

There was minimal lift available for the first few flights, although conditions were calm and quite serene in the air. The instructors put everyone through their paces with a number of simulated launch failures, & those flights that did make it to the top of the launch were relatively short but very pleasant.

As the day progressed, three private gliders appeared, as did the tug, along with a few more optimistic pilots. Around lunchtime the skies looked a little more promising and some pilots achieved much longer flight times.

After lunch, club members continued to work hard to keep aircraft in the air. I recall just one short period when all the aircraft were airborne & the ground crew were able to sit down for 10 minutes! The last launch took place at 16:39. 

A small vole appeared at the Launch point (Julian West)

 
It’s always a pleasure to see the local wildlife at North Hill & we were lucky enough to be visited by a small Vole  who seemed to enjoy loitering around Launch control!

All in all an extremely pleasant & successful September day at North Hill, 31 launches in total, with fine weather and great banter! The longest flight of the day went to Jeff Taberham with 123 minutes off a 3000ft aerotow. - Julian West

Fri 16 - Tue 20 September - Portmoak

 Friday 16th

The early travellers Pete 230 and Ron and Woolly 711 were greeted with a classic Portmoak day with ridge soaring on Benarty hill until the thermals arrived, then thermals to get into the wave with the wave going up to 14,000ft. Trips out to Loch Earn and Loch Tay ensued. The cold was a bit of a shock after the Southern Summer!

Looking down the Tay towards Dundee home of marmalade (Pete Startup)

 Saturday 17th

Joined today by Andrew FMS and Andy FUN, we had a repeat of the ridge(Bishop hill today), thermal, wave but only to 8500ft and with much more cloud around which closed in at one point requiring a discretionary descent by 230 and FMS but it opened up again for some local area soaring as far as Methven.

Above the clouds 8000ft in FMS (Andrew Logan)

Sunday 18th

Joined today by Simon SM and Guy who was flying in 711. Wind had fallen light, only 5kts on the surface. Cheap Eurofox aerotows round to the North side of West Lomond hill meant we could at least stay airborne on very weak ridge and wave, 230 managed to eke out 6000ft. Thermals then started which killed the weak wave in 10 minutes flat but we all enjoyed some local area thermal soaring all afternoon.

SM is ready ( Simon Minson)

Tuesday 20th

The wind started off so light and SW today that we thought it was going to be a non starter but the usual expedition impatience kicked in and SM took a launch on to the Bishop and stayed airborne so that set off a launch frenzy and everybody enjoyed an afternoon of challenging weak ridge and thermal soaring.

SM enjoying the ridge (Simon Minson)

 

 A new expedition first was Woolly and Guy flying 711 together - both were grinning after landing. - Pete Startup

Sun 18th September

 Having been entertaining last night I didn’t get to the airfield until 10am, so can’t say how early people arrived! However, a grateful Trevor Russell gave up his seat in the Launch Control to allow me to take over.
With James Flory (duty Instructor) and Mark Courtney commencing the flying list, a good start was made to the day. Robert Lee took the three booked Introductory Flights with great success, all enjoying a half hour each.

JB and Ruth in DG505 (JB)

 There were a number of private owners who looked at the weather and took the opportunity to make the most of the day. DG1 Dave Perriam, 877 Trevor Russell, JDP Dan Hender, DD3 Phil Morrison and Nick Jones. JB and Ruth Comer took the DG505 for a long flight to Tiverton, Pete Harmer took LRD for a flight home to MUD and back and Connor Williams took DRE and managed to have the longest flight of the day at 140 mins.

Ian Mitchell arrived to cover the afternoon duty, but with just one pupil left to fly, and with dwindling numbers on the airfield, flying was finished by 4:30pm, and the few remaining returned to the clubhouse.
Thank you to everyone that helped.  - Sally Hender

Sat 17th September

 The recent few days - post cold front and with high pressure back in charge-  had given some stunning looking days and Saturday continued the trend. With the field set out to miss the newly seeded area, launching started reasonably promptly (thanks from me to those that had the hanger unpacked when I arrived!) Card checks and some friends and family flights and then the day started to pop.

Clouds appeared and with some gentle nudges,  new members Joel and then Jack were able to get some good climbs to cloud base and experience the thrill of thermal soaring.

Joel having reached base of his first cloud off to the next one (John Pursey)

Sadly with the exception of the Open Cirrus CEC and LS3  KMV there were few privateers out to enjoy the late summer feel of the day although the Duo DD3 put in a late appearance to prove out the engine rebuild prior to the upcoming Denbigh trip.

As ever, James Flory having flown the strimmer in the morning,  did sterling service pm working through the tail of the list.
Fingers crossed for tomorrow…John Pursey

Thurs 15th September

 The "good air" behind the cold front has arrived and brought a howling crosswind from the north. Some careful positioning of the launch point and winch was needed to ensure the newly seeded area was not touched, and Chairman Nick continued the rolling of the area to press the grass seeds in, just a little rain needed now!

Quite cloudy at times (Jill Harmer)

 A weather check by Duty Instructors Pete Harmer and Mike Sloggett was flown to assess the conditions. Cloud base was above launch height and just a yellow flag was raised for the sometimes gusty crosswind conditions.

Northerly streets with some signs of wave bars (Jill Harmer)

 Following the weather check KEK was found to have a problem with locking the front rudder pedals, and thanks to George Sanderson and the team  for getting a new part on order so quickly, so KEK was parked and walked back to the hangar at lunchtime. 

Mike and Pete worked through the two-seater flying list, and Tom Sides looked after the Trial lesson visitors with Robert Lee tugging.

 

Aerotow view from the winch  (Aston Key)

Some flights took advantage of the northerly cloud streets aligning with some enhanced lift possibly due to some wave. Whist others found a lot of sink all round the circuit.

Longest flight of the day in the Junior went to Dave Perriam albeit from an aerotow just over an hour, with Ruth Comer enjoying 40 mins from the the winch. Thanks everyone - a sign of autumn arriving, and the advanced party have set off for Portmoak - watch them on glideandseek - J&P

Wed 14th September

 A grim forecast discouraged many of the regulars, wisely so as damp murk enveloped North Hill until after midday when it suddenly began to lift exactly as predicted. The Peters, Warren & Smith took an exploratory trip to the south west corner where it was unsurprisingly found to be a blustery North Easterly again exactly as forecast and yellow/blue territory. Thus one K21 was removed  from the hangar and taken to the SW corner. A met flight revealed the conditions to be much improved over the hour, such that red card was the order and a posse was despatched to fetch LRD.

Blue skies (Peter Smith)

  Flying got under way under a largely blue sky and warm sun but lift was teasing and elusive. Everyone present had at least one flight and we even fitted in a flight for Stuart Goddard, a returning trial lesson pilot. If he joins it will double the number of archaeologists in the Club.

 A very pleasant afternoon with the final landing at 17:33.

 As we were putting the kit away our never stationary Chairman Nick and Scot arrived to start spreading the grass seed on the recently cultivated area and were progressing well as the sun dipped behind Dartmoor. Good conditions to germinate the seeds and establish growth. - Peter Smith

Sun 11th September

 With a forecast involving no rain, after what has been a somewhat wet week, I was expecting the flying list to fill up quickly. Clearly I had set my motivation meter in the wrong position.

However, as the orographic cloud dissipated, a small but determined crew started to arrive. Mike Sloggett and Simon Leeson, after discussions with Nick, spent some time working out the best airfield layout, to try and accommodate a somewhat fickle southerly wind.

As we approached the first launch, a minutes silence was observed and then Mike and Simon worked though the flying list. Simon flew with recent newbie Dan Hedger, after assisting Mike with and introduction to a returning trial lesson pilot Paul and his 11 year old son Tom.  Dave Perrian and Dave Cowley shared the Junior in what were quite challenging conditions.

The booked trial lessons ultimately fell foul of the really tricky southerly winds none of which took place. Tugging Robert gladly handed the tug over to Pete Warren who launched Chris Wool in the Perkoz while putting Guy through his five year instructor checks.

New syllabus for 5 year checks? (Simon Leeson)

 After an early lunch the training and check flights continued with more flights for Trevor in his mission to restore a yellow rating whilst Mike transferred to the Perkoz to allow Chris to continue Guy's torture with winch launches in a K21.

Ella then continued to get closer to her goal with launch failure practice with Simon. Chris Warnes had a few launches in the Junior  to make up for the lack of trial lesson flights as did Paul Medlock.  Thanks to the boss Sally, who eventually rocked up after a lie in  and to everyone I have forgotten to mention, winch driving, cable retrieving and the like.

Stuart in the Perkoz (Stuart Procter)

 Finally, a relaxed Stuart turned up late free of the burden of his responsibilities and took the Perkoz for a fly. - Simon Leeson

Sat 10th September

 After the difficult weather for the course week, Saturday's forecast was promising a flyable day. The kit was readied with James Flory expecting a long Duty Instructor day. A minute's silence for reflection was held at the launchpoint before flying started. 

James was kept busy with the two-seater training list, James Smart looked after the Trial lesson visitors and Robert Lee  some Family and friends flights. 

Pete Harmer was duty Tug Pilot but once all the tows were completed, helped out with the two-seater list. Well done to Kevin Fairburn and Rob Hender for both completing their check flights and solos in K21 after a short break for weather and holidays since their first solo flights.

A small grid today (Karen King)

 

Pete Startup  230 showed that it was soarable by creeping off to Knowstone and back, whilst Dan Hender in JDP and Mark Wallis in CEC also had local soaring flights. 

A handy street formed up for Pete (Karen King)

 Nick Jones and Peter Smith completed baton relays on the tractor - continuing to roll and level the new 6 acres.

Thanks to everyone for helping James get through the day. - 36 winch launches and 6 aerotows today - J&P

Fri 9th September - Course Week

 The forecast suggested there would be a window of reasonable weather on Friday, and to everyone’s relief (especially the course instructors) it proved to be correct.

Chris Wool and Steve Westlake take a weather check (Karen King)

Chris Wool kindly joined the instructor team which ensured that every Course member had at least two launches (or if not a longer flight) with an average of two each.   Glyn Bellerby and Nicholas Johnson had flights of 30-45minutes in the Perkoz as the West ridge was working along with the occasional thermal.
Although rain stopped play at around 4 p.m the course ended on a high. 

 

Informal course photo with Nicholas missing due to soaring (Karen King)

In closing a big Thank You to  Course Instructors Peter Field and Steve Westlake  and Course Helpers Tim Petty, Ashley Thomas and Karen King for persevering and for not,  'calling the whole thing off’. - Karen King

Thurs 8th September - Course Week

 It was hoped that the weather would play ball on Thursday, but it didn't, so the Club Simulator was in use all day using the full range of training exercises. 

First up was David Morgan trying out some  familiarisation at North Hill and some winch launch failures. Next was Rushi - completely new to gliding, he started with the normal handling exercises for effects of controls. 

The Club Simulator was used all day (Jill Harmer)

 Nicholas who had previous experience with power flying and flexwing  tried some launch failures then moved on to spinning and aerotows. 

Glyn who had soloed at North Hill 6 years ago, enjoyed an excursion to Interlaken for some ridge running in the Alps. 

Whilst course members went for lunch, Instructor Steve took an out and return trip to Sidmouth. 

After lunch, Nicholas completed his first cross-country task turning Cullompton and Tiverton East. 

The Club Simulator proved a great asset giving the course members their first  flying of the week after being all 'ground schooled out'. - J&P

Tue & Wed 6 /7 September - Course Week

Tuesday 

The optimistic comment from the 5th of ‘weather tomorrow looks slightly more promising’ was quickly contradicted by another strong southerly accompanied by lashings of rain testing the Clubhouse roof (pleased to report just a small puddle in the briefing room). 

So instead, there was a general talk for a couple of hours, a bit of ground school and a check out of the simulator  so an early finish for all. 

North Hill Weather station

Wednesday

A theme is developing with an abundance of ‘worst weather and forecasts ever known for a course’ comments however, the students still optimistically gathered at 9.00 a.m. but were heading to their cars and accommodation by 1 p.m.   
As the iconic last line in the book (and film adaptation) Gone with the Wind (apt given the weather) goes ‘tomorrow is another day’! - Karen King

Mon 5th September - Course Week

 After another washed / blown out weekend, and with an instructor team of Peter Field and Steve Westlake, the sixth and final course of the year got underway with a full complement of students. Most of whom are new to DSGC: David Piper, Rushi Jadhav, Nick Johnson, David Morgan (who is a member at Odiham, Hampshire) Glyn Bellerby (flew here 6+ years ago) and Paul Jobin (joined in June). 

A brief dry spell for the Course photo (Karen King)

The Met Office regrettably got the forecast right with a strong Southerly wind and a brief spell of mid-day rain leading to one flight before lunch and just two launches afterwards. Therefore, by 3 p.m. the helpers this week (Ashley Thomas, Karen King and Tim Petty) were off duty. 

For the students the rest of the afternoon was spent initially with the whole group having a joint lesson on the forces that give a wing lift, before they split into two with the least experienced members enjoying a ground school session on circuit planning. 

The weather tomorrow looks slightly more promising (I use that phrase optimistically) as thunderstorms are not forecast until 3 p.m although prior to then wind strength and gusts may be an issue.  - Karen King

Thurs 1st September

 New month, new weather, new CFI (Thanks Stu Procter for your 6 years service and welcome to Mark Courtney taking over CFI duties) - The strong easterly wind in the forecast suggested there could be some wave around, and this was evident whilst towing the gliders to the west end of the airfield. 

The wave bar downwind (Jill Harmer)

The first flight was an Instructor weather check to assess the varying cloudbases, turbulence and clutching hands, and the verdict came back as Blue card, so the flying list was juggled for 1 familiarisation flight each, to maximise the flying experience in the short turbulent flights for both newer and more experienced members. 

Busy launch point (Jill Harmer)

 By lunchtime, all had experienced the variable conditions in the safe hands of Pete Harmer, Peter Smith and Chris Wool, with Aston Key flying the Junior, taking advantage of the lack of Blue card pilots present. Unfortunately the Trial lesson visitors had to be rescheduled.

During the afternoon, the wind abated somewhat although the tricky sink was still around, the lift and wave bars just out of reach downwind, and the Yellow card pilots got airborne. Mark Courtney kept pointing out that Dartmoor GS were soaring in wave at 5000ft.

Chris Wool checked out Stewart Henshall for his Blue card - well done. 

30 flights in all - thanks everyone - J&P