Wed 28th June

The day started with low cloud and as the weather was forecast to be little better throughout the day, we advised the one trial flight to rebook for another day.

North Hill (Library Picture)

The day continued with low cloud, though the base rose sufficiently for us to launch by 11:00. Most flights were in single figures, though some did find climbs. Jon Erskine and Steve Westlake actually making 2000ft, in a brief bright spell. One or two showers came through during the afternoon, though mercifully, most seemed to dissipate as they approached. We did get more flying than we anticipated early in the day though. - Chris Warnes

Sun 25th June

 Although the sun was shining brightly it was a quiet day in respect of members on the flying list with around 10 present. (Although many more members were busy with various preparatory tasks for Competition Enterprise which starts next Saturday)
Instructors for the day were James Flory, Glenn Turpin and Pete Warren. The latter two were not rostered but both stepped forward and covered 5 of the 19 dual flights.   
Glenn focused his time on doing 3 flights with Junior member Dawson Panter-Wray, and to Dawson’s ‘delight’ (well we think it was delight) for flight no 1, Glenn appeared carrying a simple white circular stick-on soap holder.  To the more knowledgeable,  the soap holder quickly turned itself into a handy ‘altimeter coverer-upper’ so Dawson had his first (and probably not his last) experience of flying without an altimeter.  
Just before mid-day Pete Warren flew Karen Mears as his ‘Friends and Family’ flight, and then late afternoon Pete and Stirling Melhuish took the ‘dual pundits of the day’ award with a flight time of 41 minutes.
James, as lead instructor, efficiently worked his way through the training and currency list flying Lily Sanders-Page, Jon Erskine, Karen King and Paul Warren.

Steph & Stirling's neighbour Ting (Steph Heide)

In respect of trial lessons, all who booked turned up and Tom Sides flew 5 winch launches.  One of those was Fengjuan Li (a neighbour of Stirling and Steph) who, like the other two, loved the experience and whose partner reliably informed us that the photos and video will soon be circulating widely around China!
Despite being low on numbers, the ‘can do’ attitude of all present meant the day ran seamlessly and well done to Lily, her dad Alex and Dawson for showing such tremendous willingness to learn. - Karen King

Sat 24th June

 The forecast for Saturday obviously didn’t excite many for gliding, maybe the beach was a bigger draw because it was a select bunch in the clubhouse when I arrived as duty instructor. Cooked breakfasts were much in evidence and with the Duty Marshall MIA it looked to be a slow starting day! As I was joined by Simon Minson, Stuart Procter and James Flory - the instructor cadre held the edge numbers-wise over the pupils briefly - what instructor shortage I thought?!

Hot, Hot, Hot (Library photo)

So young Joel Roulson, Jack Cook and Thomas Gunner had opportunity to get repeat flights in with launch failures and opportunity to chase elusive low thermals. I say low, they seemed to stop at 900ft and in the blue, circling seagulls were the only visual clues. Returning to gliding after a long gap, Phil Rowlands was the 4th name on the list and it's fabulous to see him grease in the K21 with Simon - welcome back Phil! 

The beach probably was the better place for seasoned soarers as NH was bathed in sea air with the serious skies miles to the north. Not that fun wasn’t to be had and to prove the point to myself I had a sweaty 30 mins in the Junior in that sweet spot of 500ft to 700ft in tricky thermals on the south ridge. - John Pursey

Thurs 22nd June

The early birds had got the kit out ready following the optimistic forecast from Pete. It was soarable by 10:30 although the bases were still a little low. John Davis was top of the flying list and had 3 flights with Pete before being asked if he would like to do another.... Congratulations John on your first solo.

Congratulations John

Meanwhile with an empty launch point, the private owners formed a large grid, but with variable success at getting away, and some taking several attempts. 

Nice sky - private owners grid (Stewart Henshall)

 Training flights continued all day by Chris and Pete with a short break for lunch, Chris attempted a short cross-country with Shaun Dayman in K21, but cut it short just past Exeter when the clouds got too far apart. Robert Lee and Pete Harmer looked after the Trial lesson visitors who both enjoyed their flights.

And the Lads were celebrating  finishing their exams and being available to glide all summer.

Charlie Broderick, Josh Batchelor and Dan Hender (Jill Harmer)

Cross-countries

230
NH2 - OKEHAMPTON EAST -  BLANDFORD - NH2  258kms
"Messy day - messy task setting and at times a messy sky! Originally task was Okehampton-Fordingbridge for 300 but wary of potential gotchas in the forecast, we decided by committee on the fallback task Okehampton-Cerne Abbas for 200-ish. The run round OKE and to CER was ok with a bit of scrappy convergence in evidence - in fact quite quick given the fairly low cloudbase. But then I thought the sky looked ok beyond CER and decided to carry on with the original task to FOR but on reaching Blandford the sky further East looked decidedly uninviting(b awful), so I turned Blandford and had a nice run home. The best conditions today were around North Hill but task setting away from there was tricky - with hindsight task setting we could have squeezed a 300 out of it. I should add that there were some cracking climbs around and not always where you'd expect them. Another day of what-ifs but an enjoyable flight with a few of the NH Nomads in hot pursuit." Pete Startup

W7
NH2 -  OKEHAMPTON EAST - CERNE ABBAS - NH2 211kms
"Another cross country attempt with a cloud base less than optimal. Conditions were good when I could centre in a thermal, otherwise was a bit challenging. Got mixed up in some convergence near the coast which was very messy , and I had to abandon and run inland to more conventional climbs. Relieved to get back. " Wyn Davies

M
NH2 -  OKEHAMPTON EAST - CERNE ABBAS  - NH2 154kms
"Set off from NHL with about a 3000ft cloud base which lowered on approaching Okehampton and the thermals didn’t seem quits so good. Things improved on the second leg until I was approaching Chard where I didn’t seem to be able to find any good climbs so decided to cut my losses and returned to NHL." Andy Davey

JDP
NH2 - OKEHAMPTON EAST - AXMINSTER - NHL  135kms
no words again  - Dan Hender

HMS
NH2 -  DULVERTON -  CULMSTOCK - WIMBLEBALL - NHL 100kms
"Finally a flight to start the season! A modest 100k but to some TPs that had proved hard to reach before - DUL and WIM, out in the blue today.. Nice to complete it, even if not very quick. Took a trip to KNO later with half an eye on a club 100 but conditions to the South looked poor, so just ambled back to NHL and numerous local TPs with a number of club gliders. Great to get out and about!" Stewart Henshall

Wed 21st June

 Three flights were achieved mid-morning before the threatened shower(s) arrived which kept us on the ground until the sky began to clear in the early afternoon. Glenn, Mike, and Peter worked through the list in frustrating conditions as the gusting south wind destroyed what lift there was and with cloud base at winch launch height flights were mostly brief. James Flory took over for the longest day member's evening flying.

North Hill and Devon countryside looking dry (Peter Smith)

 It was nice to see Andy Pincombe again initially being put through a refresher course by Mike before flying solo in the evening session. - Peter Smith

Sun 18th June

 Happy Father’s Day!
Possibly due to the special day, there were very limited numbers on the airfield this morning, Duty Instructors Simon Leeson and Mike Sloggett organised the airfield with the Launchpoint set up at the east end (for a change). With only four names on the two-seater list the day ahead looked fairly short!!!

Junior in demand (Library photo)

 Morning DLM, Dave Herbert ran the show initially, with the instructors flying Paul Warren, Mike Rigby and Dave Perriam (continuing his back seat training). The Junior was in demand with Trevor Russell, Chris Woodward, Rob and Dan Hender sharing the flying. 

Afternoon DLM, Geoff Lawrence arrived to a nearly completed list, this capacity allowing Barbie Fairclough to jump in a K21 for a couple of flights, followed by James Flory for an unusual solo flight, he must have enjoyed the silence from the second seat for a change. Circuits were the name of the game all day, with the longest flight lasting just 24 mins, well done Dan!

With rain forecast, everyone was keen to finish the day before potentially getting wet. Therefore we were packed away by 3pm.
A good day, with a small but efficient team, 22 flights in total. - Sally Hender

Sat 17th June

 The enthusiasm of the early morning regulars to get the ground equipment and gliders prepared for flying more than made up for the lack of numbers, with ground equipment all ready and gliders being DI’d and ready to go by 0930.  Operating initially from the west end it took a little while to set up and the first launch just missed the 10:00 winch discount period.   James Flory, the morning DI and initially the only instructor, began working his way down the lengthy two-seater list.  Simon Minsons’ appearance on the field was therefore welcomed, with Simon stepping in to complete a K-21 familiarisation and site checks with Mark Elliott and Steve Lesson from Brentor and now members at North Hill too.  Both achieved solo in the K-21, which was good news (ed:but no photos??).   The wind proved rather fickle throughout the day, ultimately necessitating a swap to the eastern end by late morning.  JB, as the afternoon DI, continued to work through the training list with James and Simon staying on until the end of the day too. 

 

Well done Shaun Dayman with Simon Minson (Jill Harmer)

Shaun Dayman previously flying from Parham, but now moved to the southwest,  also got checked out solo for the K21 and soloed Junior.

With the Pawnee being unserviceable, Pete Harmer was largely redundant as the duty tuggie.  However, he was pressed into service as duty invigilator, supervising Andy Batchelors Bronze ground exam attempt, with Andy passing all subjects in one sitting. (ed: Well done Andy)

Elsewhere on the field, Karen King continued her winch driver training under Alan Turners watchful eye, and a merry band of brothers continued work on the trailer hangar under Pete Smiths guidance. 

Glider trailer shelter nearing completion (Peter Smith)

 Pete has already sent out a separate email thanking those that helped, both today and over the last few months, but with the structure approaching completion,  it’s worth recognising those efforts here as well – an excellent job and grateful thanks to all those that have helped with this project, particularly today in the heat!  

 

Kenneth Crawley trial lesson visitor (Andy Broderick)

Robert Lee flew trial lesson visitor Kenneth Crawley, who proved to have a very interesting back-story, having previously being a glider pilot, including at North Hill, but hadn’t flown since 1977!  Welcome back, Kenneth, and we hope you enjoyed your flights!!  The longest flight of the day at 31 minutes went to Juniors Dan Hender and Josh Batchelor in the DG505. 

Josh Batchelor and Dan Hender in DG505 (Josh Batchelor)

  With 49 winch launches in total, it was a very good day and everyone flew.  Thanks to all that helped to make the day work as well as it did. - Andy Batchelor

Thurs 15th June

Blue sky, easterly but going round to southerly, similar pattern forecast as previous days but RASP was looking optimistic for the afternoon soaring.

Pete Harmer, Mike Sloggett and Chris Wool got going with training before 10:00, but is was soarable from the second launch with cumulus forming. Chris and Andy Williams headed off in the Perkoz.

Private owners Dan Hender JDP, Pete Startup 230, Andy Davey M, Rowan Smith CLM and Phil & Nick DD3 headed off on various cross- countries.

Cross-countries

NH2 - MOLTON -  SHERBORNE - SHEPTON MALLETT - NH2 224kms
"Fearful of North Hill being cut off by sea air by mid afternoon we did this shorter task but we could have gone bigger and still got home. Still, a most enjoyable romp with DD3". 230

"Oh, an amazing day but we didn't believe it. Still a nice flight and a pleasure not to be stressed at any point. Back in time to make old boys at the pub night. Drats!! 99.7kph"DD3

NH2 - EAGLESCOTT - TAVISTOCK -NH2 - BRIDGWATER E - NH2 236kms
"Planned to go to Eaglescott then Taunton and home but on getting back conditions seemed good out to the NW, so went to Bridgwater and home generally good climbs and a very high cloud base". M

NH2 - EAGLESCOTT [A]- TAUNTON -  BRIDGWATER E - NH2  156Kms
"Wow what a day. North Devon and Somerset were so much better than West Devon. Low confidence on the future going to EAG so abandoned for an easy life. Just so much fun after that decision. Mega heights and mega thermals. Wish it was like this every flight." CLM

CLS -  SHERBORNE -  WELLS -NHL 141kms
(Young Dan hasn't worked out how to write words on the ladder, but at least we have now got a trace!) JDP

NHL - BAMPTON - TIVERTON - LYME REGIS - NHL 95Kms

-Perkoz

Perkoz on the way to Lyme Regis (Andy Williams)

Almost spot on 15:00,  there were a few very short circuits with the wedge of sea air passing through North Hill. the wind swung round to SW so a change of ends was promptly executed, and  then the air was so good that soaring resumed for some. As usual not everyone got the lucky break into good air.

Group evening Amulet Hotkey (Dave Glenton)

 

At 18:00, the airfield was handed over to the evening team with a group from Amulet Hotkey organised by Nick Redfern.

K21s (Dave Glenton)

 Most enjoyed extended circuits and several took second flights. Good day was had by all 48 flights in total - thanks everyone - J&P

 

Wed 14th June

 Same old,  same old blue sky and north easterly wind, but wait, amongst the normal training routines there was a bit of soaring....

Congratulations to Nicholas Johnson for his first solo in a glider. Nicholas then followed that with an hours' local  soaring.

Congratulations to Nicholas Johnson (Peter Smith)

So back to the soaring cross-country which has been in short supply recently - Pete Startup 230 managed to get away for an Out and return to Sheborne,  "Late to trigger in Devon so a late start at 15:59. Tiptoed off into the blue (Cu still 30km away at Crewkerne), but once I got to the clouds with up to 5,000ft cloudbase, a bit of a romp. Must have been lovely up country!"

Thanks to all the helpers who are busy tidying up the site ready for Competition Enterprise, JB did a massive stint with the paintbrush on the clubhouse. Also thanks to all those who have been handling hot roofing sheets with the Club glider trailer shelter nearing completion.

Hot tin roofs! (Nick Jones)

 A lovely evening of flying thanks to James Flory. Everyone got a flight in which varies in length, even a few late evening thermals about.

Ivan Roulson first flight after watching son Joel for months (Stuart Thomson)

 

Ivan experienced his first flight in a glider with Paul Summers after several trips up to the club with his son Joel. 

Great members' evening (Stuart Thomson)

 

 A great night had by everyone - 56 launches in all today.  - Stuart Thomson

Sun 11th June

 Having turned up at my normal 8 am expecting to find everywhere locked up I was pleasantly surprised to find out that our DLM Andy Davey had already had the ground kit out for nearly an hour. After a few more people turned up including Mike Sloggett and James Flory Duty Instructors,  we then had the hangar unpacked quickly with the Junior, both K21s and the DG505 out.

Early start (Karen King)

 As the breeze was as light as predicted (a great change from Friday’s hooley), and from the NW the launch point was set up at the East end of the field so for the first time in many weeks it was within easy walking distance of the newly painted sprucy blue club buildings.  This combined with James’s prompt met check flight, with new Temporary member Jacob Pollard, meant that Connor Williams was able to benefit from a reduced price ‘off peak’ launch taking off at 9.57 a.m. to the delight of all on the ground.  A great start to the day!.

Paul Summers was due to fly a trial flight visitor but with the tug out of action the family decided to wait however, fortunately a friend of Connor’s mum was visiting so flew with Paul as a ‘friends and family’ flight. The Perkoz was brought out for the occasion, and whilst like most flights today it was a relatively short flight it appeared to be enjoyed. 

K21 covered up (Karen King)

 All in all the weather played ball with moments of high sun intensity (gliders covered accordingly) and whilst there was only a hour or so of thermic activity, which Dan Hender and Andrew Logan made good use of, the rain held off until just after 4 p.m.

With around 38 launches, and a combined flying time of just under 5 hours an enjoyable day for the 10 or so members present.  Additional thanks to Pete Warren for the extra instructor support and to Rob Rand who was the afternoon DLM.  - Connor Williams & Karen King mashup

Sat 10th June

The call for an early start was answered today, even by “Crack of Sparrows  Ashley’s” standards it was very early! In fact when he arrived at 8am the ground equipment was already out! With military precision the gliders were removed from the hangar, daily inspections done and the transport team were soon winging their way to the far west. ( AGAIN).

We welcomed new members Steve Lesson, Mark Elliott and Junior member Jacob Pollard to the club today. All three were soon given a safety briefing by Robert before being let loose on helping getting gliders launched. I was on duty, aided by Simon Leeson and James ( my tug is broken) Flory, with Steve Westlake arriving for the afternoon shift. 

Early start (Paul Gunner)

The high cloud of the approaching weak front was over us almost immediately and there was a noticeably warmer wind than of late. We were short of experienced members so I found myself doing the log for the first hour, I apologise for my errors in advance William......

We moved through the list as quickly as possible, with a continuous eye on various conflicting rain radar apps on our (not so smart) phones. The wiser non technical members simply looked south east and said “ it’s going to rain soon!”

We had a unique situation where both K21’s went U/S within minutes of each other. Ian Mitchell (thanks) fixed one quickly but the other needed more careful attention, thanks to Andrew Logan for sorting the wheel brake.

Sadly the predicted rain started to arrive (the non-technical members said “told you so” which persuaded us to stop for lunch in the hope that it might clear. Sadly it didn’t,  so all the gliders and kit were retrieved from the far end, wiped down and put to bed.

Can't fly so let's play with big toys (Mark Courtney)

 

Thanks also to Nick and Stirling for fixing the parking brake on the Gator, and to all those continuing with the cleaning, painting and tidying the estate ready for Competition Enterprise.

We made the most of what we had, I’m sorry that all members did not get to fly but a big thanks to all those who helped today, now anyone want a not so smart phone? - Mark Courtney 

Thurs 8th June - Course Week

Same old, same old weather - blue skies, east northeasterly wind, and gusty. The course members started off  with a circuit planning lecture in the morning. The wind started calming down a bit and flying got going by midday.  

The Club members were equally reluctant to get going very early, and some had decided to give it a miss in the gusty wind. 

Library picture

But around lunchtime some clouds started forming and the forecast showed an expected convergence. 

The clearest indicator of something happening was Pete Startup 230 taking off his covers, and Andy Davey deciding to rig the Libelle. Both had good soaring flights, with 230 venturing to Bridport but Dorchester was in the sea air.

After lunch there was a noticeable southerly component and suddenly it started feeling really warm. The launch point emptied with everyone soaring. 

Pete Harmer and Geoff Lawrence  took the DG505 for a tour of local turnpoints up to 3700ft. Whilst Chris Wool enjoyed another spinning sortie with Simon Jordy in the Perkoz. 

So only 25 launches today, but most were long flights, thanks everyone. - J&P

Wed 7th June - Course Week

 As the weather forecast suggested, the day started off cloudless, but the turbulent and strong wind from the ENE meant that the Blue flag was raised, preventing some from flying solo. All of the gliders, bar 1 Junior, were walked to the West end giving us all a bit of exercise and then flying got underway just before 10:30am. 

A knee view of North Hill (Mark Layton)

 The Course had both K21s and the others were for the most part left to the Wednesday group. We did exchange the Perkoz for a while, while the Course wanted some aerotows, but this was short-lived when the Pawnee failed to start, and subsequently had to be towed ignominiously back to its hangar, with magneto problems.

Welcome back Glenn from sailing (Mark Layton)

 

 There was a good deal of thermal activity evident, but this was not a day for lengthy flights, as the wind broke the thermals up leaving few if any that could be turned in. However they did provide enough entertainment for  a few flights of 20 mins or so. 

Interesting reflection (Mark Layton)

 

 Late afternoon and Sandy Harrup left for her field landing training with Ian in the Rotax Falke,  while back at base the wind started to ease resulting in rather better formed thermals, and by close of play it was possible to find enough to stay up ...  However by now, everyone had flown, and the remaining gliders  were hangar landed, after a hot and busy day-  44 launches in all. - Chris Warnes

Tues 8th June - Course Week

The happy band of course members arrived, minus one who had managed to injure himself overnight. The field was already set up by the equally happy band of course helpers, (or should I say insomniacs), by the time they arrived.

The wind again from a generally easterly direction dictating a start under club blue card conditions, meant a long walk with the aircraft to the west end. 

Congratulations Andy (Dave Perriam)

 Again all flew in some interesting conditions but as the day progressed the conditions improved with Andy Pickerell progressing to the Junior single seat glider. The other course members were getting stuck in to the ground tasks and the day ran well.

The day ended around 17:00 with all having a good amount of flying and learning experiences. - Dave Perriam

Mon 5th June - Course Week

 With the wind blowing well from the east and planned to do so for the week our expectations were limited.

The happy band of course members arrived and the normal briefing and introductions took place conducted by Guy Adams and Peter Field the course instructors.

The field was set up and a day of flying in somewhat interesting conditions, which improved slightly in the afternoon. 

K21 library picture

 Andy Pickerall (who has been flying at Kent Gliding Club Challock, reacquainted himself with the ASK 21 and North Hill to the point of achieving his first North Hill solo on day one.

A good day with everyone flying, and achieving some of their goals and objectives. - Dave Perriam

Sun 4th June - Brentor Expedition

 The last day of our long weekend visit to Brentor airfield, home of the Dartmoor Gliding Society, with the three days having ‘flown by’. The weather forecast suggested a day similar to the previous couple of days, with thermals not likely to be marked by fluffy white clouds so it would be a question of understanding/finding out where the local ‘hot spots’ might be working.

DSGC Sunday team (Mike Sloggett)

 

After a morning brief for the four DSGC pilots who had not flown at Brentor before, it was on with the flying, the SupaCat winch capably launching KEK to around 1400’ in the light Easterly wind.

DGS launchpoint (Mike Sloggett)

 

As ever with gliding and particularly looking for thermals in a very blue sky, it was a question of trying to find some lift for the first climb of a flight - some pilots were successful, some not but with good teamwork on the ground between the local and visiting pilots KEK and DGS gliders were being regularly launched into the blue all looking for the elusive lift.

DGS Launchpoint (Mike Sloggett)

 

During the morning with James Flory and Nicholas Johnson airborne in KEK, a DGS K13 was borrowed by Mike Sloggett and Chris Woodward for a flight before the glider was needed for local trial lesson visitors.Then gradually during the day the thermic conditions improved ensuring that Trevor Russell, Chris Woodward, Stirling Melhuish and Nicholas Johnson all had some soaring in KEK by the time the day came to a close - late afternoon Nicholas was also able to enjoy a soaring flight with Mike in a DGS K13 during which flight the Red Arrows were spotted to the South West of the airfield as they flew across Plymouth heading for the Torbay Air Show.

 

Different view of Devon (Mike Sloggett)

With all three days of the long weekend having had good weather the DSGC members who had made the trip were rewarded with several flights each, with flights providing great views of the surrounding countryside and also allowing pilots to gain experience of flying at another site, where the landing areas are a tad smaller than what we are fortunate to have at North Hill.

Our visit was only made possible through the great teamwork prior to our visit, and in turn on site help and support, from a fellow gliding club keen to get our members into the air, Thank You all at Dartmoor Gliding Society. - Mike Sloggett

Sun 4th June

 There were again very few on the airfield today, but fortunately there were a lot of experienced members, so the airfield was set up and flying started at 10:30am under the watchful eye of Peter Field the am duty instructor, although he actually stayed until the end with no afternoon DI, thank you.

With only nine names on the flying list just the K21, DG505 and Perkoz were brought out. Martin Woolner and Peter Warren stepping in and flying with some of the post solo pilots. I even got a ‘ballast’ flight with Peter Warren, thank you.

Starting training soon? (Sally Hender)

 

Dan Hender got out JDP, but didn’t quite make it to his declared Dorchester!! All three Trial lessons were successfully flown by Paul Summers, all leaving with a smile. Everyone flew, with afternoon DLM Graham Hawker, having the longest flight of the day with 47 mins.

Interesting circuit? (Sally Hender)

 

No- just getting checked out for the Cherry Picker! (Sally Hender)

Thank you to all who stayed on the airfield to the end. 31 flights in total. - Sally Hender

Sat 3rd June - Brentor Expedition

 Instructors Mike Sloggett and James Flory took four DSGC members to Brentor on Saturday  as part of the Dartmoor long weekend. These ranged from very experienced to pre-solo, for experience in our K21. The weather was hot and sunny, wind NE, with a generous, at times, cross-wind.

The Saturday team (Mike Sloggett)

Stewart Henshall and Su dropped in for encouragement later in the afternoon.

Remembering a K13 (Mike Sloggett)

 Chris Warnes and Mike Sloggett, in a kindly  loaned K13 managed half an hour in moderate thermals. Emma Flory and her dad found some lift on a ridge for 17 mins. whereas Andy Batchelor had a couple of promising launches but, as he said, grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory in irregular lift: better luck next time! 

Andy and Mike (Andy Batchelor)

 Jonathan found things very difficult but gave James plenty of teaching experience, and learned something, we hope.

DSGC K21 in line at Dartmoor GS (Andy Batchelor)

 Both Dartmoor and North Hill members agree that co-operation between clubs produces real benefits to both sides. The North Hill members greatly appreciate the kind welcome and assistance of the Dartmoor members, and thank them for their generous provision of some well-prepared and up-dated kit.-  Jonathan Erskine

Sat 3rd June

 A small and eager crew started getting the ground equipment and gliders out at 8:30. Given the “Groundhog Day” nature of the NE wind and blue skies that we’ve seen the past week, we marched a K21, Junior and the Perkoz to the west end. JB had stepped in as Duty Instructor, but having been delayed, tug pilot Stu stepped in to offer the first few flights of the day, even getting Joel Roulson one of those rare Off Peak winch launches. 

The flying list was short, particularly for a Saturday, but everyone knew what to do and pitched in to ensure all received the flights they wanted. 

Library photo

 There were few workable thermals due to the wind until early afternoon, so hats off to Pete Startup and Phil Morrison who took DD3 on a cross country to  Salisbury. 

"1/2 an hour before we took off we were about to park up the gliders but Nick kindly talked Pete S and I into taking a launch, as we did so the soarable conditions arrived a North Hill so mindful of our late start we decided Salisbury out and return would be task. It wasn't classical conditions a slow progress into the fairly stiff head wind but an enjoyable flight nonetheless. I guess Pete had the helm for 1/3 of the flight so some of the point should be his....but then he has plenty of points already :-) " Phil Morrison DD3

 ( ed: And we noticed a large number of National pilots visiting Exeter and surrounds on Glide & Seek, but perhaps it was a shade too far as only a handful got back to Lasham. Exeter Airport only had a few red aircraft to look after so were probably glad to have a few to talk to......!)

A total of 24 flights for the day. - Tom Sides

Fri 2nd June - Brentor Expedition

 Well a good start to the three-day expedition at Dartmoor Gliding Society.

The happy band of Mark, Mike, Ashley, Rob and Dave all turned up around 08:00 to 08:15 for what was a lovely sunny day with a reasonable easterly breeze. The ASK21 was rigged and set ready to fly, and all attended the local brief and dare I say had breakfast!!

The Friday team (Mark Courtney)

 The days activities commenced with a number of shortish flights as the expected, promised, hoped for wave didn't arrive.

All flew the K21 and had a couple of flights each, with Rob finding some lift. The day progressed with Rob flying in the DGS K13 as did Ashley.

Brentor Church (Mark Courtney)

 The conditions improved as the day progressed with all managing a soaring flight between 30 and 45 mins ish and some difficult and broken lift to 3000ft testing the pilot patience.

KEK checking out Andy's Libelle (Mark Courtney)

 The day came to a close at about 17:30 and all went home happy !!! - Dave Perriam

Thurs 1st June

 New month, but same old anticyclone, giving blue skies, strong northeasterly winds, no rain, and a reducing inversion. The wind (gusty / clutching hand / rotor / sink) gave another day with short circuits and trainees unable to practice much flying. 

CFI giving a windy briefing - thick jackets on! (Mark Courtney)

 

The blue card conditions also cancelled the 3 booked Trial lesson visitors with the forecast remaining unchanged throughout the day. And the Pawnee stayed in the hangar as it was considered too dodgy to taxi.

Chris & Simon in DG505 (Mike Horwood)

 A few members found a sunny spot downwind of the Launch control where it was actually quite pleasant. Late afternoon the wind gusts did drop off a bit, and the sun found some sheltered areas to punch through the 1500ft inversion for a few flights, with Chris Wool and Simon Jordy taking the prize for the longest flight 26 mins.....

 

North Hill  - from waterlogged to parched in a couple of weeks (Mike Horwood)

..... hard work but eventually up to 2500ft. Thanks everyone 33 winch launches - J&P