Saturday 29 October 2011

Our Last Flying Day

All the talk was of a great day so we were up early. Typically all was not as expected, the ASW19 needed defrosting and misting was a problem for everyone so there was a later start. John was a little stir crazy and keen to go, so as soon as a local member launched and reported climbs he was away.
Unfortunately as he made his way above cloud the gaps closed sufficiently enough to stop the rest for a while. Above the clouds, John was having fun at around 12000' or so, looking down at the countryside through valley-like gaps in the clouds. Soon, however, the gaps widened enough for the others to climb in and go. All had a good time.
After five hours John found a 6 knot climb which took him from 13000' to FL192. On the way up the wave box was opened but the wave broke down as he reached the top of the wave cloud. 185 metres short of diamond height! We will just have to come back next year.

footnote: John's feet took two hours to warm up after his longest flight for a long time. He is checking to see if 6h8m is his longest ever. (I've checked; it is my longest flight to date, by over 30 minutes; JR-K)

Thursday 27 October 2011

A Golden Day

The weather forecast was not great, and we had the usual slow start, changing ends and having to wait while some strong turbulence cleared. Steve, Josh, Adrian, David and Mike all got away first time and were climbing in wave very quickly. Highest climb was to over 15000' and Adrian and Josh (the old'en and the young'en) both claiming their gold height gains. Well done both of you! Weather looks even better tomorrow; stay tuned.

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Aboyne Expedition


We have all had to play a waiting game, although David, having arrived last week had already been flying. The rain and low cloud of the last few days cleared sufficiently for us to launch this afternoon. Wave had set up in the Dee valley and could be reached from a 3000' tow, so off we set. Steve, John, Josh and Mike having varying degrees of success. Steve, in the Discus, getting the longest and highest flight. Adrian took a ride with Gerry, the seasonal instructor here, to gain more experience of wave, preparing for his first solo wave foray this year in the ASW19, planned for tomorrow.

No records broken today and the forecast over the next few days seems to change every hour, but we remain optimistic of a few days more decent gliding.

Monday 3 October 2011

Fantastic footage

Have a look at this!
Down at the Sea-side! - YouTube Looks amazing (but is it safe?) The first part of the soundtrack is pretty good too.