10000'. Then flew again this afternoon for a couple hours. Loads of fun
Jeff,
Friday, December 5, 2008
Wave Camp - from Jefferson Shingleton
I launched this morning at 8 and flew to 13500 in strong wave. 6kts at
10000'. Then flew again this afternoon for a couple hours. Loads of fun
Jeff,
10000'. Then flew again this afternoon for a couple hours. Loads of fun
Jeff,
Wave Camp - from Jefferson Shingleton
Good Evening !!
I got up this morning, and the sky was clear! I talked to the boys at Petersburg, WV and they were pretty convinced that although it will rain Thursday, that Friday, Sunday and Monday may be wave days. (They also toldme they have found that Elkins weather is not indicative of Petersburg weather.)
What cinched it is that Bob Quass is driving in from Ohio tonight, dragging his 1-26, and will arrive Thursday and stay through Monday. (Bob and I had a great time at the Feb/Mar wave camp.) So I piled into the Lambada, refueled in Cortland, and flew on down for a few days. Please forgive that I may have to miss the meeting/party on Saturday evening. And do NOT elect me to office!! (As you can see here, I am NOT RELIABLE!) I am happy to continue as Special Assistant to the President, if you'll have me.
Following my 3 hour flight from Cortland, I rested at W99 for 45 minutes, long enough for my feet to thaw. Then reboarded and flew 15m to the south end of Dolly Sods, where the South winds were generating ridge lift. Had a great one hour flight. Soared the ridge with four eagles. Still idling the engine, I found 1 kt lift for 10 miles back North toward W99, passed through the gap and glided back in, arriving at 2000 agl over W99. Sweet!
Then homemade Shedherd's Pie at Larry's house. Such a deal!
Jeff,
I got up this morning, and the sky was clear! I talked to the boys at Petersburg, WV and they were pretty convinced that although it will rain Thursday, that Friday, Sunday and Monday may be wave days. (They also toldme they have found that Elkins weather is not indicative of Petersburg weather.)
What cinched it is that Bob Quass is driving in from Ohio tonight, dragging his 1-26, and will arrive Thursday and stay through Monday. (Bob and I had a great time at the Feb/Mar wave camp.) So I piled into the Lambada, refueled in Cortland, and flew on down for a few days. Please forgive that I may have to miss the meeting/party on Saturday evening. And do NOT elect me to office!! (As you can see here, I am NOT RELIABLE!) I am happy to continue as Special Assistant to the President, if you'll have me.
Following my 3 hour flight from Cortland, I rested at W99 for 45 minutes, long enough for my feet to thaw. Then reboarded and flew 15m to the south end of Dolly Sods, where the South winds were generating ridge lift. Had a great one hour flight. Soared the ridge with four eagles. Still idling the engine, I found 1 kt lift for 10 miles back North toward W99, passed through the gap and glided back in, arriving at 2000 agl over W99. Sweet!
Then homemade Shedherd's Pie at Larry's house. Such a deal!
Jeff,
Monday, October 6, 2008
Fly-in cookout at Morin's N7K7
We had our first and hopefully not our last fly-in at one of our members private airstrip.
Phil Morin's field is about 9 miles south of our clubs' home at Hamilton (H30). Running N-S it is 1200' long by 60' wide. Landings are made to the north with the approach flown over the Chenango River. There is an 80' wide gap between the trees bordering the river which turns 90 degrees at the runway end to align with the approach for about 400 feet.
I was the first off from Hamilton behind our tow pilot Jack Hosp. With a northwest wind we arrived in the vicinity of Morin's much faster than I expected. Never having been to this airport I had some difficulty spotting the field while on tow. With some help from Jack I realized I was looking too far ahead. We were already there, and the airport was easily visible about a mile and a half just off the nose.
(In this picture the field is in the extreme lower right. Our tow plane off to the left)
I released and spent some time soaring in the weak lift and taking pictures before letting myself drift down pattern altitude. My trailer was still back at Hamilton and I didn't want to hold up the party too long while someone drives me to get it.
On approach the field looks quite short. With some crosswind I was hesitant to fly between the trees on final and decided there was enough runway to stay at treetop level until over the river. Well, when I got to that point the runway looked REALLY short. I put in a slip and lowered the nose to get down fast. Kicking the nose straight and beginning the flair I hoped I wouldn't float far or bounce loosing precious turf. Fortunately I had maintained good airspeed control and the Libelle touched down softly after only a short float. Using moderate breaking until realizing there was sufficient runway remaining I then let her coast and stopped before the 3/4 runway behind marker. Whew...
First ever aircraft landing at N7K7!
I've made history and joined a list of others that were first. Lindbergh, Armstrong, Hernandez.
Unfortunately while retrieving my trailer, I missed Jay landing his ASW-15B and later Jeff in the 2 place Lambada motor-glider. Jay experienced the same thoughts as I did on approach. The gliders were relatively easy. The Lambada required a bit more effort and Jeff demonstrated that he had the skill needed for the task. After a couple approaches to feel things out he set her down and safely stopped.
Aircraft that flew in. Libelle, ASW-15B and UTM Lambada.
Two gliders and one motor-glider. Ten people in all came for the cookout. Phil provided snacks, beer and cider for everyone. Steaks for pilots, ground and tube steaks for the rest.
Then another first. Jeff made the first ever take-off from N7K7. Another name to the list of firsts. Shingleton!
Phil's airport is on 38(?) acres of triangular shaped land bordered on 2 sides by the Chenango River. It was peaceful spot for a relaxing evening and dark skies for stargazing when the sun goes down.
Thank you Phil for hosting the club in what we all hope is an annual event.
Phil Morin's field is about 9 miles south of our clubs' home at Hamilton (H30). Running N-S it is 1200' long by 60' wide. Landings are made to the north with the approach flown over the Chenango River. There is an 80' wide gap between the trees bordering the river which turns 90 degrees at the runway end to align with the approach for about 400 feet.
I was the first off from Hamilton behind our tow pilot Jack Hosp. With a northwest wind we arrived in the vicinity of Morin's much faster than I expected. Never having been to this airport I had some difficulty spotting the field while on tow. With some help from Jack I realized I was looking too far ahead. We were already there, and the airport was easily visible about a mile and a half just off the nose.
(In this picture the field is in the extreme lower right. Our tow plane off to the left)
I released and spent some time soaring in the weak lift and taking pictures before letting myself drift down pattern altitude. My trailer was still back at Hamilton and I didn't want to hold up the party too long while someone drives me to get it.
On approach the field looks quite short. With some crosswind I was hesitant to fly between the trees on final and decided there was enough runway to stay at treetop level until over the river. Well, when I got to that point the runway looked REALLY short. I put in a slip and lowered the nose to get down fast. Kicking the nose straight and beginning the flair I hoped I wouldn't float far or bounce loosing precious turf. Fortunately I had maintained good airspeed control and the Libelle touched down softly after only a short float. Using moderate breaking until realizing there was sufficient runway remaining I then let her coast and stopped before the 3/4 runway behind marker. Whew...
First ever aircraft landing at N7K7!
I've made history and joined a list of others that were first. Lindbergh, Armstrong, Hernandez.
Unfortunately while retrieving my trailer, I missed Jay landing his ASW-15B and later Jeff in the 2 place Lambada motor-glider. Jay experienced the same thoughts as I did on approach. The gliders were relatively easy. The Lambada required a bit more effort and Jeff demonstrated that he had the skill needed for the task. After a couple approaches to feel things out he set her down and safely stopped.
Aircraft that flew in. Libelle, ASW-15B and UTM Lambada.
Two gliders and one motor-glider. Ten people in all came for the cookout. Phil provided snacks, beer and cider for everyone. Steaks for pilots, ground and tube steaks for the rest.
Then another first. Jeff made the first ever take-off from N7K7. Another name to the list of firsts. Shingleton!
Phil's airport is on 38(?) acres of triangular shaped land bordered on 2 sides by the Chenango River. It was peaceful spot for a relaxing evening and dark skies for stargazing when the sun goes down.
Thank you Phil for hosting the club in what we all hope is an annual event.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Local flying for me, short X/C for someone braver...
A good day. Not quite as nice as forecast but good enough to for both Jay and I to stay up for 2-1/2 hours and see 6,000'. There was still plenty of lift when we came down.
I stayed pretty close, not going any further upwind than Stockbridge and then west to Nelson.
Jay headed west to our old home at Woodfords. The first picture was taken right after Jay radioed 5,000 feet over Woodfords. Woodford's is about 18 miles to the west, under those clouds just ahead of my wing. Note the significant blue between where I was over Morrisville and where Jay was. Jay says he found lift all the way back when he needed it and never got low.
Kevin towed. Brett was there to help with assembly. Carla and Brad managed ground operations. Phil visited and Greg swung by late in the day and help us with disassembly.
Thanks to everyone!
Looking west towards Woodford's
Morrisville, NY
Tandem parachuters at Hamilton Airport. So colorful I couldn't pass this up!
I stayed pretty close, not going any further upwind than Stockbridge and then west to Nelson.
Jay headed west to our old home at Woodfords. The first picture was taken right after Jay radioed 5,000 feet over Woodfords. Woodford's is about 18 miles to the west, under those clouds just ahead of my wing. Note the significant blue between where I was over Morrisville and where Jay was. Jay says he found lift all the way back when he needed it and never got low.
Kevin towed. Brett was there to help with assembly. Carla and Brad managed ground operations. Phil visited and Greg swung by late in the day and help us with disassembly.
Thanks to everyone!
Looking west towards Woodford's
Morrisville, NY
Tandem parachuters at Hamilton Airport. So colorful I couldn't pass this up!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Timing is Everything
It wasn't a bad day. But that depends on when you checked. During the times that the sun shone through breaks in the Ci and for some time afterwards soaring was okay. While the sun was filtered through those clouds thermals died off. Conditions improved late in the day and there was plenty of lift when I came down and it was even better later when Jay landed later.
Jeff, Jay and myself flew today. Carla and Brad worked as the ground crew. While Jack did a BFR in an open cockpit biplane Jay towed both Jeff and I up. When Jack finished he gave Jay a lift.
I was up for 1:45 and Jay over 2 hours.
-George
*********from Jeff**********
It was a great day, except that we missed many of our members. We need to
get out more.
I got the Libelle back out for the first flight after the repair from my out
landing. She performed perfectly. I did not perform quite as well, but had a
terrific time doing it. Twice.
My first tow I released at 3100 in what FELT like a thermal, but turned out
to be a faux thermal. I struggled for 20 minutes trying to climb. I
struggled for SO LONG that eventually the towplane brought up the next
victim, George, and for the first time that I am aware of, two gliders
reached release altitude at the same time, from two consecutive tows.
Strange but true. Believe it or not. Go figure.
I was able finally to reach 4200' so I ventured out upwind. I found a very
large field being mowed and that buoyed me up for a few minutes, with surges
of 500fpm. Things started to devolve and next thing I knew I was on the
ground again (at the airport this time!)
The second tow was more like a sled ride, but fun just the same. I did find
a thermal near the airport (OK, I was on downwind!) but could not climb high
enough to escape the rotor coming off the hanger roof!
Thanks especially to Brad for his excellent service in the disassembly of
Ms. Libelle. He shall be renamed Mr. Firmgrip. And thanks to Carla for
remembering to take off my tail dolly and for running my wing. And thanks to
Jay and to Jack for flying tows yesterday. I am still considering whether to
thank George and Jay for insisting that I take the first tow, and
essentially serving as their sniffer!
Tuesday looks like it might be good for soaring. Is anyone available for any
day this week??
Jeff,
Jeff, Jay and myself flew today. Carla and Brad worked as the ground crew. While Jack did a BFR in an open cockpit biplane Jay towed both Jeff and I up. When Jack finished he gave Jay a lift.
I was up for 1:45 and Jay over 2 hours.
-George
*********from Jeff**********
It was a great day, except that we missed many of our members. We need to
get out more.
I got the Libelle back out for the first flight after the repair from my out
landing. She performed perfectly. I did not perform quite as well, but had a
terrific time doing it. Twice.
My first tow I released at 3100 in what FELT like a thermal, but turned out
to be a faux thermal. I struggled for 20 minutes trying to climb. I
struggled for SO LONG that eventually the towplane brought up the next
victim, George, and for the first time that I am aware of, two gliders
reached release altitude at the same time, from two consecutive tows.
Strange but true. Believe it or not. Go figure.
I was able finally to reach 4200' so I ventured out upwind. I found a very
large field being mowed and that buoyed me up for a few minutes, with surges
of 500fpm. Things started to devolve and next thing I knew I was on the
ground again (at the airport this time!)
The second tow was more like a sled ride, but fun just the same. I did find
a thermal near the airport (OK, I was on downwind!) but could not climb high
enough to escape the rotor coming off the hanger roof!
Thanks especially to Brad for his excellent service in the disassembly of
Ms. Libelle. He shall be renamed Mr. Firmgrip. And thanks to Carla for
remembering to take off my tail dolly and for running my wing. And thanks to
Jay and to Jack for flying tows yesterday. I am still considering whether to
thank George and Jay for insisting that I take the first tow, and
essentially serving as their sniffer!
Tuesday looks like it might be good for soaring. Is anyone available for any
day this week??
Jeff,
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Work, work, work
But fun!
The best way to describe it.
Strong sink, a 15 kt west breeze and inconsistent lift. During the first hour and a half I never caught a break. Always struggling between 2,500 and 3,500. Thermals were tight but occasionally quite strong. However, in between was some 500 fpm sink. Finally after over two hours I caught a 700 fpm thermal that brought me up over 4,000.
Flight time ~2:30 with lift still working as I dove to loose altitude.
Jeff flew over from Skaneateles in the Lambada with the engine off. He gave frequent progress reports as I attempted to fly upwind to meet him. I don't know how long a soaring flight Jeff had but he was around Hamilton for at least an hour and a half. Maybe more!
Randy called to see if we were flying and came out. I assume that was him in the 1-26 for its first flight. Jack took a turn a little later in the afternoon. I can imagine it was a tough day for our stubby winged ship.
Kevin towed today. Carla and Brad worked as our ground crew.
...and if you notice 18L looks like something right off the factory floor, thank Brett for washing it. I'm not sure but our ground crew may have helped with that too.
George
Nice looking clouds!
Jeff soaring his Lambada. (note feathered prop) In the background is Bouckville Antique Meet.
Hamilton Airport from over town at 2,300 feet msl
The best way to describe it.
Strong sink, a 15 kt west breeze and inconsistent lift. During the first hour and a half I never caught a break. Always struggling between 2,500 and 3,500. Thermals were tight but occasionally quite strong. However, in between was some 500 fpm sink. Finally after over two hours I caught a 700 fpm thermal that brought me up over 4,000.
Flight time ~2:30 with lift still working as I dove to loose altitude.
Jeff flew over from Skaneateles in the Lambada with the engine off. He gave frequent progress reports as I attempted to fly upwind to meet him. I don't know how long a soaring flight Jeff had but he was around Hamilton for at least an hour and a half. Maybe more!
Randy called to see if we were flying and came out. I assume that was him in the 1-26 for its first flight. Jack took a turn a little later in the afternoon. I can imagine it was a tough day for our stubby winged ship.
Kevin towed today. Carla and Brad worked as our ground crew.
...and if you notice 18L looks like something right off the factory floor, thank Brett for washing it. I'm not sure but our ground crew may have helped with that too.
George
Nice looking clouds!
Jeff soaring his Lambada. (note feathered prop) In the background is Bouckville Antique Meet.
Hamilton Airport from over town at 2,300 feet msl
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Club Inspection Day
Club Inspection Day
Our 3 club gliders and 4 private ships all got their annual done today. Now everyone will come due at the same time.
Thunderstorms were forecast from mid-day on, but we were lucky. One passed just to the south before noon then we had sunshine and were almost done when another gave us some light rain. After it cleared the remaining ship was dried and inspected.
By late in the afternoon severe thunderstorms formed a line N-S across Central NY. As I write this, my town of Camillus had a severe thunderstorm warning issued a few minutes back at 7:10.
Pictures
Our 3 club gliders and 4 private ships all got their annual done today. Now everyone will come due at the same time.
Thunderstorms were forecast from mid-day on, but we were lucky. One passed just to the south before noon then we had sunshine and were almost done when another gave us some light rain. After it cleared the remaining ship was dried and inspected.
By late in the afternoon severe thunderstorms formed a line N-S across Central NY. As I write this, my town of Camillus had a severe thunderstorm warning issued a few minutes back at 7:10.
Pictures
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Summer Storms over Central NY
The threat of afternoon thunderstorms discouraged our club from soaring today, but a few of us met to help recharge the C.A.P. Blanik's strut.
On the flight over the Hamilton (H30) from Skaneateles (6B9) the Cu were building. By the time we finished our work, isolated thunderstorms were approaching both airports.
Isolated means plenty of room to give these storms the respect they deserve while still enjoying the view.
This storm was approaching as we departed Hamilton. We flew south until clear then west towards home.
Approaching Skaneateles a line of showers was over Auburn about 10 W extending to the NE and moving E. We arrived on the upwind leg at the same time as the gust front. Again flying to the south, we waited about 10 minutes and it had moved to the east.
On the flight over the Hamilton (H30) from Skaneateles (6B9) the Cu were building. By the time we finished our work, isolated thunderstorms were approaching both airports.
Isolated means plenty of room to give these storms the respect they deserve while still enjoying the view.
This storm was approaching as we departed Hamilton. We flew south until clear then west towards home.
Approaching Skaneateles a line of showers was over Auburn about 10 W extending to the NE and moving E. We arrived on the upwind leg at the same time as the gust front. Again flying to the south, we waited about 10 minutes and it had moved to the east.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Don's new AC-5M Russia (May 13)
Our tow pilot didn't show today. However this actually turned out good in that we could give our full attention to Don in his new Russia.
Don pointed out many of the features on this great little glider.
Once Don launched, Jeff and I chased him around in the Lambada taking pictures.
Stowing Engine
Happily cruising along!
We also shut down the Lambada and did quite a bit of soaring. It was a good day with lift to over 7,000.
Don pointed out many of the features on this great little glider.
Once Don launched, Jeff and I chased him around in the Lambada taking pictures.
Stowing Engine
Happily cruising along!
We also shut down the Lambada and did quite a bit of soaring. It was a good day with lift to over 7,000.
New Glider Work Day (May 10 & 11)
A strong turnout at Hamilton for the rollout of ISA's newest sailplane!
First order of business, a good cleaning. Followed by rubbing compound, polishing compound and finally a nice coat of wax. Everyone pitched in and we had a real nice afternoon.
The following day Don our club instructor gave a written exam on our L-33. Afterwards we had a discussion reviewing the test and other safety issues. We received a cockpit checkout and signed off to fly.
First order of business, a good cleaning. Followed by rubbing compound, polishing compound and finally a nice coat of wax. Everyone pitched in and we had a real nice afternoon.
The following day Don our club instructor gave a written exam on our L-33. Afterwards we had a discussion reviewing the test and other safety issues. We received a cockpit checkout and signed off to fly.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sunday April 27th
A quiet day for club activities today. When I arrived Phil and Brett were readying the 1-26. Jack Hosp was met by another CAP pilot for some tow training. Kevin was out also and helped with ground operations. Phil flew the 1-26
I launched and found weak lift right off tow south of Hamilton. Venturing out to the west I worked up to cloud base which at the time was about 4,600. I started north towards a cloud over Morrisville but by the time I got there it was dissipating and only scattered weak lift and areas of sink remained. Flying back towards clouds to the south I received a call from a friend. I kept it brief explaining that I was out of gliding range of the airport, but no problem there was lift everywhere....
That jinxed it.
Now I couldn't find anything. The airport was disappearing behind the high ground to the west of the field. Along the way back a few minor diversions towards possible lift only teased me then let me down. Down to 1800 feet (700AGL) as crossed the hill I had enough energy for an abbreviated pattern. Just before entering a right base leg I felt a burble which built into 400 fpm and carried me to over 4,000. Eventually I was back up at cloud base which had risen to 5,200.
By now I could see our 1-26 and the tow plane headed for the tie-downs. I lower the nose and accelerate to 80 kts for descent. Everywhere I fly there is lift and I'm climbing. (I won't open the spoilers) I finally found some sink and circled in that. It took almost 20 minutes to loose 2,000 feet.
Total flight time 2hr 5min
George
Phil and the 1-26
At 5,000 feet
Looking west
I launched and found weak lift right off tow south of Hamilton. Venturing out to the west I worked up to cloud base which at the time was about 4,600. I started north towards a cloud over Morrisville but by the time I got there it was dissipating and only scattered weak lift and areas of sink remained. Flying back towards clouds to the south I received a call from a friend. I kept it brief explaining that I was out of gliding range of the airport, but no problem there was lift everywhere....
That jinxed it.
Now I couldn't find anything. The airport was disappearing behind the high ground to the west of the field. Along the way back a few minor diversions towards possible lift only teased me then let me down. Down to 1800 feet (700AGL) as crossed the hill I had enough energy for an abbreviated pattern. Just before entering a right base leg I felt a burble which built into 400 fpm and carried me to over 4,000. Eventually I was back up at cloud base which had risen to 5,200.
By now I could see our 1-26 and the tow plane headed for the tie-downs. I lower the nose and accelerate to 80 kts for descent. Everywhere I fly there is lift and I'm climbing. (I won't open the spoilers) I finally found some sink and circled in that. It took almost 20 minutes to loose 2,000 feet.
Total flight time 2hr 5min
George
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Assembly Day and Season Start
Greg N, Brett M, Joe U, Marc J, Jeff S, Phil M, Kate J and myself came out on a record setting warm afternoon. It reached 87 degrees yesterday afternoon!
I arrived at 1:00 our 2-33 "Big Red" was already assembled and the 1-26 was about to be lowered from the rafters. After some difficulties releasing the chain, it was gently brought down and rolled out for assembly. Mark and I gave the 2-33 a thorough preflight and off it went to the launch point. Greg N made the initial check flights on both gliders. Joe U, and Marc J both took flights with Greg and reported back that lift was everywhere.
Meanwhile, after years of Samba and Lambada worshiping, Kate finally got a nice long ride with Jeff in his brand new Lambada. She returned all smiles!
This week I will ready my Libelle for the season and hopefully have it out and ready to go by the weekend.
More pictures: SoarCNY Page 3
I arrived at 1:00 our 2-33 "Big Red" was already assembled and the 1-26 was about to be lowered from the rafters. After some difficulties releasing the chain, it was gently brought down and rolled out for assembly. Mark and I gave the 2-33 a thorough preflight and off it went to the launch point. Greg N made the initial check flights on both gliders. Joe U, and Marc J both took flights with Greg and reported back that lift was everywhere.
Meanwhile, after years of Samba and Lambada worshiping, Kate finally got a nice long ride with Jeff in his brand new Lambada. She returned all smiles!
This week I will ready my Libelle for the season and hopefully have it out and ready to go by the weekend.
More pictures: SoarCNY Page 3
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Google Soaring Group
Jeff sent me this today. It is a link to discussion group for issues relating to soaring.
Rec:Aviation:Soaring
Visit, subscribe and participate.
Rec:Aviation:Soaring
Visit, subscribe and participate.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Petersburg WV Wave Camp - from Jeff Shingleton
Guys -
I flew the wave today ! Windspeeds were 15-20 G30 20 deg xwind when I launched behind a 180hp Citabria. We towed up through rotor and it was like being inside an industrial washing machine on AGITATE cycle. Lots of slack rope to deal with. I towed to a local ridge, climbed to 4500’ in ridge lift, then moved upwind into the rotor. The rotor was enhanced by thermals. I climbed in rotor, advancing upwind until I reached 6000’, then darted upwind into the wave lift zone. I contacted on my third attempt, and was right into 4 kts up for a few thousand feet. I was playing on the edge of the rotor but finally got high enough to move away from that into more reliable lift and finally into the wave. I reached 10500’ in the secondary wave, then put the nose down and flew forward over the rotor to try to reach the primary wave. I contacted the primary wave on the first try. In that, I reached 13500 before I realized that my O2 was not working. I was flying 80kts at 13500’ in 5 kt lift when I decided not to go higher. I flew across the wind for several miles in both directions. The wave window reached the horizon in both directions.
I was flying with an ASK21 and a couple of 1-26’s. The ASK reached 9000’. Only one of the 126’s reached my altitude. At 10 minutes prior sunset, he and I opened our divebrakes and descended in a race with the sun. I was descending at 1400fpm at 78kts with the brakes fully opened. I felt like I was flying the Space Shuttle on re-entry. The descent through rotor was worse than the tow. The ASI was swinging back and forth, and the ship was pitching about quite a bit. But that little Libelle was fantastic.
Tomorrow the surface winds will be very light, but we will still have 60kts at 5000’. And it will be very sunny and reaching 60F. In the morning the inversion layer will be at around 1000’, so we are going to launch at 8am and hope to tow into the wave or thermal into it later in the day.
Jeff
I flew the wave today ! Windspeeds were 15-20 G30 20 deg xwind when I launched behind a 180hp Citabria. We towed up through rotor and it was like being inside an industrial washing machine on AGITATE cycle. Lots of slack rope to deal with. I towed to a local ridge, climbed to 4500’ in ridge lift, then moved upwind into the rotor. The rotor was enhanced by thermals. I climbed in rotor, advancing upwind until I reached 6000’, then darted upwind into the wave lift zone. I contacted on my third attempt, and was right into 4 kts up for a few thousand feet. I was playing on the edge of the rotor but finally got high enough to move away from that into more reliable lift and finally into the wave. I reached 10500’ in the secondary wave, then put the nose down and flew forward over the rotor to try to reach the primary wave. I contacted the primary wave on the first try. In that, I reached 13500 before I realized that my O2 was not working. I was flying 80kts at 13500’ in 5 kt lift when I decided not to go higher. I flew across the wind for several miles in both directions. The wave window reached the horizon in both directions.
I was flying with an ASK21 and a couple of 1-26’s. The ASK reached 9000’. Only one of the 126’s reached my altitude. At 10 minutes prior sunset, he and I opened our divebrakes and descended in a race with the sun. I was descending at 1400fpm at 78kts with the brakes fully opened. I felt like I was flying the Space Shuttle on re-entry. The descent through rotor was worse than the tow. The ASI was swinging back and forth, and the ship was pitching about quite a bit. But that little Libelle was fantastic.
Tomorrow the surface winds will be very light, but we will still have 60kts at 5000’. And it will be very sunny and reaching 60F. In the morning the inversion layer will be at around 1000’, so we are going to launch at 8am and hope to tow into the wave or thermal into it later in the day.
Jeff
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Glider w/ trailer for Sale
Scheibe L-Spatz III
The glider is a joy to fly, with no surprises, and handles well in the air and on the ground. It is a floater and will thermal in the slightest lift. It is light and ground handling is easy.
More information and pictures
SoarCNY Home
| Serial Number 820 | Built in 1966 |
| Best Glide (L/D) | 40Kts (46 MPH) |
| Min Sink | 2.2 ft/sec @ 34 Kts (39 MPH) |
| Last Annual | Aug. 2004 |
| More Information | mparkin@dreamscape.com or 315-245-4272 |
The glider is a joy to fly, with no surprises, and handles well in the air and on the ground. It is a floater and will thermal in the slightest lift. It is light and ground handling is easy.
SoarCNY Home
Friday, February 15, 2008
New Soaring Club
I received a post card from Nick Coblio with this announcement Friday.
at Skaneateles Airport
Benson Rd. off Rt 41 (West Lake Road)
Invites you to its first meeting
Saturday March 1 at 10:00 AM
Aircraft Rides Available for $65 (weather permitting)
For more information:
Call Nick at 315-729-4777
THE SOARING CLUB
at Skaneateles Airport
Benson Rd. off Rt 41 (West Lake Road)
Invites you to its first meeting
Saturday March 1 at 10:00 AM
Aircraft Rides Available for $65 (weather permitting)
For more information:
Call Nick at 315-729-4777
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Flight to Elmira 01-27-2008
Jeff and I flew down to Elmira to help the Harris Hill club disassemble one of their ASK-21s for some wing work. We were getting cold by the time we moved other gliders out of the way and got this one moved to another hangar for the work. Once the hangar door closed big heaters clicked on and we warmed up in no time.
Todays thought: Dark and dismal below the clouds, sunny and happy above!
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