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

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

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.

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.

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.