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.

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

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