WEATHER
Visibility: Clear all day.
Wind: Southeast at 3-5 knots.
Altitudes: 5000+ msl.
Time Aloft: Two hours plus.
Max Lift: 6-8 knots.
Temperature: 103 deg.
Comment: Hot but good thermalling.
HIGHLIGHTS:
1. I arrived at Avenal just as Joe Anastasio was launching in the Blanik. It started out as a hot day and just got hotter. The peak temp was around 103 and perhaps a bit higher since I didn't read it again as the time struck 5:00 pm, usually the hottest time of the day. Thermals were everywhere but not necessarily easy to find. Our members did quite well, with most remaining aloft for over an hour each time. The longest flight of the day was Joe A who finally came back down after a good 2-hour plus flight.
2. Joe Phillips was down from the Bay Area this weekend and he flew two flights, both lasting about an hour each. On his last flight, his pattern was a bit lower than he planned and he made it over the fence with a bit to spare. So he and I went aloft to see how his pattern procedures were being followed and after two flights and an oral review, I think he's back to his good procedural flying in the pattern.
3. Dave Johnson arrived in his Decathlon and also flew two flights, both of which were excellent in both time aloft and height reached. Dave is progressing very well towards his add-on rating. He seems to be taking this thermalling stuff to heart and his achievements aloft prove that out.
4. Alex Caldwell was on hand but didn't fly a glider. He planned on flying the RV-3 late in the afternoon but most of us were gone home by that time.
5. It was a very good day for finding and remaining in thermals so those who have been frustrated by the lack of good thermalling in the past should have been here today. Well, the good thermalling weather is upon us so even though it's in the heat of the summer, Avenal is the place to be.
