Instruction and Contest Tune Up

WEATHER
Visibility: 10+ miles
Wind: 10 G 18 NNE
Altitudes: 6,800 feet
Time Aloft: 2.75 hours
Max Lift: 4-6 kts
Temperature: 74 F
Comment: Different Weather
Tow pilot: Jim Rickey 

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The May 4 forecast looked interesting with lift predicted over the mountains and clouds and rain in areas.  This was apparent in the morning hours as there was a large amount of cloud cover and developments to the south of the field.

                                                    The sky at the start of the day

Special thanks to all who have spent time working on the field and the clubhouse – the facilities look great!  Richard Walker was onsite aiding the flight operations.

The wind was from the south as training flights began with the SGS 2-33 13F using runway 12. With Jim Rickey towing, Larry Suter and Mark Pomaville made four flights after some ground instruction covering the relationship between the center of gravity and the center of lift. 

                                            Mark and Larry on tow

During these training flights, clouds were organizing over the mountains, and the wind began a slow shift to the north-east.

During this period, Julie Butler (XD), Ollie Tedeschi (JG) and Peter Sahlberg (06) made their ships ready at the south end of the field.  This was a session that allowed them to get some flying in before the contest and become more familiar with the navigation and scoring programs in their ships. 

                                            Julie, Ollie and Peter prepare

                                                     Ollie receiving advice

Morgan Hall had supplied a task that directed the participants to EL5, back to Orchard Peak, then onto Center Peak before an Avenal finish.

Juile went first and returned shortly after a brief warm up.  Ollie and Peter then launched, followed by Julie. 

These three engaged is some gaggle flying near the Tar Canyon start before the taking separate paths to EL5.  The convergence and cloud cover over the mountains made for interesting choices, with all three making the first turn and Ollie and Julie making the second before coming home.  There were areas of good lift and sink, with some clouds in decay as time passed.  Peter was cut off by rain 3.5 miles short of Orchard and chose to return to Avenal. 

                                            The view from XD

Meanwhile… Darrell Eggert and Larry had launched in 13F, connected with lift, climbed to cloud base at 6,800 feet at Tar Peak, flew down near the Hwy 41/33 intersection, arriving home at 6,000 feet.

                                    Darrell and Larry discuss where the tow plane should be...

All in all, a good day to fly!

                                      Please keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times

The contest is May 14 – 18, see you there.