Visibility: 10+
Wind: NE 8-15mph
Altitudes: 6200
Time Aloft: 4.5 hrs
Max Lift: 5 kts
Temperature: 70F
Comment: beautiful fall day
Tow pilot: Theo & Morgan
The morning started out with heavy cloud cover over the field that moved out fairly quickly leaving rapidly cycling Cu throughout the day.
Larry S arrived early for a day full of instruction; some new students and a few getting ready for check rides in the next few weeks. Theo flew in from KSBP to fly at both ends of the rope and demonstrated a perfect xwind landing in his 170.
Mark, Russ, and Alex were lined up to fly the 2-33 and Theo did a few tows before jumping out to fuel and get several pattern tows with Morgan in the Pawnee. Once he finished his glider work, they switched again to get all the private ships and the rest of the instructional flights launched.
XD launched first with a declared task, but after a slow start getting to altitude, then getting low near Twissleman N, abandoned task and worked some lift along the fields toward Wonderful. An enjoyable 3.7 hours of flying with lots of birds mixed with the stress of not wanting to land out ended with an easy final glide back home.
MT self launched and found some strong lift near EL7 before heading south on task and completing it. The lift was soft under the clouds to the south, but workable.
NT launched next and flew up and down the ridge several times improving his thermalling skills and comfort in the glider before returning to the field 3 hours later. He stretched his legs going farther west than previous flights still keeping Avenal in glide. 06 joined us for a local flight of 1.3 hours.
Everyone landed safely at home at the end of the day and got everything tied down and locked up. Thanks for another great day and hope to see everyone at the BBQ next weekend. Please remember to RSVP to Larry T.
Link to flight traces
