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
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.
