Yes and No!

Monday 5 December 2016

 A good day at Big Collin for a change. Whilst waiting for my student Paul Cunningham to arrive I examined the 2001 Advance Epsilon 3 M and harness that Kirsty had donated to the UHPC. Although the wing is old it is in excellent condition as is the basic harness. I had a flight down  on it from about half way up the hill - easy inflation; smooth steady controls and easy landing. Seems perfectly airworthy to me and a rough porosity 'suck' test raised no concerns.

Paul arrived and completed eight flights, starting about the third of the way up the hill then last four flights from the top. Excellent reverse and forward takeoffs, in-flight control up to 180deg turns and standup landings - all practical tasks for EP completed. Jut the exam to do!

Monday 12 December 2016

I went out to Big Collin around lunchtime after a calm morning but with an ESE forecast. The wind on the hill was SSE and 14-15mph at takeoff. When standing there I noticed that cloudbase up ahead seemed to be lowering and soon it descended to hilltop level. After a quick word on the 'phone to Colin Dowey and my EP student Paul to tell them not to bother, I went for a walk over by the windfarm and by the time I got back to the car the cloudbase had lowered to the lane and the drizzle had arrived. Time to go home!