Calm at home all morning but I decided to take a run out to Big Collin on the strength of a southerly forecast. From a distance I could see vehicles parked on the lane and a couple of paraglider wings laid out alongside. When I got there, I found Al McMaster and Walter Hoy chatting to another person I didn't know. Walter had already flown his paramotor but Al wanted to wait for some wind for a reverse launch. As what little wind there was, was Southerly I drove round to nearer the windfarm and parked. A walk up to the top of the hill failed to find any more wind - max 2 or 3mph.
I joined Al and Walter by their cars - the other person (apparently a paramotor pilot who had got into an argument at Dungiven a short time ago) had left. We chatted for a while; they both went up again for a couple of flights and as the wind seemed to be starting to stir a bit I drove further round the lane and parked in the layby at the speed limit sign.
Climbing the hill again the wind had picked up to around 10mph so I gave Brian Dawson a call. He is returning to the sport after a long break. When Brian arrived we went up to the top. Al and Walter had landed and gone home and we were joined by Ken McConnell who had flown his paramotor from the Agnew's Hill area. When Ken left, Brian had two good flights with 180 degree turns and bottom landings. After walking up the hill for a third flight he decided he had had enough and with the freshening wind it was getting cold, so I went up on the training wing (Firebird F1rst M), managing some soaring beats before landing by the car.
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Thursday, November 16, 2017
Big Collin Wed 15 November 2017
Calm at home all morning with a windy hills forecast. Colin Dowey had emailed earlier that he was heading for Big Collin so a quick call to Colin confirmed that there was some wind on the SSW end of the hill. I arrived to find Colin ground handling up the hill a bit.
A quick call to Paul Cunningham, one of my CP students set him on the road. In the meantime I climbed the hill and had a short soaring flight on my trusty Firebird Raven M as Paul arrived. Colin also had a soaring flight. After top landing, Paul and I got organised, resulting in him having six good top to bottom flights, including his first slope landing - all carried out well with standup landings.
Meantime Martin Bates had arrived and was perfecting his ground handling using his Little Cloud wing to sharpen up his reflexes. Colin also had a couple of flights on the Little Cloud.
After Paul's last flight, I decided to fly my own wing down. In true Big Collin form, the flight was a rollercoaster as the wind had shifted more southerly and I was in the mix downwind of the low hill in front. I eventually landed in sink by the cars. It was good to get a day when flying was possible!
A quick call to Paul Cunningham, one of my CP students set him on the road. In the meantime I climbed the hill and had a short soaring flight on my trusty Firebird Raven M as Paul arrived. Colin also had a soaring flight. After top landing, Paul and I got organised, resulting in him having six good top to bottom flights, including his first slope landing - all carried out well with standup landings.
Meantime Martin Bates had arrived and was perfecting his ground handling using his Little Cloud wing to sharpen up his reflexes. Colin also had a couple of flights on the Little Cloud.
After Paul's last flight, I decided to fly my own wing down. In true Big Collin form, the flight was a rollercoaster as the wind had shifted more southerly and I was in the mix downwind of the low hill in front. I eventually landed in sink by the cars. It was good to get a day when flying was possible!
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Back again at Skeagh
Collected taster student Diane Masson at Ballynure, hoping for a good day. Arrived at Skeagh to find Martin bates just parking - he wanted to get airborne again after a long layoff following a wrist injury (not flying related). So - after the preliminary BHPA-insistent paperwork, up the hill we go but find the wind off a bit to the NW and 8-10mph. Fine for ground handling so that was the story.
Like all beginners, Diane found the small Firebird F1rst wing a bit of a handful but quickly mastered reverse launch practice. A couple of forward launch attempts were made but were less successful, with the wing falling off to the side before getting overhead. Unfortunately there was no opportunity to get a low flight as the wind went west, blowing on the slope crossed by power lines. All that effort was tiring and the temperature was dropping so we quit.
Meantime Martin shook the cobwebs out of his Tequila 4 wing on top of the hill. He faffed about for a while ground handling, ending in a good takeoff and surprisingly floaty flight to the bottom with a gentle standup landing.
Gerry Johnston turned up for some practice after a long layoff and had one successful flight from the top with a standup landing before the wind went west which meant no takeoff facing the power lines!
Like all beginners, Diane found the small Firebird F1rst wing a bit of a handful but quickly mastered reverse launch practice. A couple of forward launch attempts were made but were less successful, with the wing falling off to the side before getting overhead. Unfortunately there was no opportunity to get a low flight as the wind went west, blowing on the slope crossed by power lines. All that effort was tiring and the temperature was dropping so we quit.
Meantime Martin shook the cobwebs out of his Tequila 4 wing on top of the hill. He faffed about for a while ground handling, ending in a good takeoff and surprisingly floaty flight to the bottom with a gentle standup landing.
Gerry Johnston turned up for some practice after a long layoff and had one successful flight from the top with a standup landing before the wind went west which meant no takeoff facing the power lines!
Thursday, July 13, 2017
Good day at Robin Young's Hill on Tues 11 July.
Arriving at Robin Young's around lunchtime I could see Ian Cross and Danny Young high above the ridge. Dermot Lagan was getting ready at the top takeoff. I had two students, Keith McGeown and Paul Cunningham to come out. After 20mins or so they had not arrived so I decided to head up the hill anyway after a chat with Loudon Blair and his buddy who had arrived with their radio control model gliders.
Just when I had laid out my wing on the top, my students arrived. Of course I had come up without bringing the radio gear so another trip to the car was called for. I then took off for a short soaring flight to assess conditions and found them to be mildly thermic. Coming in to top land I flew into sink - as did Danny who was approaching at the same time - and we both landed safely on the slope leading up to takeoff.
After my two students had done a prompted site assessment, Keith was the first to venture skywards. He had two excellent 10min soaring flights, ending with top landings in the intended area with some approach guidance by radio.
By then the wind had picked up and was gusting to 22mph. After hanging around for a good while there seemed to be no lowering of windspeed and there was a slow drift to the north. Young's is notorious for turbulence in a N wind so we called it a day after a half hour theory discussion whilst waiting in vain for the wind to drop.
Just when I had laid out my wing on the top, my students arrived. Of course I had come up without bringing the radio gear so another trip to the car was called for. I then took off for a short soaring flight to assess conditions and found them to be mildly thermic. Coming in to top land I flew into sink - as did Danny who was approaching at the same time - and we both landed safely on the slope leading up to takeoff.
After my two students had done a prompted site assessment, Keith was the first to venture skywards. He had two excellent 10min soaring flights, ending with top landings in the intended area with some approach guidance by radio.
By then the wind had picked up and was gusting to 22mph. After hanging around for a good while there seemed to be no lowering of windspeed and there was a slow drift to the north. Young's is notorious for turbulence in a N wind so we called it a day after a half hour theory discussion whilst waiting in vain for the wind to drop.
Saturday, July 08, 2017
Gusty at Agnew's West
Having been away in Canada for the last month, I was keen to get some students out.
I met Aaron Wilson and Bill O'Donnell at Corr's Corner and took them to Agnew's West for a paragliding taster. Keith McGeown and Gerry Johnston - last minute CPN bookers - also came out.
The forecast had been promising - 6-9mph westerly. Of course when we got there we found the wind gusting 8-16mph at the bottom. Undaunted, after an introductory session, the good old Firebird Trainer was put to work. Aaron and Bill then took turns at trying to tame the beast in increasingly gusty winds - 8mph gusting to 16mph. They both succeeded in keeping up with its wild plunges in the gusts. That will stand them in good stead when they get their hands on the full size wing.
We quit after 3 and a half hours as the wind was increasing with gusts to over 20mph. Keith and Gerry wisely decided to parawait as the wind on top of the hill was gusting to 33mph!
Flying highlight of Canada trip was a number of flights in a Luscombe flown by a former member of an aerobatic display team.
I met Aaron Wilson and Bill O'Donnell at Corr's Corner and took them to Agnew's West for a paragliding taster. Keith McGeown and Gerry Johnston - last minute CPN bookers - also came out.
The forecast had been promising - 6-9mph westerly. Of course when we got there we found the wind gusting 8-16mph at the bottom. Undaunted, after an introductory session, the good old Firebird Trainer was put to work. Aaron and Bill then took turns at trying to tame the beast in increasingly gusty winds - 8mph gusting to 16mph. They both succeeded in keeping up with its wild plunges in the gusts. That will stand them in good stead when they get their hands on the full size wing.
We quit after 3 and a half hours as the wind was increasing with gusts to over 20mph. Keith and Gerry wisely decided to parawait as the wind on top of the hill was gusting to 33mph!
Flying highlight of Canada trip was a number of flights in a Luscombe flown by a former member of an aerobatic display team.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
BIg Collin and Dungiven West again.
Tues 23 May 2017
Forecast looked a bit uncertain. I went out to Big Collin and was soon joined by student Trevor Fisher. The wind was well round to the SW and becoming strong and gusty. That meant the only practical exercises to be done were PLF practice and reverse launch practice with the Firebird Trainer.
Given that the wind was strong and gusty 14-21mph Trevor manfully tackled the gusts with the Trainer and succeeded in taming the beast, keeping it relatively steady overhead for extended periods.
Wed 24 May 2017
Off to Dungiven W on the strength of a report from Colin Dowey who was with others at White Mountain and reported light WSW wind. ON arrival I found the wind 12-14mph straight on to the west face - perfect. I called my beginning CPN student Paul Cunningham to get out for some flying. When Paul arrived I got ready to go up for a flight to check out conditions. But as usual the wind then increased and became gusty - too strong and gusty for any flying. Time for some parawaiting.
We were joined by refugees from White Mountain - Danny Young, Colin Dowey, Colin Lown, Donal Hamilton and Dermot Lagan. After a while the wind died down to 12-14mph. Danny was the first to launch on his Skyman Heartbeat wing, immediately climbing and getting very high off Benbradagh headland. I took a short flight on my Firebird Raven M, finding good lift with some very light thermals going through. Considering it suitable for Paul for his first soaring flights I top landed.
With Paul fitted with radio so that I could reassure or avise him if necessary he took off and followed the flight plan we had agreed, ending with his first (and excellent) standup slope landing. His second flight was again soaring but the slope landing was a bit untidy - he fell over. When the wind dropped he finished with a forward launch flight with soaring beats and standup landing near the windsock as planned.
The day was rounded off by Donal who legged it for a high speed virtually nil wind takeoff on his hang glider, demonstrating the superior glide that took him most of the way to Dungiven, then turning back to make a standup landing in a field he had selected earlier.
Forecast looked a bit uncertain. I went out to Big Collin and was soon joined by student Trevor Fisher. The wind was well round to the SW and becoming strong and gusty. That meant the only practical exercises to be done were PLF practice and reverse launch practice with the Firebird Trainer.
Given that the wind was strong and gusty 14-21mph Trevor manfully tackled the gusts with the Trainer and succeeded in taming the beast, keeping it relatively steady overhead for extended periods.
Wed 24 May 2017
Off to Dungiven W on the strength of a report from Colin Dowey who was with others at White Mountain and reported light WSW wind. ON arrival I found the wind 12-14mph straight on to the west face - perfect. I called my beginning CPN student Paul Cunningham to get out for some flying. When Paul arrived I got ready to go up for a flight to check out conditions. But as usual the wind then increased and became gusty - too strong and gusty for any flying. Time for some parawaiting.
We were joined by refugees from White Mountain - Danny Young, Colin Dowey, Colin Lown, Donal Hamilton and Dermot Lagan. After a while the wind died down to 12-14mph. Danny was the first to launch on his Skyman Heartbeat wing, immediately climbing and getting very high off Benbradagh headland. I took a short flight on my Firebird Raven M, finding good lift with some very light thermals going through. Considering it suitable for Paul for his first soaring flights I top landed.
With Paul fitted with radio so that I could reassure or avise him if necessary he took off and followed the flight plan we had agreed, ending with his first (and excellent) standup slope landing. His second flight was again soaring but the slope landing was a bit untidy - he fell over. When the wind dropped he finished with a forward launch flight with soaring beats and standup landing near the windsock as planned.
The day was rounded off by Donal who legged it for a high speed virtually nil wind takeoff on his hang glider, demonstrating the superior glide that took him most of the way to Dungiven, then turning back to make a standup landing in a field he had selected earlier.
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Dungiven West
Took a speculative trip to Dungiven site this afternoon. On arrival, wind appeared to be slightly off to the NW and was a light 8-10mph. A large shower was approaching from the west and when it was over the wind died to flat calm then over the next hour the windsock went through a cycle of calm, westerly, south westerly, northerly, easterly and calm again. I got fed up and went home.
Monday, May 08, 2017
Robin Young's Hill
Calm at home all morning. Decided to go out to Robin Young's. Just as I was leaving home, Martin Bates rang from Agnew's hill to say the wind there was well off to the NE.
I joined Martin at Young's and we climbed to the top takeoff with our gear - only to find that the wind was off to the East and gusting to 21mph. Meanwhile Dermot Lagan and Paul Cunningham had arrived in the car park but a quick phone call to Dermot saved them the trouble of coming up to join us.
After heading back to the car park and hanging around for a while and entertaining Dermot with tales of the early hang gliding days, there was no sign of the wind dying down so we gave up and went home.
I joined Martin at Young's and we climbed to the top takeoff with our gear - only to find that the wind was off to the East and gusting to 21mph. Meanwhile Dermot Lagan and Paul Cunningham had arrived in the car park but a quick phone call to Dermot saved them the trouble of coming up to join us.
After heading back to the car park and hanging around for a while and entertaining Dermot with tales of the early hang gliding days, there was no sign of the wind dying down so we gave up and went home.
Sunday, May 07, 2017
Good day at Agnew's Hill
Light winds forecast so we thought it might be a case of chasing the wind. I met students Keith McGeown and Gerry Johnston and we headed initially to Robin Young's hill. Finding the wind too far off to the east we tried Agnew's Hill.
The usual steep climb was a bit easier as the long spell without rain meant it was dry underfoot so no slipping and sliding this time. Wind was very light - 8mph occasionally 10-12mph. Fully expecting some hard work to stay up, I took off to check conditions and was immediately hoisted up. I flew about half way along the cliffs and back, then headed out from the hill to lose height prior to coming in for a top landing.
That was a mistake in that there was steady lift all the way out past the farm so I had to resort to Big Ears to get down. Heading downwind back to the hill took just as long as the upwind leg so lift was almost entirely thermic with little downwind drift.
After top landing I set off Keith on his Firebird Raven S. Following my earlier flight path he got higher than he has ever been before much to his initial alarm until he settled in to enjoy the experience. After some 10mins boating about he came in and made an excellent standup slope landing beside where he had taken off from.
Gerry then took off and soared. The wind had moved a bit more NE and he eventually lost the lift by flying too far out from the hill. He flew down to a good standup landing in front of takeoff.
Keith had two more flights - making an excellent slope landing on one and suffering Gerry's fate on the last one, landing in the same area.
I then flew down after soaring the hill for a bit. The wind had by now gone NE and approach to the landing by the cars was rather choppy but a tiptoe landing was made near the windsock.
As we were packing up, Ken McConnell arrived with a couple of his students, having started them off on Skeagh earlier and they headed up the hill to fly as we left.
We headed back to Robin Young's but by then the wind had died away. We were treated to a flypast by Norman Surplus in his gyrocopter.
The usual steep climb was a bit easier as the long spell without rain meant it was dry underfoot so no slipping and sliding this time. Wind was very light - 8mph occasionally 10-12mph. Fully expecting some hard work to stay up, I took off to check conditions and was immediately hoisted up. I flew about half way along the cliffs and back, then headed out from the hill to lose height prior to coming in for a top landing.
That was a mistake in that there was steady lift all the way out past the farm so I had to resort to Big Ears to get down. Heading downwind back to the hill took just as long as the upwind leg so lift was almost entirely thermic with little downwind drift.
After top landing I set off Keith on his Firebird Raven S. Following my earlier flight path he got higher than he has ever been before much to his initial alarm until he settled in to enjoy the experience. After some 10mins boating about he came in and made an excellent standup slope landing beside where he had taken off from.
Gerry then took off and soared. The wind had moved a bit more NE and he eventually lost the lift by flying too far out from the hill. He flew down to a good standup landing in front of takeoff.
Keith had two more flights - making an excellent slope landing on one and suffering Gerry's fate on the last one, landing in the same area.
I then flew down after soaring the hill for a bit. The wind had by now gone NE and approach to the landing by the cars was rather choppy but a tiptoe landing was made near the windsock.
As we were packing up, Ken McConnell arrived with a couple of his students, having started them off on Skeagh earlier and they headed up the hill to fly as we left.
We headed back to Robin Young's but by then the wind had died away. We were treated to a flypast by Norman Surplus in his gyrocopter.
Wednesday, May 03, 2017
Friday 28 April 2017
Flying at Dungiven West.
Slipped after inflating wing and sat down with wing flying overhead. Phil Barron grabbed my harness and got me airborne! Soaring with Graeme Moseley - got high. Good lift on a line from takeoff to the McVeigh farm. Top landed. Owen Rea, Willie Kane and two of Phil's students flew as did late arrivals Ian Cross and Colin Dowey.
Slipped after inflating wing and sat down with wing flying overhead. Phil Barron grabbed my harness and got me airborne! Soaring with Graeme Moseley - got high. Good lift on a line from takeoff to the McVeigh farm. Top landed. Owen Rea, Willie Kane and two of Phil's students flew as did late arrivals Ian Cross and Colin Dowey.
Saturday, April 08, 2017
Gusty day at Big Collin
Arrived at Big Collin at around 11:30am - Ken McConnell was airborne on his paraglider in what looked like choppy air. He later was working with a student, ground handling and risking a couple of low flights in momentary lulls.
After the introductory paperwork etc I got Tammy Watson, who was on a taster day, organised with daily inspection and the usual preparations for ground handling with a Firebird F1rst S paraglider. Quickly realising that the gusts in the bottom landing area were no good for a beginner, we switched to the small Firebird Trainer wing. Despite the gusts, Tammy managed to control the wing after some initial confusion between 'right' and 'left'.
CP students Richard Neill and Gerry Johnston arrived and both took turns at ground handling with the Small F1rst as it was too gusty for flying. Experienced pilots Mark Piggott and Alastair McMaster nevertheless enjoyed some roller-coaster flights, getting high at times working the small thermals that were coming through in the sunshine. Dermot Lagan and Colin Dowey arrived but did not fly. Meanwhile Martin Bates who has recovered from his bicycle crash induced wrist injury attempted ground handling with a lightweight unruly Niviuk Skin single surface paraglider. I had a go ground handling that wing myself but counteracting the frequent gusts was hard work.
After the introductory paperwork etc I got Tammy Watson, who was on a taster day, organised with daily inspection and the usual preparations for ground handling with a Firebird F1rst S paraglider. Quickly realising that the gusts in the bottom landing area were no good for a beginner, we switched to the small Firebird Trainer wing. Despite the gusts, Tammy managed to control the wing after some initial confusion between 'right' and 'left'.
CP students Richard Neill and Gerry Johnston arrived and both took turns at ground handling with the Small F1rst as it was too gusty for flying. Experienced pilots Mark Piggott and Alastair McMaster nevertheless enjoyed some roller-coaster flights, getting high at times working the small thermals that were coming through in the sunshine. Dermot Lagan and Colin Dowey arrived but did not fly. Meanwhile Martin Bates who has recovered from his bicycle crash induced wrist injury attempted ground handling with a lightweight unruly Niviuk Skin single surface paraglider. I had a go ground handling that wing myself but counteracting the frequent gusts was hard work.
Thursday, April 06, 2017
Agnew's West
After checking that it was ok with the gamekeeper for Agnew's Hill West, I met Trevor Fisher who was on a taster day and Paul Cunningham, EP student, at Corr's Corner before lunchtime. Wind was westerly when we got to Agnew's and a light 8-10mph.
Although Paul had not flown for a while he had already done all the tasks for EP and was our for a refresher. He had two excellent flights from near the top of the hill before the wind swung to the NW, blowing along the hill.
With the wind picking up to 12-14mph at times, Trevor worked at ground handling with the Firebird F1rst L and the Firebird Trainer. He soon caught on to the reactions necessary for control and both he and Paul worked at perfecting their reverse launch techniques until the arrival of a very light drizzle.
Trevor concentrates!
Trevor was hooked and signed up for an EP course. Paul did the EP exam and passed and is raring to go forward with the CPN course.
Although Paul had not flown for a while he had already done all the tasks for EP and was our for a refresher. He had two excellent flights from near the top of the hill before the wind swung to the NW, blowing along the hill.
With the wind picking up to 12-14mph at times, Trevor worked at ground handling with the Firebird F1rst L and the Firebird Trainer. He soon caught on to the reactions necessary for control and both he and Paul worked at perfecting their reverse launch techniques until the arrival of a very light drizzle.
Trevor concentrates!
Sunday, April 02, 2017
No luck today.
Calm at home but went out to Big Collin anyway before lunchtime. Wind was S and very light. I decided to have a top to bottom flight anyway but by the time I had climbed the hill and got ready to fly the wind had picked up and was gusting from 11-12mph to 26mph at times. I was joined by Davy Boyd and Martin Bates.
We waited...and waited.... but no change so nothing for it but to pack up and carry down. Ken was out with a couple of students but too much for them to manage ground handling at the bottom.
So ended another exciting day parawaiting.
We waited...and waited.... but no change so nothing for it but to pack up and carry down. Ken was out with a couple of students but too much for them to manage ground handling at the bottom.
So ended another exciting day parawaiting.
Monday, March 27, 2017
Four days in a row!
Thanks to a high pressure system and south-easterly winds we were at last to get some paragliding action.
Friday 24 March 2017
Sunny day with light SE wind. Met Steve Bullers at Corr's and went paragliding training at Big Collin until 4:30pm. Phil Barron was also training and Dermot Lagan had a couple of flights. Alastair McMaster flew his paramotor before we left.
Saturday 25 March 2017
Warm sunny day with very light SE wind. I went paragliding training at Big Collin. I took a flight and worked some buoyant bits of lift then landed by the windsock at the bottom. Phil Barron and Ken McConnell were out with students. Dermot Lagan was there but did not fly.Got Sam Cook (on a taster day) airborne. Also CPN students Richard Neill and Keith McGeown flew.
Sunday 26 March 2017
Another sunny day. Very light winds in the morning. I went to Agnew's Hill but pilots already airborne were working hard to stay up. Spoke to Donal Hamilton who was about to climb the hill. I went to Big Collin and had a couple of flights while waiting for student Gerry Johnston to turn up. Gerry got one flight in increasing wind. It got too strong and gusty on top so we packed it in.
Monday 27 March 2017
No students and things to do at home today.Went flying at Big Collin with Dermot Lagan after 3pm. Managed three soaring flights in varying conditions. Wind at takeoff was varying between 12 and 19mph at times with small blobs of lift making staying up hard work. Managed one top landing, one slope landing and bottom landing by the windsock.
Friday 24 March 2017
Sunny day with light SE wind. Met Steve Bullers at Corr's and went paragliding training at Big Collin until 4:30pm. Phil Barron was also training and Dermot Lagan had a couple of flights. Alastair McMaster flew his paramotor before we left.
Saturday 25 March 2017
Warm sunny day with very light SE wind. I went paragliding training at Big Collin. I took a flight and worked some buoyant bits of lift then landed by the windsock at the bottom. Phil Barron and Ken McConnell were out with students. Dermot Lagan was there but did not fly.Got Sam Cook (on a taster day) airborne. Also CPN students Richard Neill and Keith McGeown flew.
Sunday 26 March 2017
Another sunny day. Very light winds in the morning. I went to Agnew's Hill but pilots already airborne were working hard to stay up. Spoke to Donal Hamilton who was about to climb the hill. I went to Big Collin and had a couple of flights while waiting for student Gerry Johnston to turn up. Gerry got one flight in increasing wind. It got too strong and gusty on top so we packed it in.
Monday 27 March 2017
No students and things to do at home today.Went flying at Big Collin with Dermot Lagan after 3pm. Managed three soaring flights in varying conditions. Wind at takeoff was varying between 12 and 19mph at times with small blobs of lift making staying up hard work. Managed one top landing, one slope landing and bottom landing by the windsock.
Friday, March 10, 2017
Thursday 9 March 2017
With light NW wind reports from White Mountain and forecast wind to swing South in the late afternoon, I headed to Big Collin at 4pm. On arrival the wind was less than 5mph and SSW in direction.
I made a leisurely trip to the top with my paraglider and laid it out for a flight. Taking my time I realised that the wind direction was slowly changing so that over the next half hour or so it gradually came round to the SE and increased slightly but still making no more than 10mph at times.
I eventually took off and got in a few soaring beats - never more than about five feet above takeoff and landed beside the car and got packed up before dark.
I made a leisurely trip to the top with my paraglider and laid it out for a flight. Taking my time I realised that the wind direction was slowly changing so that over the next half hour or so it gradually came round to the SE and increased slightly but still making no more than 10mph at times.
I eventually took off and got in a few soaring beats - never more than about five feet above takeoff and landed beside the car and got packed up before dark.
Saturday, March 04, 2017
Some action at Shane's Hill
Rain in the morning didn't seem encouraging but as it cleared - although a few showers were still hanging about - I got a message from Phil Barron that it looked flyable at Shane's Hill.
When I arrived at the layby at the bottom, one of Phil's students, Sean was losing height and landed beside me. His other student John, made a slope landing a little bit down from takeoff. I lent Sean a stuffsack and took him up to the top access gate (which incidentally no longer has a padlock). Just then, Phil and John were spotted making their way back down to the car, having decided that the wind was now too light for any useful soaring.
Another of Phil's students, Colin, arrived and we spent a while in idle banter and swapping flying stories before heading to The Misty Burn restaurant for some soup, coffee etc and more chat.
Since John lives in Belfast and relies on public transport, I gave him a lift to Mossley West train station on my way home. By then the wind seemed to have veered more southerly but it was too late in the evening to consider flying at Big Collin.
When I arrived at the layby at the bottom, one of Phil's students, Sean was losing height and landed beside me. His other student John, made a slope landing a little bit down from takeoff. I lent Sean a stuffsack and took him up to the top access gate (which incidentally no longer has a padlock). Just then, Phil and John were spotted making their way back down to the car, having decided that the wind was now too light for any useful soaring.
Another of Phil's students, Colin, arrived and we spent a while in idle banter and swapping flying stories before heading to The Misty Burn restaurant for some soup, coffee etc and more chat.
Since John lives in Belfast and relies on public transport, I gave him a lift to Mossley West train station on my way home. By then the wind seemed to have veered more southerly but it was too late in the evening to consider flying at Big Collin.
Monday, February 27, 2017
Back of Agnew's.
I met up with Steve Bullers who was on a paragliding taster day. The sun was shining; the wind was light and since one of the forecasts said the direction would be SSW we went to Big Collin. There was a light wind there but too far off to the west.
Agnew's West then seemed the obvious choice so that is where we went - and found a nice 8-12mph blowing straight up the hill. There had been a lot of rain as the ground underfoot was soaking and fairly slippery in places. Nevertheless we had a very successful day with Steve getting three low flights and two from near the top - all with good standup landings. As a result he wants to go on to do an EP course.
During the day I was approached by the local gamekeeper, Alex Rodgers. He told me that the Grouse Conservation area has been extended from the existing area at Skerrywherry to encompass the back of Agnew's Hill and Shane's Hill up to the fence that runs along the top.
As a result he is asking us to stay clear of these areas from April through to the middle of June as this is the grouse nesting season and the birds should not be disturbed. He left me his mobile phone number for anyone proposing to fly there to ring him for advice around that period. I agreed to advise UHPC members.
Agnew's West then seemed the obvious choice so that is where we went - and found a nice 8-12mph blowing straight up the hill. There had been a lot of rain as the ground underfoot was soaking and fairly slippery in places. Nevertheless we had a very successful day with Steve getting three low flights and two from near the top - all with good standup landings. As a result he wants to go on to do an EP course.
During the day I was approached by the local gamekeeper, Alex Rodgers. He told me that the Grouse Conservation area has been extended from the existing area at Skerrywherry to encompass the back of Agnew's Hill and Shane's Hill up to the fence that runs along the top.
As a result he is asking us to stay clear of these areas from April through to the middle of June as this is the grouse nesting season and the birds should not be disturbed. He left me his mobile phone number for anyone proposing to fly there to ring him for advice around that period. I agreed to advise UHPC members.
Wednesday, February 08, 2017
Big Collin again.
No wind at home all morning. I went out to Big Collin anyway around lunchtime after speaking to Dermot Lagan who was already there and reported 4-5mph at the bottom.
When I arrived the wind had picked up a bit and when we got to takeoff we found a brisk 18-20mph! We were joined on top of the hill by Janet Crawford, the owner of Big Collin who was out for a walk and stopped for a chat. By then the wind was gusting to 24mph.
We walked down to meet Tom Carson who had arrived. He decided to do a bit of ground handling near the cars and eventually managed a few short semi-soaring flights from a few yards up the hill when the wind gusts eased a bit.
See also https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzRdduY0CVM.
Dermot and I contented ourselves with fighting the gusts in the landing area with the small Firebird Trainer. By then the wind on top was gusting to 26mph and very cold. By 4pm we'd all had enough and went home.
When I arrived the wind had picked up a bit and when we got to takeoff we found a brisk 18-20mph! We were joined on top of the hill by Janet Crawford, the owner of Big Collin who was out for a walk and stopped for a chat. By then the wind was gusting to 24mph.
We walked down to meet Tom Carson who had arrived. He decided to do a bit of ground handling near the cars and eventually managed a few short semi-soaring flights from a few yards up the hill when the wind gusts eased a bit.
Dermot and I contented ourselves with fighting the gusts in the landing area with the small Firebird Trainer. By then the wind on top was gusting to 26mph and very cold. By 4pm we'd all had enough and went home.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Again!
Low cloud and some drizzle in the morning at home. Mark Piggott reported flyable conditions at Dungiven just after 11 am. After speaking to Colin Dowey on the 'phone we headed there.
Colin had already arrived when I got there but nobody was flying. I soon discovered why - wind gusting to 21mph. Mark had flown earlier but was now packing up. Former hang glider and paraglider pilot Brian Dawson had dropped by and we had a bit of a catch up since I haven't seen him in a long time. Seems like he might be persuaded to come back into the sport.
John Wallace with a paramotor pilot friend and my CPN student Gerry Johnston arrived and we waited for conditions to ease. Mark had left, soon followed by Colin and the paramotor pilot. After a couple of hours with no sign of the wind subsiding the rest of us called it a day.
Colin had already arrived when I got there but nobody was flying. I soon discovered why - wind gusting to 21mph. Mark had flown earlier but was now packing up. Former hang glider and paraglider pilot Brian Dawson had dropped by and we had a bit of a catch up since I haven't seen him in a long time. Seems like he might be persuaded to come back into the sport.
John Wallace with a paramotor pilot friend and my CPN student Gerry Johnston arrived and we waited for conditions to ease. Mark had left, soon followed by Colin and the paramotor pilot. After a couple of hours with no sign of the wind subsiding the rest of us called it a day.
Monday, January 23, 2017
Another wasted journey.
Calm at home this morning. I went out to Big Collin at 11:30am since I did not believe the Met Office low level wind chart which was giving 23mph at 1,000ft. Wind at the hill was Southerly but on top at the southerly face I discovered that I should have trusted the Met Office this time as the wind was gusting 18 - 27mph! I texted student Paul Cunningham to tell him it was yet another parawaiting day.
Time to go home!
Time to go home!
Saturday, January 21, 2017
A good day at Big Collin
With four students lined up for training I headed out to Big Collin at 10:30am even though the wind appeared to be calm. On arrival, that was the picture in the landing area - windsock planted by Ken McConnell who had arrived before me was hanging straight down although the one he had on top showed some wind.
My student GT Jakutis arrived and we got started on ground handling, soon to be joined by Jonny Morton as the wind had picked up to 8-12mph. The wind then increased as a number of other UHPC members arrived and took off. It was obviously a bit rough. I took off on my Firebird Raven about half way up the hill in 14mph wind to check conditions for the students but found it too gusty, with big lift followed by big sink as I soared along the lower ridge, eventually landing by the lane near the car.
GT and Jonny spent the rest of the day practicing reverse launch and other ground handling exercises with both the Firebird F1rst and the Firebird Trainer in the gusty wind that was quite strong at times. The experienced club pilots who flew were getting a bit of a bumpy ride but all landed safety.
With my students getting tired but having succeeded in mastering the wings we called it a day at 4pm. Although I had texted the other two students on arrival on site, they did not turn up.
My student GT Jakutis arrived and we got started on ground handling, soon to be joined by Jonny Morton as the wind had picked up to 8-12mph. The wind then increased as a number of other UHPC members arrived and took off. It was obviously a bit rough. I took off on my Firebird Raven about half way up the hill in 14mph wind to check conditions for the students but found it too gusty, with big lift followed by big sink as I soared along the lower ridge, eventually landing by the lane near the car.
GT and Jonny spent the rest of the day practicing reverse launch and other ground handling exercises with both the Firebird F1rst and the Firebird Trainer in the gusty wind that was quite strong at times. The experienced club pilots who flew were getting a bit of a bumpy ride but all landed safety.
With my students getting tired but having succeeded in mastering the wings we called it a day at 4pm. Although I had texted the other two students on arrival on site, they did not turn up.
Friday, January 20, 2017
Foggy one
Forecast light SE wind indicated flying and training at Big Collin would be on. On the way there, it seemed obvious that the hill was covered in cloud and a very light drizzle had started. Arriving at the hill I found the forecast light SE wind but parking at the usual layby I was already at cloudbase and could only just make out the lake upwind. I texted my students to tell them not to bother and decided to wait in the drizzle to see if there would be any improvement. I noticed that some of the metal lane marker poles had been replaced by short plastic ones as arranged by Alastair McMaster with the wind farm operators. I understand that the rest are also due to be replaced.
I was soon joined by Dermot Lagan and later by Colin Dowey. We sat in the car for some time commiserating and talking about paragliding instead of doing it. During this time the lake kept appearing and disappearing with visibility blotting out the nearby farm buildings on one occasion.
Gradually the drizzle eased a bit and cloudbase lifted to further up the hill. Colin was itching to get some ground handling practice and followed the wind round to the southerly side when it shifted. He managed to get some low level soaring for a while but ended up with soaking gear. Dermot and I decided that it was not worth getting wet. We helped Colin to pack his wet glider and we all called it a day, hoping for better tomorrow.
I was soon joined by Dermot Lagan and later by Colin Dowey. We sat in the car for some time commiserating and talking about paragliding instead of doing it. During this time the lake kept appearing and disappearing with visibility blotting out the nearby farm buildings on one occasion.
Gradually the drizzle eased a bit and cloudbase lifted to further up the hill. Colin was itching to get some ground handling practice and followed the wind round to the southerly side when it shifted. He managed to get some low level soaring for a while but ended up with soaking gear. Dermot and I decided that it was not worth getting wet. We helped Colin to pack his wet glider and we all called it a day, hoping for better tomorrow.
Monday, January 16, 2017
First of 2017
Thursday 5 January 2017
With things to do in the morning, didn't get out until well after lunchtime and headed to Big Collin. SSE wind was 16-19mph on top. I had one soaring flight staying well out near the lane and 100ft or so above takeoff. Some mild turbulence. Penetration difficult until Big Ears used. Ended up bottom landing near the car as sunset had arrived and I didn't fancy packing up in the dark.
With things to do in the morning, didn't get out until well after lunchtime and headed to Big Collin. SSE wind was 16-19mph on top. I had one soaring flight staying well out near the lane and 100ft or so above takeoff. Some mild turbulence. Penetration difficult until Big Ears used. Ended up bottom landing near the car as sunset had arrived and I didn't fancy packing up in the dark.
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