Sun 11 November 2018
Big Collin again. Tony was on site with a couple of students. Wind on the hill was strong and gusting to 25mph. I cancelled training and had a word with Tony and one of his students ground handling at the bottom. Ken McConnell arrived and flew his radio control model glider for a while. Since there was no sign of the wind dropping I went home after a chat with Ken and with Tony who was getting his two students ground handling at the bottom in gusty wind.
Sat 10 November 2018
Took two beginner students out to Big Collin for some ground handling initially with the FB Trainer and SEED ground handling miniwings. Wind was southerly and almost calm at the bottom. Further up the hill we were getting 10-12mph at first so reverse launch practice was the exercise. Usual mistakes were evident - confusion between right and left; too slow reactions etc. But in the end both achieved a reasonable level of competence.
We continued in the bottom landing area with the regular M and L Firebird F1rst wings which, as expected, they found a bit easier after the twitchy miniwings. In the end the wind died and we stopped.
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Monday, November 05, 2018
Late flights at Big Collin
Sunday 4th November 2018
I called out to Big Collin to check conditions with a view to getting a couple of my CPN students out. The wind was southerly and gusting 18 - 26mph so training was called off. Following an invitation from Al McMaster to drop by for a coffee, I did just that and spent a pleasant while with Al and his family.
On my way home I got a call from Ian Cross and, noticing that the wind had dropped a bit I swung by Big Collin again. Ian arrived just after me and we found the wind on the hill was now a manageable 16-18mph mostly. We got our gear and climbed to the top.
By the time we were ready to take off it was obvious that the wind was continuing to drop. In the end we managed a few low level soaring flights with slope landings before finally landing by the cars.
No surprise that the next day had low cloud and rain!
I called out to Big Collin to check conditions with a view to getting a couple of my CPN students out. The wind was southerly and gusting 18 - 26mph so training was called off. Following an invitation from Al McMaster to drop by for a coffee, I did just that and spent a pleasant while with Al and his family.
On my way home I got a call from Ian Cross and, noticing that the wind had dropped a bit I swung by Big Collin again. Ian arrived just after me and we found the wind on the hill was now a manageable 16-18mph mostly. We got our gear and climbed to the top.
By the time we were ready to take off it was obvious that the wind was continuing to drop. In the end we managed a few low level soaring flights with slope landings before finally landing by the cars.
No surprise that the next day had low cloud and rain!
Sunday, August 05, 2018
Good flying today at Dungiven W on Saturday 4 August.
Despite a strongish gusty wind at times we had a good turnout of pilots at Dungiven West today. Sky was overcast but there were reasonably moderate thermals drifting through at times. After a half hour flight to check conditions I eventually got my student, Richard Neill airborne when the aerial traffic cleared with four or five paragliders high up off Benbradagh.
Considering he hasn't been out for a long time since he finished his EP rating, he hadn't forgotten how to do a reverse launch and fly a paraglider. He had two excellent flights, soaring, using Big Ears, and two good top landings in less than ideal conditions.
Dave Tweedie, Mark Piggott, Tom Carson, Tony Davis, Dermot Lagan also flew, Blast from the past, Kevin McMacken, who lives in Dungiven, turned up with the usual big smile on his face and had a few good soaring flights with top landings.
Considering he hasn't been out for a long time since he finished his EP rating, he hadn't forgotten how to do a reverse launch and fly a paraglider. He had two excellent flights, soaring, using Big Ears, and two good top landings in less than ideal conditions.
Dave Tweedie, Mark Piggott, Tom Carson, Tony Davis, Dermot Lagan also flew, Blast from the past, Kevin McMacken, who lives in Dungiven, turned up with the usual big smile on his face and had a few good soaring flights with top landings.
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Another day at Big Collin
I should really know by now, not to rely on weather forecasts. This one said the wind would be southerly so Martin Bates and I went to Big Collin with great expectations. Alas, the wind was varying from SSW to WSW most of the time with thermal activity causing lulls and switching wind.
Nevertheless Martin and I managed some semi-soaring flying but eventually landing at the bottom. We amused ourselves after that with ground handling practice with the BGD SEED ground handling wing. Being very responsive it sharpens up your reactions and means that when you go back on to your full size wing the ground handling is so much easier.
Nevertheless Martin and I managed some semi-soaring flying but eventually landing at the bottom. We amused ourselves after that with ground handling practice with the BGD SEED ground handling wing. Being very responsive it sharpens up your reactions and means that when you go back on to your full size wing the ground handling is so much easier.
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Good day at Dungiven W
Quite a few work dodgers and some parapensioners were out at Dungiven today. Wind was on the strong side at times but all got safely airborne and back landing on top - except for Dave Tweedie who went over the back for a short cross country flight to Garvagh.
Lift was widespread and although it was overcast, there were some mostly smotththermals drifting up the hill, except for one trip towards the southern end of the ridge when I got two fairly big asymmetric tucks in quick succession - one on the right then one on the left. The BGD Wasp M I was flying reflated immediately without turning.
Uel Glendinning arrived as most people were leaving and he and I finished off with good high flights and top landings.
Lift was widespread and although it was overcast, there were some mostly smotththermals drifting up the hill, except for one trip towards the southern end of the ridge when I got two fairly big asymmetric tucks in quick succession - one on the right then one on the left. The BGD Wasp M I was flying reflated immediately without turning.
Uel Glendinning arrived as most people were leaving and he and I finished off with good high flights and top landings.
Monday, May 14, 2018
Big Collin yet again!
This time the wind was S to SSW at times and light, 8 - 10mph mostly for quite a while. I had a couple of quick flights on my BGD Wasp whilst waiting for my two students to arrive. There was little lift but I was able to put in a few soaring beats before inevitably heading for the bottom where I landed on the ledge above the cars.
First to arrive was Paul Cunningham with a knee strapped up due to a skiing injury that needs surgery in June! However it does not prevent him walking or running during takeoff or landing. Paul ended up having ten flights - five to the bottom and five slope landings within 10metres of a target (paraglider bag). On some of the flights he was semi-soaring when the wind picked up temporarily to 12-14mph S.
Gerry had six flights - all slope landings and three within 10m of target. Dermot Lagan turned up but sensibly decided not to fly as he was feeling the effect of some medication he was taking.
With the wind dying off towards the evening we called it a day at 6pm.
First to arrive was Paul Cunningham with a knee strapped up due to a skiing injury that needs surgery in June! However it does not prevent him walking or running during takeoff or landing. Paul ended up having ten flights - five to the bottom and five slope landings within 10metres of a target (paraglider bag). On some of the flights he was semi-soaring when the wind picked up temporarily to 12-14mph S.
Gerry had six flights - all slope landings and three within 10m of target. Dermot Lagan turned up but sensibly decided not to fly as he was feeling the effect of some medication he was taking.
With the wind dying off towards the evening we called it a day at 6pm.
Sunday, May 13, 2018
Even windier on Big Collin today.
Big Collin at lunchtime saw a Southerly wind of 17-18mph gusting 25mph at the top. A tad too much I thought, so I spent the next hour or so walking the hill to see if I could find my small audio vario that I lost yesterday. No luck - but not surprising since it's only about one inch by one inch looking at you.
Since the wind showed no sign of easinf I went home.
I believe there was some activity at Slieve Gullion and maybe a cross country flight or two.
Since the wind showed no sign of easinf I went home.
I believe there was some activity at Slieve Gullion and maybe a cross country flight or two.
Saturday, May 12, 2018
Windy Big Collin - again!
A good turnout at Big Collin this afternoon but with the wind rising and very gusty, only the brave - Maurice McBride and Mark Piggott chasing rough thermals out in front of the hill. I started playing with the BGD Seed ground handling wing that often seemed to have a mind of its own as the gusts came through.
After landing to grab a bite to eat, our intrepid aviators, Maurice and Mark took to the air again, hving decided if they got a half decent thermal they would go with it. I'm sure my offer of a retrieve had nothing to do with it!
It wasn't long before they disappeared over the back. I called on the radio and Mark replied to say he had landed in the valley immediately over the back and Maurice had flown over his head. After setting off Maurice's car alarm in a fruitless search for the keys, I headed off in my own car and soon spotted Mark in a field by the road at the bottom of the hill. Maurice could still be seen high in the sky in the general direction of Slemish mountain.
After negotiating a few roads in that general direction I lost sight of Maurice as concentration on the road seemed more important. I stopped at the top of the Ballygelly Road and called Maurice on the radio. He had landed 'near Broughshane' he said, then sent his location on WhatsApp. Brilliant. Having grown up in that part of Co. Antrim, I knew the roads fairly well and was soon on the Creevamoy Road waiting for Maurice to dander down from his landing field.
While I was waiting, Kirsty Mowat rang looking for advice on replacing the side wires on her hang glider On the way back we picked up Mark who had been watching our progress on WhatsApp!
Back at the hill, after a bit of debate they decided to pack it in for the day. Mark left and Ronald arrived just before Maurice's departure. I did some more ground handling with the Seed as Ronald climbed part way up the hill and took off. The wind seemed to have eased a bit so I piced up the Seed and made my way about half way up the hill with my BGD Wasp. Then the fun began. Despite the light wind now in the bottom landing area, the wind on the hill seemed hellbent on trying to see what variety of shapes it could put a paraglider into. At one stage I abandoned takeoff attempts in disgust and then as the wind seemed to have eased a little bit I took a quick trip to the top to check. Naturally the wind saw me coming and was 22mph gusting 27mph on top.
Meantime Ronald had taken off lower down and was soaring, although it looked like a bit of a rollercoaster. I walked down again and took off - only to be dumped on my back almost immediately. Sticking my hands up the wing came back overhead and I was airborne again! Managed soaring with Ronald but it was a case of getting lifted up then just as strong sink, then up again. I flew out towards the farm and over in the direction of the gate and started to go up again then down again, eventually landing by the car.
I had a Fairhaven audio vario with its velcro strap round a back riser. Unfortunately I forgot to attach the backup cord so that after landing I discovered the velcro was still there but the vario had gone! I had put down the lack of vario beep during the flight to a flat battery.
After landing to grab a bite to eat, our intrepid aviators, Maurice and Mark took to the air again, hving decided if they got a half decent thermal they would go with it. I'm sure my offer of a retrieve had nothing to do with it!
It wasn't long before they disappeared over the back. I called on the radio and Mark replied to say he had landed in the valley immediately over the back and Maurice had flown over his head. After setting off Maurice's car alarm in a fruitless search for the keys, I headed off in my own car and soon spotted Mark in a field by the road at the bottom of the hill. Maurice could still be seen high in the sky in the general direction of Slemish mountain.
After negotiating a few roads in that general direction I lost sight of Maurice as concentration on the road seemed more important. I stopped at the top of the Ballygelly Road and called Maurice on the radio. He had landed 'near Broughshane' he said, then sent his location on WhatsApp. Brilliant. Having grown up in that part of Co. Antrim, I knew the roads fairly well and was soon on the Creevamoy Road waiting for Maurice to dander down from his landing field.
While I was waiting, Kirsty Mowat rang looking for advice on replacing the side wires on her hang glider On the way back we picked up Mark who had been watching our progress on WhatsApp!
Back at the hill, after a bit of debate they decided to pack it in for the day. Mark left and Ronald arrived just before Maurice's departure. I did some more ground handling with the Seed as Ronald climbed part way up the hill and took off. The wind seemed to have eased a bit so I piced up the Seed and made my way about half way up the hill with my BGD Wasp. Then the fun began. Despite the light wind now in the bottom landing area, the wind on the hill seemed hellbent on trying to see what variety of shapes it could put a paraglider into. At one stage I abandoned takeoff attempts in disgust and then as the wind seemed to have eased a little bit I took a quick trip to the top to check. Naturally the wind saw me coming and was 22mph gusting 27mph on top.
Meantime Ronald had taken off lower down and was soaring, although it looked like a bit of a rollercoaster. I walked down again and took off - only to be dumped on my back almost immediately. Sticking my hands up the wing came back overhead and I was airborne again! Managed soaring with Ronald but it was a case of getting lifted up then just as strong sink, then up again. I flew out towards the farm and over in the direction of the gate and started to go up again then down again, eventually landing by the car.
I had a Fairhaven audio vario with its velcro strap round a back riser. Unfortunately I forgot to attach the backup cord so that after landing I discovered the velcro was still there but the vario had gone! I had put down the lack of vario beep during the flight to a flat battery.
Friday, May 11, 2018
Evening flight at Big Collin
After a windy day with some rain it looked like things had died down so I headed out to Big Collin around 7pm, mainly to have a look at the demo Skyman Cross Country L that Simon Murphy had arranged for Skyman to send after a customer had expressed an interest. Unfortunately when the wing arrived, that customer had already bought another wing and hadn't told me! Ah well!
The wind on the Collin was struggling to reach 8mph from the South. I rang Alastair McMaster to see if he fancied an evening paramotor flight. He arrived inside half an hour and watched as I flew the Skyman. The wing is very light with few lines and narrow risers. Reverse inflation in the light wind was so easy - it just floated up and sat there overhead..
Sunday, April 22, 2018
Windy Big Collin
Sat 21 April 2018
Mark Piggott was out early and got a flight but later reported that he had to use speedbar to stop getting blown over the back. There was a good turnout of pilots including Richard Stewart, Mickey Fleming, Uel Glendinning, Ken McConnell, Dermot Lagan, Martin Bates, Tony Conway, Alastair McMaster and, as most were leaving, Ronald Chudziak. Wind was far too strong and gusty for safe paragliding.
Ronald decided to free-fly his paramotor wing as it had more speed. He had a couple of successful soaring flights although suffering minor tip deflations a couple of times.
Having shoved my BGD Wasp into the stuffsack after flying at Dungiven yesterday, I repacked the Wasp properly at the bottom of the hill. Ronald had bottom landing by then and was packing up as I left.
Mark Piggott was out early and got a flight but later reported that he had to use speedbar to stop getting blown over the back. There was a good turnout of pilots including Richard Stewart, Mickey Fleming, Uel Glendinning, Ken McConnell, Dermot Lagan, Martin Bates, Tony Conway, Alastair McMaster and, as most were leaving, Ronald Chudziak. Wind was far too strong and gusty for safe paragliding.
Ronald decided to free-fly his paramotor wing as it had more speed. He had a couple of successful soaring flights although suffering minor tip deflations a couple of times.
Having shoved my BGD Wasp into the stuffsack after flying at Dungiven yesterday, I repacked the Wasp properly at the bottom of the hill. Ronald had bottom landing by then and was packing up as I left.
Saturday, April 21, 2018
Friday 20 April 2018
Strong wind in the morning but, joining up with Al McMaster we went to Dungiven in the late afternoon. Wind was strong and gusty - 15 - 22mph. After a while it eased a bit and we soon had pilots airborne, including Phil Barron, Al McMaster, Sean Glass, Billy Reed and Dermot Lagan. Graeme Moseley went for a drag when he lost his footing but I eventually brought things to a halt by grabbing a wingtip of his paraglider. No harm done, but he packed up and left the site soon after.
I had a very pleasant flight in patchy lift conditions - turn in lift and you climbed; then sink after. I eventually came in for a slope landing when the wind eased just as Dermot decided to take off across my approach line. But again no harm done as I flared hard and landed short of his takeoff path. Alastair had to turn out to stay clear of Dermot's takeoff and as a result landed at the bottom. Both Al and I spoke to Dermot afterwards to remind him of the need to do a complete pre-flight check including making sure that his takeoff would be clear of other paragliders.
When all had landed, either on the slope, on the top or at the bottom, the wind quite quickly died to less than soarable speed so, after Alastair had a paramotor flight out around the Dungiven area, we packed up and headed home. I was travelling with Al and was treated to some excellent barbecue food back at his place later.
I had a very pleasant flight in patchy lift conditions - turn in lift and you climbed; then sink after. I eventually came in for a slope landing when the wind eased just as Dermot decided to take off across my approach line. But again no harm done as I flared hard and landed short of his takeoff path. Alastair had to turn out to stay clear of Dermot's takeoff and as a result landed at the bottom. Both Al and I spoke to Dermot afterwards to remind him of the need to do a complete pre-flight check including making sure that his takeoff would be clear of other paragliders.
When all had landed, either on the slope, on the top or at the bottom, the wind quite quickly died to less than soarable speed so, after Alastair had a paramotor flight out around the Dungiven area, we packed up and headed home. I was travelling with Al and was treated to some excellent barbecue food back at his place later.
Thursday, April 05, 2018
Sunday 1 April 2018
Forecast looked reasonable for a taster day. I met Alan Dew and Ryan Trainor at Ballynure and from there we went to Skeagh. The wind was 10-12mph NNE so, after the usual preliminary paperwork and introductory information we got the kit out and headed part way up the hill. The wind was picking up now and again so the small Firebird Trainer was brought into use as ground handling can be practiced without the risk of the student becoming airborne. After the usual initial instinctive wrong actions were overcome, both students were able to do reverse inflation and keep the wing overhead. By 3:30pm the wind had increased to over 20mph so we stopped for the day.
Back at the cars we were having a chat when a Lycra-clad figure came into view running on the road from the Carnalbana direction. Turned out it was Ken McConnell who had flown from a site just north of Ballycoos to The Sheddings on the Ballymena to Carnlough road and was running back to Robin Young's car park to collect his car. He stopped for a chat and then went on his way before getting too cold.
Thursday 5 April 2018
Out at Big Collin. Whilst waiting for two students to arrive I went for two short soaring flights. It was quite thermic and both flights ended with slope landings. By the time my two students, Paul Cunningham and Gerry Johnston arrived the wind was picking up. Ken McConnell and Ian Cross were getting good height but Martin Bates decided to abandon attempts at aviation in the strengthening wind. Paul made a few excellent ground handling attempts but even in the landing area he was becoming airborne in the gusts. Gerry also abandoned any idea of flight. I had a long discussion with Paul on some theory before heading up the hill to retrieve my wind - BGD Wasp M.
Just as I was about to leave I got a message from a former club member and hang glider pilot, Dr Garth Logan, who was on his way to the hill for a chat. It was good to see him again after many years and we had a good catch-up session. After over 20 years here as a GP, it seems that he wanted a life and he's now a medic in the RAF and I confess to being a bit envious of his stories of flying in a variety of fast jets and tours of duty in the Falklands and other places. Garth is based in England but makes regular trips home and intends to be back flying with us again.
Back at the cars we were having a chat when a Lycra-clad figure came into view running on the road from the Carnalbana direction. Turned out it was Ken McConnell who had flown from a site just north of Ballycoos to The Sheddings on the Ballymena to Carnlough road and was running back to Robin Young's car park to collect his car. He stopped for a chat and then went on his way before getting too cold.
Thursday 5 April 2018
Out at Big Collin. Whilst waiting for two students to arrive I went for two short soaring flights. It was quite thermic and both flights ended with slope landings. By the time my two students, Paul Cunningham and Gerry Johnston arrived the wind was picking up. Ken McConnell and Ian Cross were getting good height but Martin Bates decided to abandon attempts at aviation in the strengthening wind. Paul made a few excellent ground handling attempts but even in the landing area he was becoming airborne in the gusts. Gerry also abandoned any idea of flight. I had a long discussion with Paul on some theory before heading up the hill to retrieve my wind - BGD Wasp M.
Just as I was about to leave I got a message from a former club member and hang glider pilot, Dr Garth Logan, who was on his way to the hill for a chat. It was good to see him again after many years and we had a good catch-up session. After over 20 years here as a GP, it seems that he wanted a life and he's now a medic in the RAF and I confess to being a bit envious of his stories of flying in a variety of fast jets and tours of duty in the Falklands and other places. Garth is based in England but makes regular trips home and intends to be back flying with us again.
Friday, March 09, 2018
Light wind training At Big Collin
First day in a long time that looked suitable for some paragliding training. I had three potential students who had indicated on my online calendar that they were available for a taster day. As I usually do, I texted them in the morning to meet at Corr's Corner car park which would be handy to all. Super keen Simon Martin beat me to it and was waiting as I arrived. We chatted and waited for the others but after 20mins I rang to see if there was a problem. There was! They were at work and hadn't bothered to tell me.
So - off Simon and I go to Big Collin site near Ballyclare meeting Martin Bates at the gate. The wind was less than 10mph mainly from the SSW but varying slightly as very light thermals came through. Simon turned out to be a natural - show him forward launch technique once and he had it nailed every time, He ended up having six good top to bottom flights with gentle turns and standup landings. This is one of them.
Martin and then Dermot Lagan also flew and Ken McConnell made a few paramotor flights before and after working with one of his students.
For his last flight Simon had a long wait as Ronald Chudziak was faffing about in the landing area with his paramotor that he eventually got sorted and took off after a few abortive attempts in the shifting wind.
When we left Dermot was heading up the hill for another flight; Ronald had landed and Ken was seen flying back from the Knockagh direction.
So - off Simon and I go to Big Collin site near Ballyclare meeting Martin Bates at the gate. The wind was less than 10mph mainly from the SSW but varying slightly as very light thermals came through. Simon turned out to be a natural - show him forward launch technique once and he had it nailed every time, He ended up having six good top to bottom flights with gentle turns and standup landings. This is one of them.
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| Simon gets ready |
Martin and then Dermot Lagan also flew and Ken McConnell made a few paramotor flights before and after working with one of his students.
For his last flight Simon had a long wait as Ronald Chudziak was faffing about in the landing area with his paramotor that he eventually got sorted and took off after a few abortive attempts in the shifting wind.
When we left Dermot was heading up the hill for another flight; Ronald had landed and Ken was seen flying back from the Knockagh direction.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Good soaring at Big Collin
Little wind and low cloud in the morning meant getting a few home chores done. Went out to Big Collin at lunchtime. Colin Dowey and Martin Bates were already there and Colin had been doing some ground handling part-way up the hill. Martin and I laid out our wings - Skywalk Tequila 4 and BGD Wasp M respectively - about half way up the hill. The three of us took off at various times and skimmed around.
When Brian Dawson arrived I went to the top with him and took off for a soaring flight as he got ready to fly his Firebird Raven M.
I top landed to give Brian a hand in the strengthening wind to untangle his paraglider lines.
Martin seemed to have mastered his ground handling and had a long soaring flight on his Skywalk wing, eventually going down to a tiptoe landing at the bottom.
Meantime Ian Cross arrived as well as Ken McConnell with a student. Everybody flew but the wind on top at times was hitting 20mph but mostly 16 - 18mph. Brian had an excellent soaring flight with a slightly out of wind top landing.
We eventually packed up around 5pm as the wind was dying off and Ken's student had just bottom landed as I left.
[All photos courtesy of Shauna Duggan ]
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| Bertie and Martin |
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| BK - Mowenpik airbag reversible harness |
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| BK on Wasp M |
I top landed to give Brian a hand in the strengthening wind to untangle his paraglider lines.
Martin seemed to have mastered his ground handling and had a long soaring flight on his Skywalk wing, eventually going down to a tiptoe landing at the bottom.
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| Martin on the Tequila 4 |
Meantime Ian Cross arrived as well as Ken McConnell with a student. Everybody flew but the wind on top at times was hitting 20mph but mostly 16 - 18mph. Brian had an excellent soaring flight with a slightly out of wind top landing.
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| Brian on the Raven M |
We eventually packed up around 5pm as the wind was dying off and Ken's student had just bottom landed as I left.
[All photos courtesy of Shauna Duggan ]
Sunday, February 18, 2018
Saturday 17 FEb 2018 - Good day at Dungiven
Some low cloud in the morning but I had a taster day planned for a newcomer. Then he called off so, despite the scudding clouds overhead I decided on a run out to Dungiven anyway. Of course getting there was not so simple since the Roads Service in their wisdom had closed the main road from Toome to the Castledawson roundabout. With all traffic now on the diversionary route progress was slow but steady. At the Castledawson roundabout I noticed a car behind me with a familiar-looking long package on the roof - it was Donal Hamilton with his hang glider.
Sniffing the wind at Dungiven west, which was gusting to 20mph+, Donal started to rig his hang glider. I took out my demo BGD Wasp M for an airing and was approached by a spectator who enquired if he could fly his drone to film some flying. We had a discussion about safety, flight paths etc and he returned to his pickup truck to prepare his drone. By the time I got ready, the wind would give us a lull to 15-16mph so, taking advantage of one of these I took off.
Well - I say I took off but in truth the paraglider took off, lifting me whilst I was still facing it in the reverse launch position. Don't panic; fly the glider; and a quick wiggle spun me round to face the right way as the wing hoisted me skywards. The drone pilot had put on his high visibility jacketLift was mostly smooth with the odd mild wobble here and there. After about 20mins boating around I began to lose feeling in my fingers, they were so cold even with a good pair of leather gloves. So I started a top landing approach, only to find lift all the way back to the top road leaving no option but to land well behind the top fence.
Arriving back at takeoff I met Davy Boyd who had arrived from Fermanagh. Davy's takeoff on his Firebird Raven was a copy of mine! The wind had dropped a bit and Davy gradually got lower until he disappeared towards the bottom landing area. See his starting point photo.
By this time, Donal had taken off on his hang glider and was cruising somewhere over Benbradagh whilst Davy was exploring the ridge round to Boviel. One of Phil Barron's former students, Stevie, had turned up and watched for a while.I took off for another flight . Lift was smooth all along and well out from the ridge. Donal had landed as the wind moderated a bit. Having packed up his hang glider he took out his new paraglider and started to prepare it for flight. It seemed to be taking such a long time with Davy looking as if he was helping now that he, too, had landed. In the meantime Stevie took off to join me on the ridge.
Eventually curiosity got the better of me and I came in to land beside them. Then the problem became clear - the lines on one side of Donal's paraglider had got themselves in the worst tangle I have seen in a long time. It took the three of us another good 20mins to get everything as it should be. By this time the wind had died off so Donal's paraglider flight consisted of an extended top to bottom flight with Davy doing retrieve. We packed up as darkness was falling and went home well pleased with a rare opportunity to go paragliding!
Sunday, February 04, 2018
Big Collin - no wind!
What is wrong with our weather - blowing a gale one day and calm the next? I headed for Big Collin encouraged by an ESE forecast. On the drive down Hillhead Road into Ballyclare I could see that the wind turbines on Big Collin were still. Probably turned off I said to myself. This notion was reinforced as I passed the solitary turbine by the bend at the foot of the Collin Road hill section - it was merrily turning and indicating a SE with maybe a bit more E in the direction.
Arriving at the hill I discovered that it was calm down by the lane and bottom landing area. Never mind, I thought, it will be flyable on top. Before I started to climb the hill, Al McMaster and Sam arrived. Sam demonstrated his flying skills with a small drone that he handled expertly whilst his dad got his paramotor organised.
I made my way to the top of the hill - slowly, as with advancing age the hill seems to be steeper and higher than it used to be. I thought hills got lower by erosion - but it probably takes a lot longer.
Of course the promised wind had gone. All was calm on top with the very occasional tickle from the ESE for a few seconds and then it was gone. I laid out my Firebird F1rst M wing - one that I use for training - and then heard the roar of a two-stroke engine from below. Alastair had a couple of attempts at forward launch before succeeding a the third attempt. Strangely, although he had started his run each time facing into the very light whisper of wind indicated by the trembling windsock, the wing tended to drop off to the left on inflation and his successful takeoff had him almost running uphill to stay with the wing.
Up on top, things were little better. I had three abortive attempts to inflate the wing and reach flying speed with the wing taking a dive off to one side or the other. Deciding that the old legs were not capable of accelerating to flying speed on the gentle top of the hill slope, I made a short hop to just below the top where the slope was steep. That helped with the acceleration and I made a clean takeoff, followed by a few beats along the hill and a standup landing by Al's van. He had landed and packed up while I was faffing about on top.
I packed up as Al and Sam were leaving and was joined by a small friendly dog. Shortly after the dog's lady owner who had been out for a walk with the dog, arrived. She surprisingly understood that paragliders need wind to soar and warned me not to open my car door as I would have an involuntary muddy-footed passenger!
I took a drive round to the windfarm and admired the distant view of a sunlit Slemish mountain before heading home.
Arriving at the hill I discovered that it was calm down by the lane and bottom landing area. Never mind, I thought, it will be flyable on top. Before I started to climb the hill, Al McMaster and Sam arrived. Sam demonstrated his flying skills with a small drone that he handled expertly whilst his dad got his paramotor organised.
I made my way to the top of the hill - slowly, as with advancing age the hill seems to be steeper and higher than it used to be. I thought hills got lower by erosion - but it probably takes a lot longer.
Of course the promised wind had gone. All was calm on top with the very occasional tickle from the ESE for a few seconds and then it was gone. I laid out my Firebird F1rst M wing - one that I use for training - and then heard the roar of a two-stroke engine from below. Alastair had a couple of attempts at forward launch before succeeding a the third attempt. Strangely, although he had started his run each time facing into the very light whisper of wind indicated by the trembling windsock, the wing tended to drop off to the left on inflation and his successful takeoff had him almost running uphill to stay with the wing.
Up on top, things were little better. I had three abortive attempts to inflate the wing and reach flying speed with the wing taking a dive off to one side or the other. Deciding that the old legs were not capable of accelerating to flying speed on the gentle top of the hill slope, I made a short hop to just below the top where the slope was steep. That helped with the acceleration and I made a clean takeoff, followed by a few beats along the hill and a standup landing by Al's van. He had landed and packed up while I was faffing about on top.
I packed up as Al and Sam were leaving and was joined by a small friendly dog. Shortly after the dog's lady owner who had been out for a walk with the dog, arrived. She surprisingly understood that paragliders need wind to soar and warned me not to open my car door as I would have an involuntary muddy-footed passenger!
I took a drive round to the windfarm and admired the distant view of a sunlit Slemish mountain before heading home.
Friday, February 02, 2018
Another much needed fix!
Met Dermot Lagan at Dungiven W just after lunchtime. Wind was westerly but less than 5mph. Got my much loved Firebird Raven M out to do a bit of light wind ground handling. That must have been the magic sign because the wind gradually picked up to 14-16mph.
Meanwhile Brian Dawson had turned up and seemed to take a great interest in my wing. Beating him off, I took off and discovered lovely smooth lift all along the ridge. I was soon joined by Dermot who unbelieveably was flying without gloves - I had offered him a pair but he declined as he said he preferred the feel without gloves (no comment!). Although I was wearing good leather gloves my fingers became numb after about 15mins and I came in to top land.
Brian was waiting for me, with his interest in my Raven now up a notch and standing there with his brand new Gin harness now fitted with a reserve 'chute last night at the club repack, he was gloved and helmeted, so I had to offer him a flight.
Tom and Dermot concentrating
Despite not having more than a top to bottom flight on an EN A wing some time ago, he did a faultless reverse launch and climbed high in the sky to join Dermot who was clearly also enjoying himself over every part of the ridge. After a short while Brian came in to a good standup top landing, reporting that he was uncomfortable as he could not get fully sat into the harness. After an adjustment or two he was off again - comfortable this time and having a ball.
Since it was obvious that I was never going to get my paraglider back out of his clutches, I dug out one of my Firebird F1rst EN A wings from the back of my car and flew that. After we had all landed, Brian produced a chasecam setup that he had made. It consisted of a £20 Hero copy, a strip of aluminium, a large Coke bottle and the circular rim from the lid of a large 'tin' of sweets. With it attached to one of the C riser tabs on my wing I took off. The chasecam worked perfectly and stayed steady in the airflow. The only snag was that the suspension line for the chasecam was a fair bit on the short side. But the concept was proved and will only need a longer suspension line next time.
With the wind now increasing we packed up. My beloved Raven somehow found its way into Brian's rucksack along with his harness. I expect it will give Brian many more hours of happy airtime - just as soon as I get the cheque!
Meanwhile Brian Dawson had turned up and seemed to take a great interest in my wing. Beating him off, I took off and discovered lovely smooth lift all along the ridge. I was soon joined by Dermot who unbelieveably was flying without gloves - I had offered him a pair but he declined as he said he preferred the feel without gloves (no comment!). Although I was wearing good leather gloves my fingers became numb after about 15mins and I came in to top land.
Brian was waiting for me, with his interest in my Raven now up a notch and standing there with his brand new Gin harness now fitted with a reserve 'chute last night at the club repack, he was gloved and helmeted, so I had to offer him a flight.
Despite not having more than a top to bottom flight on an EN A wing some time ago, he did a faultless reverse launch and climbed high in the sky to join Dermot who was clearly also enjoying himself over every part of the ridge. After a short while Brian came in to a good standup top landing, reporting that he was uncomfortable as he could not get fully sat into the harness. After an adjustment or two he was off again - comfortable this time and having a ball.
Since it was obvious that I was never going to get my paraglider back out of his clutches, I dug out one of my Firebird F1rst EN A wings from the back of my car and flew that. After we had all landed, Brian produced a chasecam setup that he had made. It consisted of a £20 Hero copy, a strip of aluminium, a large Coke bottle and the circular rim from the lid of a large 'tin' of sweets. With it attached to one of the C riser tabs on my wing I took off. The chasecam worked perfectly and stayed steady in the airflow. The only snag was that the suspension line for the chasecam was a fair bit on the short side. But the concept was proved and will only need a longer suspension line next time.
With the wind now increasing we packed up. My beloved Raven somehow found its way into Brian's rucksack along with his harness. I expect it will give Brian many more hours of happy airtime - just as soon as I get the cheque!
Tuesday, January 09, 2018
First flight in 2018
Sunday 7 January 2018
Hardly any wind at home all morning but Aldergrove METAR showed light SE wind so after lunch I headed out to Big Collin. Just through the gate I met Eveleen McMaster and Sam heading home and we had a chat. On the hill I found Phil Barron with some students, Ken McConnell and Dermot Lagan as well as Walter Hoy and Al McMaster with their paramotors at the bottom of the hill.
Walter took off on his first flight on his new reflex wing and everything looked steady. Al and I had a chat while I piled on the insulation and boots. The walk up the hill seemed much steeper and longer than usual but I suppose the lying around and overeating during the Christmas period had something to do with it.
After a chat with Phil on the way up I eventually made it to the top where the wind was very light - less that 10mph. Ken managed to scratch around and squeaked in to a top landing. For the next half hour or so, after laying out my gear ready to go, Ken, Dermot and I had a blether before they took off. Both did soaring beats but did not get any height, gradually getting lower to land at the bottom.
I waited for a detectable increase in the very light wind and took off. I managed several soaring beats and, being mindful of Bruce Goldsmith's view that modern gliders perform better with brakes off, I tried that. Of course Bruce was right - it works and I was able to maintain height for more beats than I expected but eventually went down to land in nil wind in the normal bottom landing area. It was good to be in the air again after such a long layoff. Hoping for more flying in 2018.
Hardly any wind at home all morning but Aldergrove METAR showed light SE wind so after lunch I headed out to Big Collin. Just through the gate I met Eveleen McMaster and Sam heading home and we had a chat. On the hill I found Phil Barron with some students, Ken McConnell and Dermot Lagan as well as Walter Hoy and Al McMaster with their paramotors at the bottom of the hill.
Walter took off on his first flight on his new reflex wing and everything looked steady. Al and I had a chat while I piled on the insulation and boots. The walk up the hill seemed much steeper and longer than usual but I suppose the lying around and overeating during the Christmas period had something to do with it.
After a chat with Phil on the way up I eventually made it to the top where the wind was very light - less that 10mph. Ken managed to scratch around and squeaked in to a top landing. For the next half hour or so, after laying out my gear ready to go, Ken, Dermot and I had a blether before they took off. Both did soaring beats but did not get any height, gradually getting lower to land at the bottom.
I waited for a detectable increase in the very light wind and took off. I managed several soaring beats and, being mindful of Bruce Goldsmith's view that modern gliders perform better with brakes off, I tried that. Of course Bruce was right - it works and I was able to maintain height for more beats than I expected but eventually went down to land in nil wind in the normal bottom landing area. It was good to be in the air again after such a long layoff. Hoping for more flying in 2018.
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