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!