Thursday 15th September 2016
No wind and very low cloud this morning but as the cloud slowly lifted I went out to Big Collin. The hill was by then clear of cloud and the wind was off to the S and 12-15mph at takeoff. I had a quick flight with a few soaring beats before slope landing after my student Keith McGeown arrived. We then got Keith airborne for a similar flight but as the wind went more westerly we left for Agnew's Hill.
More success there. At Agnew's west the wind was spot on for direction and a bit on the strong side at times on top. but mainly 14-16mph. Keith had a ball. He soared on his first flight and inadvertently top landed under full control - maybe just to show me! He followed that up with four more flights semi-soaring and doing big ears and rear riser steering when he headed out for his spot landings at the bottom.
We wrapped up around 6pm just as the cloud was descending on to the hill. On the way down Shane's Hill road we could see cloud starting to fill the valley below - looked like quite a temperature inversion at work.
Friday, September 16, 2016
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Young's and Agnew's - no good.
Took student Keith McGeown out to Robin Young's Hill. On the way we could see that Agnew's Hill was covered in cloud. No surprise then to find Young's the same. We decided to wait to see if the cloud would clear and were joined by Dermot Lagan. Ian Cross rang from a cloud covered Sl Gallion.
We noticed after a while that the wind had moved more easterly so we went to Agnew's. No luck there either with cloud covering the hill so we gave up.
We noticed after a while that the wind had moved more easterly so we went to Agnew's. No luck there either with cloud covering the hill so we gave up.
Wednesday, September 07, 2016
Another 'no good' day.
Low cloud, light wind and drizzle yesterday (Tues).
Lovely sunny day with wind on the hill at Big Collin today (Wed). Windspeed on top 21mph gusting 37mph.
Crazy weather!
Lovely sunny day with wind on the hill at Big Collin today (Wed). Windspeed on top 21mph gusting 37mph.
Crazy weather!
Sunday, September 04, 2016
Dungiven - hoping!
On the strength of a favourable forecast I headed to Dungiven west. Ian Cross, Maurice McBride, Colin Dowey, Dave Tweedie, Ian Fraser, John Wallace, Tom Carson and Phil Barron were already there but nobody flying as rain showers were approaching and the wind was too light for soaring. Good to see pilots I hadn't seen for a while. We were kept entertained for a while by Phil flying his radio controlled drone.
Macedonian pilot Alex Velichkovski, now based in Letterkenny and his wife and child turned up. Alex is relatively inexperienced and was looking to get checked out with a view to getting BHPA CP Novice rating under the alternative entry system. Dave and I watched as he laid out his wing properly, then put on his harness and prepared to attach the risers without checking the harness and wing. I explained briefly about daily inspection and showed him how this was done. When looking over his harness I noticed, and remarked, that he did not have a reserve parachute. He said he would not be high enough for one to be any use. I explained that I had successfully deployed a reserve at 300ft and even on a straight top to bottom flight here he would be much higher than that, although the need to deploy would be most unlikely. He said he planned to get a reserve 'chute!
Alex's flight plan as agreed with Dave Tweedie was to fly to the bottom landing area doing necessary turns on the way. There was no windsock or other indicator in the landing field and he asked us if the wind would be in the same direction at the bottom. However he did not appear to know that wind direction could be found from drift over the ground. He did a good reverse inflation, turned and took off with about half brake applied all during his takeoff run. He flew into lift but followed the plan to fly down, overshooting the landing area and landing on his backside close to the fence by the lane further down the hill. No harm done.
As there seemed no sign of conditions changing, everybody else left - some going to White Mountain to see if conditions might be better there. After I got a 'phone call from Maurice to say that it looked flyable at White Mountain I was about to follow when Dermot Lagan and his wife arrived and the wind then picked up to around 10mph. We prepared to fly but the wind then died again. A couple of hours later conditions had not changed so we packed up and went home.
It seems that those who went to White Mtn did get some airtime in light thermals for a while.
Macedonian pilot Alex Velichkovski, now based in Letterkenny and his wife and child turned up. Alex is relatively inexperienced and was looking to get checked out with a view to getting BHPA CP Novice rating under the alternative entry system. Dave and I watched as he laid out his wing properly, then put on his harness and prepared to attach the risers without checking the harness and wing. I explained briefly about daily inspection and showed him how this was done. When looking over his harness I noticed, and remarked, that he did not have a reserve parachute. He said he would not be high enough for one to be any use. I explained that I had successfully deployed a reserve at 300ft and even on a straight top to bottom flight here he would be much higher than that, although the need to deploy would be most unlikely. He said he planned to get a reserve 'chute!
Alex's flight plan as agreed with Dave Tweedie was to fly to the bottom landing area doing necessary turns on the way. There was no windsock or other indicator in the landing field and he asked us if the wind would be in the same direction at the bottom. However he did not appear to know that wind direction could be found from drift over the ground. He did a good reverse inflation, turned and took off with about half brake applied all during his takeoff run. He flew into lift but followed the plan to fly down, overshooting the landing area and landing on his backside close to the fence by the lane further down the hill. No harm done.
As there seemed no sign of conditions changing, everybody else left - some going to White Mountain to see if conditions might be better there. After I got a 'phone call from Maurice to say that it looked flyable at White Mountain I was about to follow when Dermot Lagan and his wife arrived and the wind then picked up to around 10mph. We prepared to fly but the wind then died again. A couple of hours later conditions had not changed so we packed up and went home.
It seems that those who went to White Mtn did get some airtime in light thermals for a while.
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Saturday 27 August 2016 - Big Collin
Attending the club barbecue, organised by Phil Barron, at Benone was the plan. So, with a forecast SE wind it seemed that a flight at Big Collin before heading north would be a good start to the day. Hardly had the thought occurred to me than I got a text from Dermot Lagan who was already on site and reporting soarable wind. When I got there, Dermot could be seen ground handling at the top of the hill whilst at the bottom, Ken McConnell was busy instructing a student in the same art.
When I got the top the wind was slightly off to the East and varying between 14-16mph. I took off and got sink followed by lift followed by sink but, working the lifty bits, I managed to gain 100ft only to lose it again and did a slope landing just below the top.
The wind had picked up a bit and was now around 18mph most of the time with the odd slight lull. I took off again in one of these lulls into conditions that were a lot more boisterous, with lift well out towards the farm upwind plus associated sink. I managed ten minutes before I decided that I was not enjoying this very much and went down and landed near Ken and his student after a bit of a roller coaster approach.
Dermot wisely decided he did not want chucked around like that so he walked down and, after a chat with Ken and his student, I headed to Benone to join the party.
BARBEQUE
Well - what can I say! Phil Barron, his good lady wife Louise excelled themselves in laying on a barbeque, helped by a few friends, that would be hard to beat. A large gazebo with an extension had been constructed on the beach in case of bad weather and for sleeping accommodation if needed. Those who arrived early were treated to Phil's famous stews, brewed up on a gas burner while the barbeque was being fired up. The recipe for the stews is his trade secret so no point in asking, but taste delicious. Boxes of burgers, bags of baps, lettuce, tomato, onions, sauces, disposable bowls, plates, glasses etc were all there waiting.
Gradually more people started to arrive bearing bags of logs and wood offcuts, booze of various sorts and a firepit consisting of an old washing machine drum was lit. This worked extremely well and kept us warm well into the small hours of Sunday.
Once Gavin's big barbeque was ready, a steady stream of burgers, topped up with sauces etc started disappearing into baps and down hungry throats.
While all the preparations were going on, Al, Walter and Rory were zooming round the area on their paramotors. Gradually as the evening wore on, some people drifted away - particularly those who had children along or who had children at home to go back to. That left a hard core group huddled round the firepit, lashing back the drink and talking rubbish. One or two seemed to have a wee bit of a balance problem at times.
Strangely, the talk did not come round to paragliding until well after midnight. After 1:30am we were joined by four ladies from the nearby campsite who had decided to go for a run on their bicycles along the beach in the middle of the night. Like moths to a flame, they were attracted by the glow of the firepit and the waffling bodies gathered round it. After a bit of banter they left and the rest of us drifted off to sleep in cars, tents, vans or wherever around 3:30am.
Some five hours later, those of us who had stayed close to the action, helped to dismantle the gazebo, clear away the rubbish and generally leave the beach undisturbed.
Since the wind was on the hill, Dermot Lagan and I went up to takeoff. Wind was around 14-16mph with occasional gusts to 20mph. Since we were both semi-knackered from the late night and little sleep we thought it best to give flying a miss and headed home with our memories of a cracker event.
When I got the top the wind was slightly off to the East and varying between 14-16mph. I took off and got sink followed by lift followed by sink but, working the lifty bits, I managed to gain 100ft only to lose it again and did a slope landing just below the top.
The wind had picked up a bit and was now around 18mph most of the time with the odd slight lull. I took off again in one of these lulls into conditions that were a lot more boisterous, with lift well out towards the farm upwind plus associated sink. I managed ten minutes before I decided that I was not enjoying this very much and went down and landed near Ken and his student after a bit of a roller coaster approach.
Dermot wisely decided he did not want chucked around like that so he walked down and, after a chat with Ken and his student, I headed to Benone to join the party.
BARBEQUE
Well - what can I say! Phil Barron, his good lady wife Louise excelled themselves in laying on a barbeque, helped by a few friends, that would be hard to beat. A large gazebo with an extension had been constructed on the beach in case of bad weather and for sleeping accommodation if needed. Those who arrived early were treated to Phil's famous stews, brewed up on a gas burner while the barbeque was being fired up. The recipe for the stews is his trade secret so no point in asking, but taste delicious. Boxes of burgers, bags of baps, lettuce, tomato, onions, sauces, disposable bowls, plates, glasses etc were all there waiting.
Gradually more people started to arrive bearing bags of logs and wood offcuts, booze of various sorts and a firepit consisting of an old washing machine drum was lit. This worked extremely well and kept us warm well into the small hours of Sunday.
While all the preparations were going on, Al, Walter and Rory were zooming round the area on their paramotors. Gradually as the evening wore on, some people drifted away - particularly those who had children along or who had children at home to go back to. That left a hard core group huddled round the firepit, lashing back the drink and talking rubbish. One or two seemed to have a wee bit of a balance problem at times.
 | |||
| Dee down! |
Some five hours later, those of us who had stayed close to the action, helped to dismantle the gazebo, clear away the rubbish and generally leave the beach undisturbed.Since the wind was on the hill, Dermot Lagan and I went up to takeoff. Wind was around 14-16mph with occasional gusts to 20mph. Since we were both semi-knackered from the late night and little sleep we thought it best to give flying a miss and headed home with our memories of a cracker event.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Big Collin yet again!
Thur 25 August
Calm morning and didn't look like being worthwhile going out but I headed to Big Collin anyway after lunchtime. As half expected, the wind at the bottom was very light and variable between SE and S. At the top it was little better but making 4mph at times. While waiting for students to arrive I had a chat with a radio amateur who had set up a temporary station on the top and was chatting to others in the far south of Ireland as well as a Frenchman who called in.
Declan McGill then arrived and the wind had picked up a bit to 10-12mph. I took off on my Firebird Raven straight into lift and had a pleasant soaring flight for a while right above takeoff while chatting to Declan as he stood on the hill. I then came in for a top landing and reckoned it was smooth enough for a beginner.
We then got organised and Declan had two good flights top to bottom from 3/4 of the way up the hill followed by Paul Cunningham who also had two flights. By the time Paul had climbed up again and we were planning flights for them from the top the wind had picked up to 16-18mph. We waited - and waited. Dermot Lagan arrived and we waited again! But the wind had no notion of dying down and was over 20mph at times.
After we returned to the cars for a bite to eat, we got the Gin Zoom S paraglider that Paul had bought on Ebay, out for a look. It was in excellent condition and real bargain but too far advanced for a beginner. I did some ground handling with it, ending with a short flight from part way up the hill. It was noticeable that the wingtips had a tendency to tuck in any gusts when kiting but steadied up when under load after takeoff.
As the wind showed little sign of dying down we packed up and headed home.
Wed 24 August
IP student Pete Stevenson came out after a bit of a layoff. After a familiarisation flight on the Firebird F1rst L wing we got him ground handling and then airborne on his new Firebird Raven L. He loved it and ended up with a soaring flight and a top landing after a number of top to bottom flights and 3 slope landings. He topped all this by taking and passing his EP exam so now ready to get stuck into his CP Novice tasks.
Calm morning and didn't look like being worthwhile going out but I headed to Big Collin anyway after lunchtime. As half expected, the wind at the bottom was very light and variable between SE and S. At the top it was little better but making 4mph at times. While waiting for students to arrive I had a chat with a radio amateur who had set up a temporary station on the top and was chatting to others in the far south of Ireland as well as a Frenchman who called in.
Declan McGill then arrived and the wind had picked up a bit to 10-12mph. I took off on my Firebird Raven straight into lift and had a pleasant soaring flight for a while right above takeoff while chatting to Declan as he stood on the hill. I then came in for a top landing and reckoned it was smooth enough for a beginner.
We then got organised and Declan had two good flights top to bottom from 3/4 of the way up the hill followed by Paul Cunningham who also had two flights. By the time Paul had climbed up again and we were planning flights for them from the top the wind had picked up to 16-18mph. We waited - and waited. Dermot Lagan arrived and we waited again! But the wind had no notion of dying down and was over 20mph at times.
After we returned to the cars for a bite to eat, we got the Gin Zoom S paraglider that Paul had bought on Ebay, out for a look. It was in excellent condition and real bargain but too far advanced for a beginner. I did some ground handling with it, ending with a short flight from part way up the hill. It was noticeable that the wingtips had a tendency to tuck in any gusts when kiting but steadied up when under load after takeoff.
As the wind showed little sign of dying down we packed up and headed home.
Wed 24 August
IP student Pete Stevenson came out after a bit of a layoff. After a familiarisation flight on the Firebird F1rst L wing we got him ground handling and then airborne on his new Firebird Raven L. He loved it and ended up with a soaring flight and a top landing after a number of top to bottom flights and 3 slope landings. He topped all this by taking and passing his EP exam so now ready to get stuck into his CP Novice tasks.
Friday, August 19, 2016
Windy Gallion
Thurs 18 August
Calm at home all morning. Had to call with my sister in Magherafelt late pm so, since the wind seemed to be picking up from the east, I decided to have a look at Sl Gallion. Arriving at the east face and facing into wind, I noticed that opening the car door met with a bit of resistance. I had just got the car serviced the day before so a stiff door had nothing to do with it. Digging out my trusty wind meter and stepping out I soon discovered that the wind was 24mph gusting 27mph - car door closing strength and a bit too strong for even a mini-wing I thought. But since I didn't have a mini-wing I abandoned that thought and hung about for a while but with no sign of the wind dying off, the lure of a cooked meal at my sister's enticed me away.
Calm at home all morning. Had to call with my sister in Magherafelt late pm so, since the wind seemed to be picking up from the east, I decided to have a look at Sl Gallion. Arriving at the east face and facing into wind, I noticed that opening the car door met with a bit of resistance. I had just got the car serviced the day before so a stiff door had nothing to do with it. Digging out my trusty wind meter and stepping out I soon discovered that the wind was 24mph gusting 27mph - car door closing strength and a bit too strong for even a mini-wing I thought. But since I didn't have a mini-wing I abandoned that thought and hung about for a while but with no sign of the wind dying off, the lure of a cooked meal at my sister's enticed me away.
Sunday, August 14, 2016
No good
Went to Big Collin with a student Declan McGill on the strength of a forecast, to find that what little breath of wind there was came from the west - no good for this site. We then headed to Agnew's Hill West to find flat calm with occasional less than 2mph coming from every direction but mainly south! One of the turbines at Big Collin in the distance was slowly turning and continuing to indicate westerly wind there but it seems the energy it took to turn the turbine left nothing to travel on to Agnew's. After hanging around for a bit and no change in conditions, we went home.
Friday, August 05, 2016
Dungiven
Arriving at the hill around lunchtime the wind seemed a bit strong. Phil Barron and John Wallace had flown earlier and landed in rising wind - now 20mph as measured by Willie Kane. Noticing that the sky seemed to be lighter well upwind we decided to wait. Owen Rea and Gavin Rabbett turned up hoping to fly.
After a couple of hours the wind eased to 12-14mph and Gavin took off, followed by Owen and me. There was plenty of lift around and as the wind had backed slightly towards the south west I decided to head over to the headland over the road. It was quite choppy in a few places - but then the wind got stronger and I was at 800ft above takeoff and going backwards even with big ears and speed bar. There was nothing for it but to prepare for a top landing behind the headland. as I got lower and let off the speed bar and big ears I found I was descending vertically and this is how I landed. Meantime, Gavin and Owen who were lower and flying near takeoff managed to top land before it really picked up.
Putting the wing and harness in a stuffsack I walked to the front of the hill and took a wind reading - 22mph with prolonged gusts to 26mph. Definitely too strong to fly so I walked down to the road by the bridge. Willie kindly drove down and gave me a lift back to the car. There seemed no prospect of the wind dying down so we left.
Yesterday - Thursday - with a strong NNW wind on the beach at Benone, Martin Bates and I spent a cracking couple of hours with the X-Sails in the 18mph wind until the incoming tide stopped play. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWxF9a6j-sc&feature=youtu.be.
After a couple of hours the wind eased to 12-14mph and Gavin took off, followed by Owen and me. There was plenty of lift around and as the wind had backed slightly towards the south west I decided to head over to the headland over the road. It was quite choppy in a few places - but then the wind got stronger and I was at 800ft above takeoff and going backwards even with big ears and speed bar. There was nothing for it but to prepare for a top landing behind the headland. as I got lower and let off the speed bar and big ears I found I was descending vertically and this is how I landed. Meantime, Gavin and Owen who were lower and flying near takeoff managed to top land before it really picked up.
Putting the wing and harness in a stuffsack I walked to the front of the hill and took a wind reading - 22mph with prolonged gusts to 26mph. Definitely too strong to fly so I walked down to the road by the bridge. Willie kindly drove down and gave me a lift back to the car. There seemed no prospect of the wind dying down so we left.
Yesterday - Thursday - with a strong NNW wind on the beach at Benone, Martin Bates and I spent a cracking couple of hours with the X-Sails in the 18mph wind until the incoming tide stopped play. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWxF9a6j-sc&feature=youtu.be.
Monday, July 25, 2016
Yet another day at Big Collin
Sunday 24 July 2016
Five students were raring to go this morning but conditions did not look too promising. I went out to Big Collin to take a look anyway around lunchtime. The SE wind was a light 10-12mph occasionally 14mph on top but a succession of slow moving showers could be seen upwind. As a result three of the students elected to give it a miss but Paul Cunningham and Keith McGeown turned up in hope of getting a flight during a gap in the showers.
Keith managed two semi-soaring flights from the top - taking off in 15mph wind - slope landing on the first and a target landing by the windsock on the second. Paul had a flight from half way up, landing by the lane.Then the rains came.
After Paul did a bit of flying suit modelling and with no sign of the rain stopping, we left.
Five students were raring to go this morning but conditions did not look too promising. I went out to Big Collin to take a look anyway around lunchtime. The SE wind was a light 10-12mph occasionally 14mph on top but a succession of slow moving showers could be seen upwind. As a result three of the students elected to give it a miss but Paul Cunningham and Keith McGeown turned up in hope of getting a flight during a gap in the showers.
Keith managed two semi-soaring flights from the top - taking off in 15mph wind - slope landing on the first and a target landing by the windsock on the second. Paul had a flight from half way up, landing by the lane.Then the rains came.After Paul did a bit of flying suit modelling and with no sign of the rain stopping, we left.
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Another day at Big Collin
Met up with my CP student Keith McGeown at Big Collin. Wind was well round to the South and light down at the cars. Part way up the hill the wind was stronger but starting to get gusty. I called ATC and got clearance into Class D airspace to 3,000ft! Keith had a short top to bottom flight with good stand up landing but on climbing the hill again further up the wind was getting gustier and stronger - around 11-12mph gusting to 19 and 20mph at times.
When it eased a little bit I took off to explore conditions but it was a bit of a roller coaster and no place for a student. Students George Darragh and Paul Cunningham had arrived but since it was too gusty to fly we went over Daily Inspection, Site Assessment, Pre-flight checks and practice reverse launch procedures with the ground handling Firebird Trainer. This was a useful exercise as all managed to control the small wing well in the gusty wind without risking getting airborne or dragged. This is Keith having a go, with Paul and George watching:
I had another check flight on the small Firebird F1rst wing. Conditions were soarable but still moderately turbulent with a height gain of about 50ft enabling me to get in for a top landing.
Later we had to dive for shelter from a succession of light showers that swept through - then floating the wing in the air to dry it!
An attempt to ground handle the F1rst wing in the bottom landing area proved to be a wast of time due to the unpredictable gusts so we eventually called it a day after calling ATC again to report that we had finished activities on the hill. They were most appreciative of both calls.
Martin Bates also had a soaring flight on his Skywalk Chili wing in a rare less gusty spell.
When it eased a little bit I took off to explore conditions but it was a bit of a roller coaster and no place for a student. Students George Darragh and Paul Cunningham had arrived but since it was too gusty to fly we went over Daily Inspection, Site Assessment, Pre-flight checks and practice reverse launch procedures with the ground handling Firebird Trainer. This was a useful exercise as all managed to control the small wing well in the gusty wind without risking getting airborne or dragged. This is Keith having a go, with Paul and George watching:
I had another check flight on the small Firebird F1rst wing. Conditions were soarable but still moderately turbulent with a height gain of about 50ft enabling me to get in for a top landing.Later we had to dive for shelter from a succession of light showers that swept through - then floating the wing in the air to dry it!
An attempt to ground handle the F1rst wing in the bottom landing area proved to be a wast of time due to the unpredictable gusts so we eventually called it a day after calling ATC again to report that we had finished activities on the hill. They were most appreciative of both calls.
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
More parawaiting Tues 19 July 2016
Approaching Big Collin around lunchtime I could see a paraglider airborne. It turned out to be Ian Cross on his Sky wing but conditions looked a bit 'lumpy'. David Tomás Carpeño was just climbing the hill and stopped for a quick chat. Expecting two CP students, I decided to have a flight myself to check out conditions. As expected from the wind that was gusting 9-19mph half way up the hill, it was a bit of a roller coaster with pockets of lift everywhere including out to the farm in front. Having decided I'd had enough bouncing around I landed at the bottom just after David. Ian had already landed.
Gusty conditions continued for the rest of the day but Ian manfully provided the entertainment on his new Ozone Swift wing - on one occasion ascending rapidly vertically with no forward groundspeed at all. But he never reached the 5,000ft that he had been cleared to by Aldergrove ATC!
Dermot Lagan had turned up by then but wisely decided to stay on the ground - as did my two students, Gerry Johnston and Keith McGeown. When Ian had to leave, after getting an extension to sunset from ATC, conditions still did not improve so we passed the time with some paragliding theory discussion on various aspects such as site assessment and meteorology, trying to work out what was going on with the weather.
The wind was still gusting and switching rapidly from ESE to SSE and back to SE at times. Overhead and approaching scattered Cumulus clouds appeared to be shredded and never got fully formed. Meanwhile in the distance upwind was a large wave cloud with some Cumulus and Stratocumulus mixed in. The hot sun was certainly cooking up lots of thermals and the whole mix seemed to be contributing to the strong and gusty conditions. Eventually we decided that the gustiness was there to stay and we called it a day around 6:30pm after 'phoning ATC to let them know. Yet another day for the parawaiting logbook!!
Gusty conditions continued for the rest of the day but Ian manfully provided the entertainment on his new Ozone Swift wing - on one occasion ascending rapidly vertically with no forward groundspeed at all. But he never reached the 5,000ft that he had been cleared to by Aldergrove ATC!
Dermot Lagan had turned up by then but wisely decided to stay on the ground - as did my two students, Gerry Johnston and Keith McGeown. When Ian had to leave, after getting an extension to sunset from ATC, conditions still did not improve so we passed the time with some paragliding theory discussion on various aspects such as site assessment and meteorology, trying to work out what was going on with the weather.
The wind was still gusting and switching rapidly from ESE to SSE and back to SE at times. Overhead and approaching scattered Cumulus clouds appeared to be shredded and never got fully formed. Meanwhile in the distance upwind was a large wave cloud with some Cumulus and Stratocumulus mixed in. The hot sun was certainly cooking up lots of thermals and the whole mix seemed to be contributing to the strong and gusty conditions. Eventually we decided that the gustiness was there to stay and we called it a day around 6:30pm after 'phoning ATC to let them know. Yet another day for the parawaiting logbook!!
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Big Collin today
Early indications were that maybe Big Collin would be flyable although the Met Office low level wind chart was giving 20kts at 1,000ft. I should have heeded that. Wind on the hill turned out to be very gusty - mostly averaging 18-19mph but frequently gusting 13-26mph SSE. Another lovely day for a walk but no change in the wind so after an hour I went home.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Gusty
I went out to Agnew's Hill W in the hope of getting a couple of my students airborne. No good - wind gusting between 13 and 24mph by the lane at the bottom of the hill. Went for a walk on the hill for an hour - no change in the wind so I came home!
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Good day at Dungiven West
After speaking to Martin Bates who was heading to Mayobridge to join a couple of others there, I took Keith McGeown out with me to Dungiven W just after lunchtime. Wind looked strong and a bit gusty at home but we decided to take a chance. We were glad we did. Coming within sight of the hill we saw three paragliders up high. They turned out to be Ian Cross, Maurice McBride and Mark Piggott all jockeying for position in the hope of an XC flight although conditions were completely overcast and remained like that all day.
Colin Lown was at takeoff practicing his Mitsos launch technique (using A and C risers), Simon Finlay and Davy Boyd also got airborne. Wind was 10-12mph, occasionally 14mph. Gerry Johnston (CPN student) was getting ready to fly, so to check out conditions for him I took off on the Skyman Heartbeat M using a Cobra launch and quickly got into a good climb in a large smooth thermal marked by Maurice - Donal at this stage was high downwind and looked to be off on an XC (turned out later that he didn't get far, having to fly in and out of lift at cloudbase in decreasing visibility he turned back and landed within walking distance over the back road). I left the thermal at 800ft above takeoff and flew out into the valley to lose height before turning to top land in the usual spot.
Gerry had five soaring flights with attempts at slope landing on four of them and practice Big Ears when he got height. Keith, who had finished all his EP tasks last September felt confident enough to go for a soaring flight. He ended up having four excellent soaring flights following detailed flight planning and minimal radio guidance, achieving 3 good standup slope landings and one at the bottom landing area. Keith topped it all by passing his EP exam. Now ready for the rest of his CP Novice tasks.
It seems that there was good flying at Mayobridge and also at Magilligan today too.
Colin Lown was at takeoff practicing his Mitsos launch technique (using A and C risers), Simon Finlay and Davy Boyd also got airborne. Wind was 10-12mph, occasionally 14mph. Gerry Johnston (CPN student) was getting ready to fly, so to check out conditions for him I took off on the Skyman Heartbeat M using a Cobra launch and quickly got into a good climb in a large smooth thermal marked by Maurice - Donal at this stage was high downwind and looked to be off on an XC (turned out later that he didn't get far, having to fly in and out of lift at cloudbase in decreasing visibility he turned back and landed within walking distance over the back road). I left the thermal at 800ft above takeoff and flew out into the valley to lose height before turning to top land in the usual spot.
Gerry had five soaring flights with attempts at slope landing on four of them and practice Big Ears when he got height. Keith, who had finished all his EP tasks last September felt confident enough to go for a soaring flight. He ended up having four excellent soaring flights following detailed flight planning and minimal radio guidance, achieving 3 good standup slope landings and one at the bottom landing area. Keith topped it all by passing his EP exam. Now ready for the rest of his CP Novice tasks.
It seems that there was good flying at Mayobridge and also at Magilligan today too.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Too windy at Young's.
With a NE wind forecast and despite the Met Office low level wind chart promising 23mph at 1,000ft, I headed out to Robin Young's Hill anyway. Arriving as the only occupant of the car park the wind did not seem too strong so I headed up to the top takeoff with my paraglider. Wind was bang on the hill but seemed a bit too strong - confirmed by the windmeter that showed 20mph gusting 26mph at times. There was some lively looking cumulus around, mixed with bright sunshine. I texted my students to tell them not to bother making the journey.
I was soon joined by Dermot Lagan and we had a wander round the clifftop and round by Sallagh Bowl with Dermot, who hasn't soared Young's yet, getting some site assessment practice in. In the strong wind it was easy to demonstrate the rotor behind the cliff by throwing up a handful of dry grass and watching it swirl all over the place. We were entertained by a soaring buzzard in Sallagh Bowl and the views across by Ballygally Head to Scotland were crisp and clear. Apart from me getting a mild dig from an electric fence, we managed to sort out the EU Brexit argument in advance of the referendum next week!
After wandering about for over two hours it became apparent that the wind was not dying down and as it had now moved more Northerly there was no point in waiting so I had the rare privelege of carrying my kit back down to the car. A Northerly wind here generates severe turbulence on the NE facing hill.
I was soon joined by Dermot Lagan and we had a wander round the clifftop and round by Sallagh Bowl with Dermot, who hasn't soared Young's yet, getting some site assessment practice in. In the strong wind it was easy to demonstrate the rotor behind the cliff by throwing up a handful of dry grass and watching it swirl all over the place. We were entertained by a soaring buzzard in Sallagh Bowl and the views across by Ballygally Head to Scotland were crisp and clear. Apart from me getting a mild dig from an electric fence, we managed to sort out the EU Brexit argument in advance of the referendum next week!
After wandering about for over two hours it became apparent that the wind was not dying down and as it had now moved more Northerly there was no point in waiting so I had the rare privelege of carrying my kit back down to the car. A Northerly wind here generates severe turbulence on the NE facing hill.
Sunday, June 12, 2016
...and again!
Saturday 11 June. Mist and haze all morning and into the afternoon. I took a quick trip out to Big Collin more in hope than expectation around 4:30pm. The wind at the bottom was straight on the hill and just 5-6mph so it looked like a flight was 'on'. At the top the wind was varying from 12-18mph with some gusts. I took off in a slight lull and straight into good lift. Unfortunately that was followed by sink and the rest of the flight was the roller-coaster we sometimes see at the Collin. I put it down to wind shear because I was being bounced around in a headwind whilst the windsock by the car was only showing a gentle breeze. Anyway I landed ok by the car in hardly any wind. As soon as I finished packing, the rain came on.
On the way out the lane I noticed a dead sheep and 'phoned the farmer to let him know. He was a bit concerned as, having rounded up and checked all the sheep yesterday when we were there, he thought they were all ok.
On the way out the lane I noticed a dead sheep and 'phoned the farmer to let him know. He was a bit concerned as, having rounded up and checked all the sheep yesterday when we were there, he thought they were all ok.
Thursday, June 09, 2016
Big Collin again!
Dull and misty all morning. I went out to Big Collin where there was a 10-12mph SSE wind on the hill but with a low cloudbase. Being a bit optimistic I rang Aldergrove ATC for clearance in case by some miracle I got high enough to get into Class D airspace. The official number (9448 4282) was answered but I was quickly told they were too busy and they gave me another number to ring. That other number (9448 4281) was answered by a pleasant young lady who kept me on hold for a while then put me through to Simon Savage - I gather he is Operations Manager. Simon apologised, saying that this was the first time he had to deal with our LOA arrangements. Of course I told him it was my first LOA call too.
I explained that it was unlikely that we would infringe Class D because of the light wind and low cloudbase but was letting them know just in case and to check if ok. There was no problem and we were cleared to 3,000ft ASL until 6pm local time (which is when I said we would be finished).
Martin Bates amused himself practicing ground handling and low flights on his ancient Airwave Voodoo wing. I took the large Firebird Raven half way up the hill and took off. Lift was a bit intermittent - mostly little more than ground skimming - but I eventually managed to get enough height for a landing on the top. I walked down to where Martin was playing and we were joined by Ian Fraser and his brother who was on a visit from Iceland (the country - not the frozen food store in Glengormley!).
Ian managed a couple of low soaring flights before packing up to go and collect children from school. I took off into a surge of lift which continued out to the farm and approaching cloudbase, followed by sink but managed to scrape back to another top landing. I then flew down to try to land by the cars in the second layby but there was lift everywhere. I eventually landed in the usual bottom landing area nearer the gate.
I packed up the Raven and had another flight on the Skyman Heartbeat. After five minutes or so the wind eased and I landed by the cars around 4pm and 'phoned Aldergrove ATC to tell them we were leaving the site. About five minutes later while I was packing up, I could hear an aircraft hidden in the low cloud overhead on course towards Aldergrove!
Earlier in the day I had 'phoned Dermot Lagan who had bottom landed at Cregagh Hill but said that Tom Carson, Dave Tweedie, Maurice McBride and Colin Dowey were flying there.
I explained that it was unlikely that we would infringe Class D because of the light wind and low cloudbase but was letting them know just in case and to check if ok. There was no problem and we were cleared to 3,000ft ASL until 6pm local time (which is when I said we would be finished).
Martin Bates amused himself practicing ground handling and low flights on his ancient Airwave Voodoo wing. I took the large Firebird Raven half way up the hill and took off. Lift was a bit intermittent - mostly little more than ground skimming - but I eventually managed to get enough height for a landing on the top. I walked down to where Martin was playing and we were joined by Ian Fraser and his brother who was on a visit from Iceland (the country - not the frozen food store in Glengormley!).
Ian managed a couple of low soaring flights before packing up to go and collect children from school. I took off into a surge of lift which continued out to the farm and approaching cloudbase, followed by sink but managed to scrape back to another top landing. I then flew down to try to land by the cars in the second layby but there was lift everywhere. I eventually landed in the usual bottom landing area nearer the gate.
I packed up the Raven and had another flight on the Skyman Heartbeat. After five minutes or so the wind eased and I landed by the cars around 4pm and 'phoned Aldergrove ATC to tell them we were leaving the site. About five minutes later while I was packing up, I could hear an aircraft hidden in the low cloud overhead on course towards Aldergrove!
Earlier in the day I had 'phoned Dermot Lagan who had bottom landed at Cregagh Hill but said that Tom Carson, Dave Tweedie, Maurice McBride and Colin Dowey were flying there.
Tuesday, June 07, 2016
Monday 6 June 2016
Discovered wind on the hill at Big Collin again - but gusty. Windspeed at the top was varying between 16 and 20mph with a gust or two to 26mph. Down at the lane 8 gusting 14mph at times. No point in getting my student out in that. I had a new Large Firebird Raven for one of my students so decided to take a look at it and maybe do a little ground handling.
Having walked up about 10yds from the car I laid the wing out, did a daily inspection, clipped in and did a reverse inflation. All looked good so dropped the wing again. Second go at reverse inflation had me becoming involuntarily airborne resulting in a short rollercoaster soaring flight and landing back beside the car. I reckon the wing is ok for many happy hours flying!! Dermot Lagan arrived but wisely decided not to fly.
Knowing that Dave Tweedie had gone to Shane's Hill and reported 8-10mph wind there earlier, I headed round to Shane's, arriving just as Dave was putting his gear into the car. He had been able to soar - just - but not getting any height. We noticed a lamb that appeared to be ill, lying by the gate so, when Dave left I drove up the back lane where Sandy Magee, the farmer, and his team were clipping sheep and told him about the lamb. He thanked me and said he would take a look.
Having walked up about 10yds from the car I laid the wing out, did a daily inspection, clipped in and did a reverse inflation. All looked good so dropped the wing again. Second go at reverse inflation had me becoming involuntarily airborne resulting in a short rollercoaster soaring flight and landing back beside the car. I reckon the wing is ok for many happy hours flying!! Dermot Lagan arrived but wisely decided not to fly.
Knowing that Dave Tweedie had gone to Shane's Hill and reported 8-10mph wind there earlier, I headed round to Shane's, arriving just as Dave was putting his gear into the car. He had been able to soar - just - but not getting any height. We noticed a lamb that appeared to be ill, lying by the gate so, when Dave left I drove up the back lane where Sandy Magee, the farmer, and his team were clipping sheep and told him about the lamb. He thanked me and said he would take a look.
Sunday, June 05, 2016
Quick evening session at Slieve Gallion
Saturday 4th June. After chasing the wind - what little there was - I called at Robin Young's to find a very light wind coming and going and well off to the east. Whilst debating the possibility that Agnew's might work, I got a text from Uel Glendinning who was at Sl Gallion to say that there was a nice 10mph wind bang on the easterly small ridge.
I headed over to join Uel, letting my EP student Paul Cunningham know as he lives in nearby Maghera. Paul joined us on the hill just before 5pm just after paramotor pilot Chris Stockdale had a quick top to bottom flight on his paramotor wing (without the paramotor) as I was preparing the Skyman Heartbeat for a flight. I managed to get quite a few beats in before the wind eased and I, too, ended up at the bottom. Fortunately the ridge there is not that high so a walk back up is not too bad.
Paul got organised with the small Firebird F1rst and, after a bit of getting used to ground handling in a stronger wind - up to 14mph at times - he had three very good top to bottom flights with standup landings.
I headed over to join Uel, letting my EP student Paul Cunningham know as he lives in nearby Maghera. Paul joined us on the hill just before 5pm just after paramotor pilot Chris Stockdale had a quick top to bottom flight on his paramotor wing (without the paramotor) as I was preparing the Skyman Heartbeat for a flight. I managed to get quite a few beats in before the wind eased and I, too, ended up at the bottom. Fortunately the ridge there is not that high so a walk back up is not too bad.
Paul got organised with the small Firebird F1rst and, after a bit of getting used to ground handling in a stronger wind - up to 14mph at times - he had three very good top to bottom flights with standup landings.
Friday, June 03, 2016
Good day's training at Big Collin
Although the wind was light and variable from zero to 8mph we had a good day on the hill. John Kelly and Colin McQuaid were out for a taster day and Paul Cunningham was on his first EP training day. The light and variable wind - mostly on the hill or off a bit - still allowed lots of forward launch practice for all three.
When all three were well practiced and had a rest we started moving up the hill. By the end of the day Paul had flve flights from near the top of the hill with Colin and John flying from half way up. All three made good forward launches with good inflight control under radio guidance and good stand up landings at the bottom.
Martin Bates and Dermot Lagan also flew from the top a number of times. Tom Carson and Colin Dowey called by then went and got some airtime at Shane's Hill and Agnew's.
When all three were well practiced and had a rest we started moving up the hill. By the end of the day Paul had flve flights from near the top of the hill with Colin and John flying from half way up. All three made good forward launches with good inflight control under radio guidance and good stand up landings at the bottom.
Martin Bates and Dermot Lagan also flew from the top a number of times. Tom Carson and Colin Dowey called by then went and got some airtime at Shane's Hill and Agnew's.
Saturday, May 28, 2016
Another good day at Big Collin!
Initially the wind was quite strong and just slightly E of SE but with
little lift. I had a short top to bottom flight as my first student
arrived. Students practiced their reverse launch ground handling
initially. Got Taster student Declan McGill ground handling then three good flights getting higher each time and all standup landings. CP student Gerry Johnston also flew for the first time in 6 months having been off with a health glitch. Dermot Lagan showed how ground handling should be done and also had a number of flights top to bottom as did Martin Bates on his single surface Niviuk Skin wing.
It seems that there was some reasonable flying at Agnew's Hill underneath the new Class D airspace, with rarely seen Mark Gibson and Richard Stewart getting some airtime with Colin Dowey and Tom Carson. It was also good to hear that former club member and excellent pilot John McNamee also put in an appearance with a view to getting back into the sport after an absence of five years!
It seems that there was some reasonable flying at Agnew's Hill underneath the new Class D airspace, with rarely seen Mark Gibson and Richard Stewart getting some airtime with Colin Dowey and Tom Carson. It was also good to hear that former club member and excellent pilot John McNamee also put in an appearance with a view to getting back into the sport after an absence of five years!
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Good day at Big Collin yesterday (Tues).
More ground handling with Willie Armstrong and Paul Cunningham in slightly gusty ESE wind - not the best direction for flying Big Collin but ok for ground handling. Martin Bates joined us for a while. Paul managed one short hop before the wind went Easterly and we stopped.
Sunday, May 22, 2016
Promised something but delivered little.
Took EP student Gintaras Jakutis out to Agnew's West around lunchtime when it looked as if the showers might stay away and the wind remained light. Arriving there, we found the wind spot on and around 7-8mph - just nice. After the usual thorough daily inspection, GT (as he is known) got plenty of practice in at reverse inflations and turn for launch as well as repeated pre-flight checks.
There was a lot of towering Cu clouds around and it wasn't long before the wind became gusty and variable in direction although overall wind strength never got above 12mph but momentarily fell to 2 in lulls. GT still managed to control the wing in the gusts but then the wind swung round to the NW and stayed there as some light spots of rain arrived. After some discussion on various items of paragliding theory, we called it a day.
There was a lot of towering Cu clouds around and it wasn't long before the wind became gusty and variable in direction although overall wind strength never got above 12mph but momentarily fell to 2 in lulls. GT still managed to control the wing in the gusts but then the wind swung round to the NW and stayed there as some light spots of rain arrived. After some discussion on various items of paragliding theory, we called it a day.
Saturday, May 14, 2016
Gusty wind day!
Yesterday (Friday 13th) I took paragliding taster students Paul Cunningham and Declan McGill to
Skeagh on the strength of a favourable forecast despite calm conditions
at home. Arriving at Skeagh we discovered that the NE wind was gusting
up to 18mph - too rough for even the Firebird Trainer.
With nothing better to do we went round to Robin Young's where it was just as gusty at the car park. After a chat to one of the radio control model flyers who was still in his car having reckoned it too gusty even for his model, we went down to the bottom landing area to show the newcomers a bit about the site.
We had only been there a few minutes when the landowner, Campbell Tweed arrived in his car to check out who we were. He was content when he recognised me and we had a short chat before he headed off. It seems there had been a bit of sheep stealing in Co. Antrim recently but we were innocent of any such suspicion!
Although still gusty, the wind was a good bit lighter so Paul and Declan were able to get a good bit of reverse launch ground handling before we called it a day after 5pm. Incidentally, Declan's father-in-law is Terry Moseley, former UHPC hang glider pilot and UHPC secretary and prominent in astronomy circles.
With nothing better to do we went round to Robin Young's where it was just as gusty at the car park. After a chat to one of the radio control model flyers who was still in his car having reckoned it too gusty even for his model, we went down to the bottom landing area to show the newcomers a bit about the site.
We had only been there a few minutes when the landowner, Campbell Tweed arrived in his car to check out who we were. He was content when he recognised me and we had a short chat before he headed off. It seems there had been a bit of sheep stealing in Co. Antrim recently but we were innocent of any such suspicion!
Although still gusty, the wind was a good bit lighter so Paul and Declan were able to get a good bit of reverse launch ground handling before we called it a day after 5pm. Incidentally, Declan's father-in-law is Terry Moseley, former UHPC hang glider pilot and UHPC secretary and prominent in astronomy circles.
Saturday, May 07, 2016
Blustery day at Skeagh again.
Yesterday (Friday) at Skeagh looked promising. Newcomers Willie Armstrong and Paul Cunningham on their first day were raring to go. The wind initially was northerly and a reasonable 10-12mph. With the BHPA required paperwork completed, we got set up on the lower slopes for the usual introductory daily inspection and ground handling among other basic explanations. I had noticed that the wind was now becoming a bit gusty and this was confirmed when I demonstrated ground handling with the medium Firebird F1rst wing - far too much of a handful for beginners.
So the secret weapon was deployed - the small Firebird Trainer. Both Willie and Paul had initial difficulty with reverse inflation and control but by concentrating on what they were doing right and encouragement for getting more things right, eventually both managed to keep the twitching wing overhead. As the afternoon wore on the wind and gusts increased. Martin Bates and Dermot Lagan joined us but by then the wind on top was 20mph. After a battle to keep his lightweight Skin wing from wrapping itself up on the ground, Martin had a short hop from half way down the hill. Dermot wisely decided not to fly and both of them left.
Shortly after they left, Willie Kane appeared - he had been working in the area and came up for a chat. Down at the bottom the wind was still gusty and increasing at times to 18-20mph. We called it a day and two happy chappies looking forward to more action on a better day.
So the secret weapon was deployed - the small Firebird Trainer. Both Willie and Paul had initial difficulty with reverse inflation and control but by concentrating on what they were doing right and encouragement for getting more things right, eventually both managed to keep the twitching wing overhead. As the afternoon wore on the wind and gusts increased. Martin Bates and Dermot Lagan joined us but by then the wind on top was 20mph. After a battle to keep his lightweight Skin wing from wrapping itself up on the ground, Martin had a short hop from half way down the hill. Dermot wisely decided not to fly and both of them left.
Shortly after they left, Willie Kane appeared - he had been working in the area and came up for a chat. Down at the bottom the wind was still gusty and increasing at times to 18-20mph. We called it a day and two happy chappies looking forward to more action on a better day.
Picture shows Willie, Paul and Martin.
Friday, April 22, 2016
Skeagh on Thursday
New EP student George joined me at lunchtime for a trip to Skeagh to start training. A few miles down the road I remembered that I had forgotten to put the large Firebird F1rst wing in the car! Doh! A quick nip back home to collect and we were on our way again. Arriving at Skeagh we found Dermot Lagan and Martin Bates had beaten us to it. They had hoped to fly Robin Young's Hill but the wind was too far off to the north.
Wind was gusting 12-16mph which was too strong for first day ground handling of a large wing. So the small Firebird Trainer was pressed into service. After the usual initial overcontrol, George eventually mastered the beast in less than ideal conditions.
See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGdi0C3dcr4.
Meanwhile, Martin wrestled with the Niviuk Skin which, being single surface and so light, turned out to be a bit of a handful but eventually tamed. Dermot, whose ground handling is excellent, flew from the top when a lull in the gusts allowed for a neat takeoff.
We called it quits around 5pm as the wind showed no sign of easing and all that ground handling was tiring.
Wind was gusting 12-16mph which was too strong for first day ground handling of a large wing. So the small Firebird Trainer was pressed into service. After the usual initial overcontrol, George eventually mastered the beast in less than ideal conditions.
See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGdi0C3dcr4.
Meanwhile, Martin wrestled with the Niviuk Skin which, being single surface and so light, turned out to be a bit of a handful but eventually tamed. Dermot, whose ground handling is excellent, flew from the top when a lull in the gusts allowed for a neat takeoff.
We called it quits around 5pm as the wind showed no sign of easing and all that ground handling was tiring.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Quick evening flights
With little or no wind all day I got caught up on some chores at home. Then Tom Carson rang - he was at a course in Belfast and just happened to have his paraglider with him and was thinking of a flight after 5pm. Needing a breath of fresh air, I headed to Big Collin with no great expectation, having texted Dermot Lagan who had been enquiring earlier.
Arriving at the hill I found the wind straight on but very light. A climb to the top did not reveal any increase in the wind which varied between 3 and 8mph. I amused myself ground handling and practicing the Cobra launch technique. I was soon joined by Dermot and then by Tom. The wind did occasionally gust briefly to 10-12mph. I managed two semi soaring flights, trying to work small blobs of lift drifting up the hill but as there was nothing big enough to get a complete turn in, I ended up landing by the car at the bottom.
Being in need of some exercise I popped the wing and harness into a stuffsack and climbed to the top again where Tom was doing a bit of ground handling. I showed him how I did the Cobra launch and of course he put my earlier failures to shame by completing a Cobra inflation spot on the first time he tried it!
We all flew down with no more success at staying up but able to prolong the descent a fair bit by chasing light blobs of lift. All landed safely near the cars and we packed up and left around 7pm.
Arriving at the hill I found the wind straight on but very light. A climb to the top did not reveal any increase in the wind which varied between 3 and 8mph. I amused myself ground handling and practicing the Cobra launch technique. I was soon joined by Dermot and then by Tom. The wind did occasionally gust briefly to 10-12mph. I managed two semi soaring flights, trying to work small blobs of lift drifting up the hill but as there was nothing big enough to get a complete turn in, I ended up landing by the car at the bottom.
Being in need of some exercise I popped the wing and harness into a stuffsack and climbed to the top again where Tom was doing a bit of ground handling. I showed him how I did the Cobra launch and of course he put my earlier failures to shame by completing a Cobra inflation spot on the first time he tried it!
We all flew down with no more success at staying up but able to prolong the descent a fair bit by chasing light blobs of lift. All landed safely near the cars and we packed up and left around 7pm.
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Another windy day
Grasping at straws - headed out to Skeagh with Steve McCabe for his first day. Although it did look a bit windy when leaving home, the hope was that we could at least get some ground handling done with the small Firebird Trainer. However on arrival at the parking place the wind was NNW 20mph and gusting!- too strong and gusty even for the Trainer. We hung around for a little while but gave up in the end as there was no sign of conditions improving.
Saturday, April 09, 2016
UHPC Annual Dinner Fri 8 April 2016
A good time was had by all at the Templeton Hotel, Templepatrick last night. The whole thing was very well organised by Eveleen McMaster and the food and service were excellent. Old hands and new joined in the craic and banter but some regulars we meet on the hills were missed - maybe next time.
Colin Lown did MC for the prize giving. Maurice McBride again won the shield for coming top in the XC League but there were no entries from the diminishing hang gliding side. Eveleen had also organised a draw for prizes which were won by Ian Fraser, Jennifer Bates and Tom Carson.
The last stragglers were leaving close to midnight - all well fed and watered!
Today (Saturday) I took a trip out to Big Collin. Sites Officer Alastair McMaster had done a great job filling in the potholes at the gate and along the lane. The wind was initially SW with sun and scattered Cu. Then a massive bank of black cloud with what looked like rain slowly started approaching from the East whilst the wind on the hill was SW! Eventually the black cloud arrived and the wind swung SE - but no chance of a flight as a blizzard came on and the hill turned white in a short time! Another typical flying day. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_MecUgbv1w.
Colin Lown did MC for the prize giving. Maurice McBride again won the shield for coming top in the XC League but there were no entries from the diminishing hang gliding side. Eveleen had also organised a draw for prizes which were won by Ian Fraser, Jennifer Bates and Tom Carson.
The last stragglers were leaving close to midnight - all well fed and watered!
Today (Saturday) I took a trip out to Big Collin. Sites Officer Alastair McMaster had done a great job filling in the potholes at the gate and along the lane. The wind was initially SW with sun and scattered Cu. Then a massive bank of black cloud with what looked like rain slowly started approaching from the East whilst the wind on the hill was SW! Eventually the black cloud arrived and the wind swung SE - but no chance of a flight as a blizzard came on and the hill turned white in a short time! Another typical flying day. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_MecUgbv1w.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Agnew's West again.
Student Pete Stevenson managed to get two good flights in 10-12mph westerly before the wind swung to the north and died. Martin Bates had a shortish soaring flight from the top on his Niviuk Skin wing.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Stole a gap in the showers!
Student Pete Stevenson got in some valuable ground handling in gusty conditions at Agnew's Hill west this afternoon. Wind was varying between 12 and 18mph. The small Firebird Trainer wing is a bit of a handful in such conditions but he succeeded in taming it. When a short shower came through we adjourned to the classroom (my car!) where we had a useful discussion on various aspects of paragliding theory. For most of the afternoon we watched large slow moving showers moving in the distance north and south of us, leaving 'our' hill in the clear but for the one light shower.
Monday, March 21, 2016
Good day at Dungiven
Some good flying at Dungiven W this afternoon. Jim Rainey was in the air as I arrived. Phil Barron and Dermot Lagan had flown. Phil and Jim left soon after for other engagements leaving Dermot and me to carry on.
That seemed to be the cue for the wind to pick up with sharp instant gusts 9 - 20mph coming through. I tried ground handling in this but the lightweight Skyman Heartbeat wing was a real handful, tending to leap about on the ground and a small tug on the risers resulted in the wing instantly flying up overhead and beyond and then tucking after briefly lifting me on the way and dropping me again!
We waited and were eventually rewarded by the wind dropping to a manageable 12-14mph for takeoff around 4pm. I had a couple of good soaring flights, discovering that the wind at height was more NW and noticing that smoke from a fire across the valley was showing a consistent N wind! Lift was more or less everywhere and mostly smooth with the occasional wobble. Approach to top landings was smooth. Dermot had another flight as I was getting ready to pack up.
That seemed to be the cue for the wind to pick up with sharp instant gusts 9 - 20mph coming through. I tried ground handling in this but the lightweight Skyman Heartbeat wing was a real handful, tending to leap about on the ground and a small tug on the risers resulted in the wing instantly flying up overhead and beyond and then tucking after briefly lifting me on the way and dropping me again!
We waited and were eventually rewarded by the wind dropping to a manageable 12-14mph for takeoff around 4pm. I had a couple of good soaring flights, discovering that the wind at height was more NW and noticing that smoke from a fire across the valley was showing a consistent N wind! Lift was more or less everywhere and mostly smooth with the occasional wobble. Approach to top landings was smooth. Dermot had another flight as I was getting ready to pack up.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Training at Skeagh
Lovely sunny day with some thermal activity. My two EP students, Pete Stevenson and Gintaras Jakutis had a ball for a while. Pete had eight flights from the top, with standup landings by the windsock on most of them. Variable wind put him off course on a couple of flights. Gintaras (known as GT) still has some trouble with reverse launches and involuntary braking for takeoff but improved with practice and got two top to bottom flights - one with a 'bum' landing but no harm done.
Activity was abandoned around 2:30pm when the northerly wind began gusting 9 - 21mph. Dermot Lagan had arrived for a look but wisely decided to keep his wing in its bag.
Activity was abandoned around 2:30pm when the northerly wind began gusting 9 - 21mph. Dermot Lagan had arrived for a look but wisely decided to keep his wing in its bag.
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Robin Young's Hill
Another day with little to offer by way of flying. At the top takeoff at Robin Young's the wind was on the hill but varying between 4 and 12mph. When it picked up a little I took off and turned to fly along the cliff. I didn't get enough initial lift and flew along the top of the front ridge. There was very little lift - barely maintaining and close to landing. when I flew off the end of the front ridge and back towards the cliff bowl I was still only maintaining height.
I then turned to fly along the front ridge lower down - 172ft below takeoff. Surprisingly I was able to maintain height and by staying in close managed to gain enough height to get back and turn into wind to land by the car park. I guess the glide at speed of the Skyman Heartbeat I was flying, saved the day.
The radio control model flyers were out but not enough wind for them by that stage. The wind later went north and got very gusty - measured 8 gusting 17mph at the lower takeoff. No more flying.
I then turned to fly along the front ridge lower down - 172ft below takeoff. Surprisingly I was able to maintain height and by staying in close managed to gain enough height to get back and turn into wind to land by the car park. I guess the glide at speed of the Skyman Heartbeat I was flying, saved the day.
The radio control model flyers were out but not enough wind for them by that stage. The wind later went north and got very gusty - measured 8 gusting 17mph at the lower takeoff. No more flying.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Another day on the ground!
Spent the morning at Greenmount college at a seminar on "Building United Communities through outdoor recreation". Before things got going and at tea break, Ian C and I managed a chat with the National Trust warden for Divis and Black Mountain. As a result we are reasonably optimistic that free access to that site can be achieved.
After lunch I headed to Robin Young's Hill. On the way I spoke to Dermot L on the 'phone and learned that there were two paragliders airborne at the Carnlough site we had visited yesterday - turned out it was Mark W and Mervyn G again.
Robin Young's was clagged in so I joined Loudon Blair and his mate Sam in the warmth of Loudon's car as we waited for the cloud to lift. The wind was very light and off to the east a fair bit.
Eventually the cloud lifted and I got a 'go', flying Loudon's radio control model glider. With only rudder control that I was never used to, I found it a bit tricky and had to be 'rescued' by Loudon a couple of times when I overcontrolled. Great fun until the wind died and put an end to the flying. Meantime Dermot made the pilgrimage to the top of the Carnlough site just as it all went flat calm so he did not fly.
After lunch I headed to Robin Young's Hill. On the way I spoke to Dermot L on the 'phone and learned that there were two paragliders airborne at the Carnlough site we had visited yesterday - turned out it was Mark W and Mervyn G again.
Robin Young's was clagged in so I joined Loudon Blair and his mate Sam in the warmth of Loudon's car as we waited for the cloud to lift. The wind was very light and off to the east a fair bit.
Eventually the cloud lifted and I got a 'go', flying Loudon's radio control model glider. With only rudder control that I was never used to, I found it a bit tricky and had to be 'rescued' by Loudon a couple of times when I overcontrolled. Great fun until the wind died and put an end to the flying. Meantime Dermot made the pilgrimage to the top of the Carnlough site just as it all went flat calm so he did not fly.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Much running around without flying!
Following an early email from Ian C, I headed to Agnew's Hill before lunchtime. Martin B and Dermot L were already there, but as the wind was off to the NE we decided to try Robin Young's. I arrived there just as Ian F was landing near the car park and Mark W was packing up his wing. Ian reported that the wind had been strong earlier then dropped and was now too light to soar. Another pilot arrived in the car park - believed to be Mervyn G but who didn't come along the hill to speak to us. He and Mark left as I was helping Ian to pack his wing.
Withe nothing better to do, Dermot, Martin and I headed to Carnlough for another look at the Binagee site. We were able to drive up to the bungalow again but the surface of the lane above that was too loose for driving on. We took a walk up the lane to the top where we had a brilliant view of Carnlough bay. The wind was coming and going and predominantly off to the NNE - too far off and variable to consider flying.
On a spur lower down to the north we saw what appeared to be Mark W and Mervyn G preparing to launch on the NE face of the spur. They had a couple of short flights each with little lift and slope landings followed by top to bottom flights to the fields by the farm below.
Returning to Robin Young's Martin, Dermot and I had a word with former hang glider pilot Loudon Blair and his radio control model flier buddies. One of them returned from the top of the hill to report that the wind at takeoff was on the hill but over 20mph! Loudon had flown his soaring model earlier and said that the air was very turbulent. Not long after that Dermot measured the windspeed at the car park - 20mph! That was that! Going home time.
Withe nothing better to do, Dermot, Martin and I headed to Carnlough for another look at the Binagee site. We were able to drive up to the bungalow again but the surface of the lane above that was too loose for driving on. We took a walk up the lane to the top where we had a brilliant view of Carnlough bay. The wind was coming and going and predominantly off to the NNE - too far off and variable to consider flying.
On a spur lower down to the north we saw what appeared to be Mark W and Mervyn G preparing to launch on the NE face of the spur. They had a couple of short flights each with little lift and slope landings followed by top to bottom flights to the fields by the farm below.
Returning to Robin Young's Martin, Dermot and I had a word with former hang glider pilot Loudon Blair and his radio control model flier buddies. One of them returned from the top of the hill to report that the wind at takeoff was on the hill but over 20mph! Loudon had flown his soaring model earlier and said that the air was very turbulent. Not long after that Dermot measured the windspeed at the car park - 20mph! That was that! Going home time.
Monday, March 14, 2016
A good day at Big Collin
Yesterday - Sunday - saw three paragliding schools in operation at Big Collin plus a handful of UHPC members.
Beginners Pete Stevenson and Gintaras Jakutis spent some time at the bottom learning to master forward and reverse launches before moving up the hill where they both got airborne successfully.
Word from members who flew was that it was quite gusty higher up and many slope landings and bottom landings were noticed.
Beginners Pete Stevenson and Gintaras Jakutis spent some time at the bottom learning to master forward and reverse launches before moving up the hill where they both got airborne successfully.
Word from members who flew was that it was quite gusty higher up and many slope landings and bottom landings were noticed.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Light wind faffing about.
Martin Bates, Dermot Lagan, Tom Carson and myself spent the afternoon at Big Collin in sunny and mild conditions with light and variable wind, mostly SSW. Phil Barron was getting a student successfully airborne as the rest of us practiced our ground handling at the top, interrupted by semi-soaring mostly groundskimming short flights ending up our last flights by the cars.
I was playing with the Skyman Heartbeat M - a lightweight EN B wing. In a bit of breeze it easily inflates in a reverse launch by simply stepping back in the harness without the need to use the front risers. Cobra launches are also very easy and the glide was better than I expected as I overshot my intended landing spot. Handling is light and precise and the wing is noticeably faster 'hands up' than my Firebird Raven M. This might be down to reduced drag from the thin risers and line arrangement.
A pleasant day to be out and useful ground handling practice but not an epic flying day there.
I was playing with the Skyman Heartbeat M - a lightweight EN B wing. In a bit of breeze it easily inflates in a reverse launch by simply stepping back in the harness without the need to use the front risers. Cobra launches are also very easy and the glide was better than I expected as I overshot my intended landing spot. Handling is light and precise and the wing is noticeably faster 'hands up' than my Firebird Raven M. This might be down to reduced drag from the thin risers and line arrangement.
A pleasant day to be out and useful ground handling practice but not an epic flying day there.
Monday, March 07, 2016
Light wind fun!
Went to Agnew's Hill initially with taster student Pete Stevenson. Ken McC was already there with a student ground handling as the wind was well off to the NW. We then went on to Skeagh where the 5mph variable wind was mostly N backing NNW at times. After the usual preliminaries and some practice with forward and reverse launches, Pete ended up with excellent flights progressing to the top of the hill and getting in corrective turns to a stand up landing every time. Wind later increased to 14mph backing NW and then dropped.
Now we have another keen enthusiast raring to start a course. Coming from a background of kitesurfing and diving he is fully prepared for the inevitable parawaiting!
Now we have another keen enthusiast raring to start a course. Coming from a background of kitesurfing and diving he is fully prepared for the inevitable parawaiting!
Monday, February 29, 2016
Just knew it!
I knew it was too good to last more than a couple of days - back to wind and rain again today!
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Two days in a row!
Flew with Mark Piggott and Dermot Lagan at Big Collin whilst Danny Young and Al McMaster flew Knockagh today. Collin conditions were very variable with next to no wind on top then blowing 10-12mph intermittently. Flights were short and mainly slope landing after fighting with - and losing - small thermals that drifted up the face at times. Nevertheless more welcome airtime on top of yesterdays excellent conditions.
More airtime at last
A good day's flying at Agnew's Hill on Saturday 27th February. Good soaring with light thermals with eight other UHPC pilots. The hill was the wettest I have seen and the air so cold that after 20-30mins most of us were top landing to renew acquaintance with our fingers - despite two pairs of gloves in my case. Even a couple of additional latecomers as the wind eased got decent soaring flights. There was the usual exchange of banter in the landing area before we headed home.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Off to a start in 2016
No wind at home all morning but went out to Big Collin anyway around lunchtime. Colin D and Tom C were already there and getting airborne in the light breeze. Martin B had climbed the hill with his new Niviuk Skin single surface wing but not yet ready to fly. I climbed to the top where I also spoke to Dermot L who had dropped by for a look but did not have time for a flight.
On top the wind was picking up to over 20mph at times. Since this was to be my first flight for a while and on a new Skyman Heartbeat wing, I decided to walk down to the lowest ledge above the lane for a bit of ground handling and possibly a small hop to the bottom. Wind on the ledge was 13-14mph when I took off. Colin had slope landed nearby so I was very pleasantly surprised that I was able to stay up, gradually working very small patches of lift that took me eventually to around 100ft above the top of the hill. I was then joined by Tom C and also Martin on his maiden flight.
After about 20 mins the air became much more choppy, as is often the case on this site as the wind shifted a bit more southerly. We noticed a large lenticular cloud formation well upwind to the south and concluded that, apart from the usual turbulence from the lower ridge upwind, the downflow from the wave had probably entered the mix. Bottom landing approach was a bit of a roller-coaster needing quick reactions to the sudden changes of airspeed. All landed safely.
Colin had been adjusting his wing loading earlier with a feed of sandwiches so did not come with Tom, Martin and me to the nearby Misty Burn restaurant for a welcome hot bite and old parapensioner tales before we headed home.
On top the wind was picking up to over 20mph at times. Since this was to be my first flight for a while and on a new Skyman Heartbeat wing, I decided to walk down to the lowest ledge above the lane for a bit of ground handling and possibly a small hop to the bottom. Wind on the ledge was 13-14mph when I took off. Colin had slope landed nearby so I was very pleasantly surprised that I was able to stay up, gradually working very small patches of lift that took me eventually to around 100ft above the top of the hill. I was then joined by Tom C and also Martin on his maiden flight.
After about 20 mins the air became much more choppy, as is often the case on this site as the wind shifted a bit more southerly. We noticed a large lenticular cloud formation well upwind to the south and concluded that, apart from the usual turbulence from the lower ridge upwind, the downflow from the wave had probably entered the mix. Bottom landing approach was a bit of a roller-coaster needing quick reactions to the sudden changes of airspeed. All landed safely.
Colin had been adjusting his wing loading earlier with a feed of sandwiches so did not come with Tom, Martin and me to the nearby Misty Burn restaurant for a welcome hot bite and old parapensioner tales before we headed home.
Friday, December 18, 2015
Risk of Cabin Fever
Seems no end to this atrocious weather - wind, rain, more wind, more rain...
Only consolation is that the hills will still be there when the weather improves!
Only consolation is that the hills will still be there when the weather improves!
Friday, December 11, 2015
BAD NEWS AND GOOD NEWS!
Bad News
This atrocious weather just keeps on happening - high winds and rain.
Good News
Following the recent achievement of Elementary Pilot rating by Richard Neill and Yueming Wang I am pleased to report that Miguel Ramirez has just achieved his BHPA Club Pilot Novice rating and is looking forward to lots of airtime when he shortly takes up his new job in northern Spain.
Despite his name, Miguel is a native of Greece and has offered to help if a flying trip there is contemplated. Coincidentally, I had a 'phone call from Olympic Wings in Greece offering fly-guide trips so this might be worth exploring.
This atrocious weather just keeps on happening - high winds and rain.
Good News
Following the recent achievement of Elementary Pilot rating by Richard Neill and Yueming Wang I am pleased to report that Miguel Ramirez has just achieved his BHPA Club Pilot Novice rating and is looking forward to lots of airtime when he shortly takes up his new job in northern Spain.
Despite his name, Miguel is a native of Greece and has offered to help if a flying trip there is contemplated. Coincidentally, I had a 'phone call from Olympic Wings in Greece offering fly-guide trips so this might be worth exploring.
Saturday, December 05, 2015
A BIT OF AN UPDATE!
Having forgotten yet again to keep this blog up I suppose it's time I said something!
Wednesday 2 December 2015
A rare break in the bad weather saw a few pilots out at Dungiven West in the afternoon in very light winds - only just soarable. My CPN student, Gerry J, got some more soaring beat practice on the Firebird F1rst L, including a good slope landing after late lowering of undercarriage! He followed this up with another flight but the wind died and he nailed a spot landing at the bottom by the windsock.
My old friend Simon Murphy (Simon Murphy's flying circus) had sent me a demo Skyman Heartbeat M paraglider to play with. I took it for a short flight in the 6-8mph wind and managed to stay up but had to work at it. I liked it's speed and nimble handling, although the speed coming in for a slope landing was a bit faster than I'm used to. The wing, lines and risers are light - topping the scales at 4.15kgs and 14.5kgs all up with my normal Mowenpik harness, reserve 'chute, helmet, gloves, flying suit, flight deck with instruments with camera, and large stuffsack. I think there was a 500ml bottle of water in there as well.
Colin D had a soaring flight on the Heartbeat too and liked it. This is his comment:
"I did indeed like the Heartbeat, conditions were not perfect for a demo flight, as Bertie says very light, but you can only fly the conditions you're given.
Tom C also had some good soaring flights and more slope landing practice with a trip to the bottom field when the wind died. Dermot L also got airborne and some soaring that he also had to work for.
A look at the sky seemed to indicate the possibility of some wave lift a bit out from the hill. Ian C and Colin D caught on to this I think as, after getting high over Benbradagh they were both able to sail across to the south headland without loss of height.
All in all a lucky break and proof that if you don't go out you don't get to fly. The only one disappointed was Martin B who, in his rush to get out, had lifted the 'wrong' rucksack so had brought his mini wing and left the rest of his flying gear behind. Doh!!
Sunday 22 November 2015
I went to Skeagh to check out a new Niviuk Skin 18 paraglider . This wing is unusual in that, apart from five inflatable cells, the rest is single surface. I spent some time ground handling part way down the hill as it was over 20mph NE on top initially. Reverse inflation in a bit of wind can be done without holding the front risers - just step back smartly and get ready to brake as it comes overhead.
When the wind died down to <10mph on top I took off for a low groundskimming flight. No noticeable difference from a normal paraglider takeoff or steering. Skimming down the hill at speed, application of some brake resulted in the wing slowing and setting me on my feet. I expected that putting more camber on the wing would lift me away from the slope after speeding up but this did not happen, leading me to remember that an online review had concluded that it did not retain energy as a 'normal' wing. Looking forward to a decent soaring flight.
Wednesday 2 December 2015
A rare break in the bad weather saw a few pilots out at Dungiven West in the afternoon in very light winds - only just soarable. My CPN student, Gerry J, got some more soaring beat practice on the Firebird F1rst L, including a good slope landing after late lowering of undercarriage! He followed this up with another flight but the wind died and he nailed a spot landing at the bottom by the windsock.
My old friend Simon Murphy (Simon Murphy's flying circus) had sent me a demo Skyman Heartbeat M paraglider to play with. I took it for a short flight in the 6-8mph wind and managed to stay up but had to work at it. I liked it's speed and nimble handling, although the speed coming in for a slope landing was a bit faster than I'm used to. The wing, lines and risers are light - topping the scales at 4.15kgs and 14.5kgs all up with my normal Mowenpik harness, reserve 'chute, helmet, gloves, flying suit, flight deck with instruments with camera, and large stuffsack. I think there was a 500ml bottle of water in there as well.
Colin D had a soaring flight on the Heartbeat too and liked it. This is his comment:
"I did indeed like the Heartbeat, conditions were not perfect for a demo flight, as Bertie says very light, but you can only fly the conditions you're given.
In that case I can say it's very
floaty, stayed up no problem, faster than my Sprint Evo at trim speed
and lovely to turn. Super lightweight design also could be good for my
old back :-)"
 |
| (Photo by Dave Tweedie) |
Tom C also had some good soaring flights and more slope landing practice with a trip to the bottom field when the wind died. Dermot L also got airborne and some soaring that he also had to work for.
A look at the sky seemed to indicate the possibility of some wave lift a bit out from the hill. Ian C and Colin D caught on to this I think as, after getting high over Benbradagh they were both able to sail across to the south headland without loss of height.
All in all a lucky break and proof that if you don't go out you don't get to fly. The only one disappointed was Martin B who, in his rush to get out, had lifted the 'wrong' rucksack so had brought his mini wing and left the rest of his flying gear behind. Doh!!
Sunday 22 November 2015
I went to Skeagh to check out a new Niviuk Skin 18 paraglider . This wing is unusual in that, apart from five inflatable cells, the rest is single surface. I spent some time ground handling part way down the hill as it was over 20mph NE on top initially. Reverse inflation in a bit of wind can be done without holding the front risers - just step back smartly and get ready to brake as it comes overhead.
When the wind died down to <10mph on top I took off for a low groundskimming flight. No noticeable difference from a normal paraglider takeoff or steering. Skimming down the hill at speed, application of some brake resulted in the wing slowing and setting me on my feet. I expected that putting more camber on the wing would lift me away from the slope after speeding up but this did not happen, leading me to remember that an online review had concluded that it did not retain energy as a 'normal' wing. Looking forward to a decent soaring flight.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
RESERVE PARACHUTE PACKING
Last Saturday 8th November the Ulster Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club organised a day where we learned to pack our own reserve parachutes under the expert eye of Bill Morris who trains BHPA packers.
The purpose of the event - in Bill's own words:
“Learn how to pack your own reserve and how to use it. The day will consist of a talk on reserves showing deployment examples, a full demonstration of how the reserve works followed by a detailed demonstration of how to repack. Pilots will then have the opportunity to repack their own reserve under supervision. ”
The course at the Brownlow Centre in Craigavon (BT65 5DL), which was FREE to club members, was very well attended and it was also good to see pilots from the IHPA who made the journey to Craigavon.
We were not disappointed. Bill's expert advice and information showed that packing your reserve parachute is a fairly simple procedure but there are vital elements that you must get right if it is to deploy successfully. Aside from techniques that are common to all reserve 'chutes, different makes have their own particular variations and these were all demonstrated and practiced.
Bill had lots of video of reserve deployments, including those following mid-air collisions and talked us through all of them, pointing out the important points to note in each. He emphasised that it is wrong to think that in a low level situation you are too low for a successful deployment - modern canopies open fast and even if only partially open before arrival on the ground you will still be slowed down. You are never "too low to throw". Other myths about reserve 'chutes were similarly discussed and explained.
This was one of the best events organised by the club and thanks must go to those members of the committee who organised it and to Bill Morris and to those members and friends who attended.
The purpose of the event - in Bill's own words:
“Learn how to pack your own reserve and how to use it. The day will consist of a talk on reserves showing deployment examples, a full demonstration of how the reserve works followed by a detailed demonstration of how to repack. Pilots will then have the opportunity to repack their own reserve under supervision. ”
The course at the Brownlow Centre in Craigavon (BT65 5DL), which was FREE to club members, was very well attended and it was also good to see pilots from the IHPA who made the journey to Craigavon.
We were not disappointed. Bill's expert advice and information showed that packing your reserve parachute is a fairly simple procedure but there are vital elements that you must get right if it is to deploy successfully. Aside from techniques that are common to all reserve 'chutes, different makes have their own particular variations and these were all demonstrated and practiced.
Bill had lots of video of reserve deployments, including those following mid-air collisions and talked us through all of them, pointing out the important points to note in each. He emphasised that it is wrong to think that in a low level situation you are too low for a successful deployment - modern canopies open fast and even if only partially open before arrival on the ground you will still be slowed down. You are never "too low to throw". Other myths about reserve 'chutes were similarly discussed and explained.
This was one of the best events organised by the club and thanks must go to those members of the committee who organised it and to Bill Morris and to those members and friends who attended.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
A SORT OF UPDATE
Had forgotten about this blog for a while. Only one more flight in 2013 - at the SW face of Agnew's Hill in strongish wind. First flight in 2014 was on 11 January at Dungiven. Had an excellent flying trip to Algodonales with Simon Murphy being well looked after by Johan and Jackie of FlyAlgo - highly recommended.
Some local flying and training back home then off with Alastair McMaster and family and Simon Murphy (again!) to Rose Valley Lodge in Bulgaria in July for 8 days' flying with Gavin of Rose Valley Lodge. Gavin and his wife Lucy (a couple from Belfast), with Texan Charles Austin have started a fly/guide business based in the village of Kliment where they now live and which is convenient to the main Bulgarian flying site at Sopot. We had some excellent flying for all but two days along the massive mountain range in big easy thermals. Unfortunately Alastair had a heavy landing the first day which spoiled things for him and the family but he is now back in action. Accommodation, food, guiding and transport were excellent and all included in the package.
Managed to get the dust shaken out of the Magnum tandem at Big Collin on return, with Martin Bates as ballast! Flying since then has been at Dungiven and Big Collin where we currently seem to have a spell of SE winds and I have had some students out. Visiting Romanian pilot Cristian Negrisanu has a ball on Big Collin and managed a series of slope and top landings, which he had never done before.
Some local flying and training back home then off with Alastair McMaster and family and Simon Murphy (again!) to Rose Valley Lodge in Bulgaria in July for 8 days' flying with Gavin of Rose Valley Lodge. Gavin and his wife Lucy (a couple from Belfast), with Texan Charles Austin have started a fly/guide business based in the village of Kliment where they now live and which is convenient to the main Bulgarian flying site at Sopot. We had some excellent flying for all but two days along the massive mountain range in big easy thermals. Unfortunately Alastair had a heavy landing the first day which spoiled things for him and the family but he is now back in action. Accommodation, food, guiding and transport were excellent and all included in the package.
Managed to get the dust shaken out of the Magnum tandem at Big Collin on return, with Martin Bates as ballast! Flying since then has been at Dungiven and Big Collin where we currently seem to have a spell of SE winds and I have had some students out. Visiting Romanian pilot Cristian Negrisanu has a ball on Big Collin and managed a series of slope and top landings, which he had never done before.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Two days in a row!
Monday 14 Oct 2013
Ian C dragged me away with him to Slieve Gallion on Monday. Arriving after lunch we found a brisk wind on the hill, slightly to the east of NE. We walked down the hill a bit and flew. I watched as Ian hooked a thermal and started climbing over the back. Meantime I was steadily climbing but making very slow progress into wind. When I looked for Ian I saw that he had not made it to cloudbase and was on a glide back to the hill. Due to the strong headwind he landed well back. Meantime Danny had arrived and was soon up to join me - even if a bit lower most of the time :-).
After some 25 mins I had had enough gale hanging and managed to get in for a good top landing in a bit of a lull. I went back to the car for some lunch where I was joined by Ian after his second flight. It seems that the wind was picking up as he said he had landed going backwards. When we returned to takeoff, the wind had increased to over 20mph and Danny was packing up. We did the same.
Tues 15 Oct 2013
Things to do at home so I didn't go out until after 3pm, more to go for a walk on Shane's Hill than anything as I did not expect it to be flyable. I parked in the bottom layby and saw that the wind was blowing fairly lightly straight up the road. I thought I might as well take the paraglider with me on my hill walk so, leaving instruments behind, I climbed to the headland between Shane's and Agnew's. When I got there the wind was Easterly and around 12-14mph. I soon persuaded myself that it was indeed flyable, although the top of Agnew's was in orographic cloud.
For the next 25 mins I soared around in smooth lift, using big ears to stay out of the intermittent orographic cloud as well as flying across to the dip between Shane's and Agnew's as it was lower and therefore cloudbase was higher. Cloudbase then gradually crept lower and forward progress was slow so I flew out to land by the layby. I flew through a fairly turbulent patch on the way down that I expect was wind shear as there was hardly any wind in the landing area. Not having instruments certainly expands awareness and reminded me of all those years hang gliding without them.
No massive airtime on the two days but pleasant and interesting flying nevertheless.
Ian C dragged me away with him to Slieve Gallion on Monday. Arriving after lunch we found a brisk wind on the hill, slightly to the east of NE. We walked down the hill a bit and flew. I watched as Ian hooked a thermal and started climbing over the back. Meantime I was steadily climbing but making very slow progress into wind. When I looked for Ian I saw that he had not made it to cloudbase and was on a glide back to the hill. Due to the strong headwind he landed well back. Meantime Danny had arrived and was soon up to join me - even if a bit lower most of the time :-).
After some 25 mins I had had enough gale hanging and managed to get in for a good top landing in a bit of a lull. I went back to the car for some lunch where I was joined by Ian after his second flight. It seems that the wind was picking up as he said he had landed going backwards. When we returned to takeoff, the wind had increased to over 20mph and Danny was packing up. We did the same.
Tues 15 Oct 2013
Things to do at home so I didn't go out until after 3pm, more to go for a walk on Shane's Hill than anything as I did not expect it to be flyable. I parked in the bottom layby and saw that the wind was blowing fairly lightly straight up the road. I thought I might as well take the paraglider with me on my hill walk so, leaving instruments behind, I climbed to the headland between Shane's and Agnew's. When I got there the wind was Easterly and around 12-14mph. I soon persuaded myself that it was indeed flyable, although the top of Agnew's was in orographic cloud.
For the next 25 mins I soared around in smooth lift, using big ears to stay out of the intermittent orographic cloud as well as flying across to the dip between Shane's and Agnew's as it was lower and therefore cloudbase was higher. Cloudbase then gradually crept lower and forward progress was slow so I flew out to land by the layby. I flew through a fairly turbulent patch on the way down that I expect was wind shear as there was hardly any wind in the landing area. Not having instruments certainly expands awareness and reminded me of all those years hang gliding without them.
No massive airtime on the two days but pleasant and interesting flying nevertheless.
Friday, September 06, 2013
Worth waiting!
Went to Dungiven yesterday having been delayed by a necessary visit to my sister in Magherafelt. Arriving at the hill I found the usual suspects there with many of them having flown but the wind had now dropped away to a trickle. As we got well into our parawaiting, we watched the windsock doing a dance round the pole as the wind switched all over the place.
Some people gave up and went home and a few headed for White Mountain to check conditions there. After a while the wind came on to the hill at Dungiven at around 14mph. I took off after being unceremoniously dumped on my back by a sudden lull as I left the ground. I got back on my feet by the simple expedient of obeying my own "hands up" advice. On takeoff I was immediately in lift and as there was a slight NW bias to the wind direction I headed to the headland to the south over the road. Lift was moderate and steady, taking me to over 750ft above takeoff and out over the farmhouse at the bottom.
The wind then noticeably shifted to the NW which explained why nobody else was preparing to fly, so it was time to land. It took a while to fly now crosswind back to the hill and into wind towards the top landing area. Approaching the cars I became a bit wary of any turbulence that might be heading my way from Benbradagh headland as I was now directly downwind of it and my approach was taking me over and close to a couple of fences. I therefore flew back beyond the top gate and landed about 100yds from it directly facing Benbradagh summit, being surprised to find the approach there smooth, enabling a tiptoe landing.
Getting back to the car and the others it seemed clear that the wind had settled in the NW direction. I then headed over to White Mountain where I could see that Donal and Michael were by now flying their hang gliders and Ian C, who was depending on me for a lift home, was there with them. I assumed that the wind was too strong for paragliding until I saw Ian take off on his paraglider with no problem penetrating away from the hill. It did not take me long to join them.
Lift was plentiful all round the NW bowl with a couple of places where small gentle thermals were popping up at intervals. That showed up the advantage of a paraglider in such conditions as I was able to slow down and work the small patches of lift that the hang gliders, being faster, flew through. Unusual to be sharing the air with hang gliders and getting above them most of the time.
Since Ian and I had a meeting as members of the Sperrins Outdoor Recreation Forum in the community centre at the bottom of the hill we packed up around 6pm. I flew round to the W side of the hill and landed by the car. Ian landed lower down and the two hang gliders landed in the bottom landing area on the other side of the main road by the gate. All agreed that it was one of the best flying experiences in a long time.
Some people gave up and went home and a few headed for White Mountain to check conditions there. After a while the wind came on to the hill at Dungiven at around 14mph. I took off after being unceremoniously dumped on my back by a sudden lull as I left the ground. I got back on my feet by the simple expedient of obeying my own "hands up" advice. On takeoff I was immediately in lift and as there was a slight NW bias to the wind direction I headed to the headland to the south over the road. Lift was moderate and steady, taking me to over 750ft above takeoff and out over the farmhouse at the bottom.
The wind then noticeably shifted to the NW which explained why nobody else was preparing to fly, so it was time to land. It took a while to fly now crosswind back to the hill and into wind towards the top landing area. Approaching the cars I became a bit wary of any turbulence that might be heading my way from Benbradagh headland as I was now directly downwind of it and my approach was taking me over and close to a couple of fences. I therefore flew back beyond the top gate and landed about 100yds from it directly facing Benbradagh summit, being surprised to find the approach there smooth, enabling a tiptoe landing.
Getting back to the car and the others it seemed clear that the wind had settled in the NW direction. I then headed over to White Mountain where I could see that Donal and Michael were by now flying their hang gliders and Ian C, who was depending on me for a lift home, was there with them. I assumed that the wind was too strong for paragliding until I saw Ian take off on his paraglider with no problem penetrating away from the hill. It did not take me long to join them.
Lift was plentiful all round the NW bowl with a couple of places where small gentle thermals were popping up at intervals. That showed up the advantage of a paraglider in such conditions as I was able to slow down and work the small patches of lift that the hang gliders, being faster, flew through. Unusual to be sharing the air with hang gliders and getting above them most of the time.
Since Ian and I had a meeting as members of the Sperrins Outdoor Recreation Forum in the community centre at the bottom of the hill we packed up around 6pm. I flew round to the W side of the hill and landed by the car. Ian landed lower down and the two hang gliders landed in the bottom landing area on the other side of the main road by the gate. All agreed that it was one of the best flying experiences in a long time.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Saturday 10 August 2013
Good flying at Dungiven W. Then the rain came on and cloudbase dropped to the base of the hill. By this time nearly everyone had gone home but Colin D, Deri and I decided to wait to see if it cleared.
We headed to Dungiven and found the coffee shop closed but Dungiven Castle came to the rescue with large cups of the warm brown liquid as we listened to an instalment of Deri's life story, with frequent hopeful glances out the window.
Colin had a look outside after a while and pronounced the hill clear.
We drove back up to find the rain had gone and a high cloudbase. It was now 7pm. The three of us had a ball - soaring the entire ridge to heights over 850ft above takeoff in smooth air. I suspect there was wave lift in front of Benbradagh as heading out encountered very smooth air and steady moderate lift. This notion was further reinforced on finding that there was a bit of turbulence at the takeoff and top landing areas - perhaps the tail end of some wave rotor. Deri wisely decided to land at the bottom. We eventually packed up and left for home around 9pm having had probably the best of the flying. Just goes to show that having a bit of patience can sometimes pay off.
We headed to Dungiven and found the coffee shop closed but Dungiven Castle came to the rescue with large cups of the warm brown liquid as we listened to an instalment of Deri's life story, with frequent hopeful glances out the window.
Colin had a look outside after a while and pronounced the hill clear.
We drove back up to find the rain had gone and a high cloudbase. It was now 7pm. The three of us had a ball - soaring the entire ridge to heights over 850ft above takeoff in smooth air. I suspect there was wave lift in front of Benbradagh as heading out encountered very smooth air and steady moderate lift. This notion was further reinforced on finding that there was a bit of turbulence at the takeoff and top landing areas - perhaps the tail end of some wave rotor. Deri wisely decided to land at the bottom. We eventually packed up and left for home around 9pm having had probably the best of the flying. Just goes to show that having a bit of patience can sometimes pay off.
Sunday, November 04, 2012
Hope and Desperation!
Ryan and I went out this afternoon more in hopeful desperation than any expectation of flyable conditions. Arriving at Big Collin mountain around 2:45pm we found the rain had gone and the wind was 12-14mph at the top but off to the East a bit.
Not a problem for Ryan who got three excellent top to bottom flights to finish off his Elementary Pilot tasks, while Mervyn G was seen groundskimming further round the hill on his miniwing for a while.
Not a problem for Ryan who got three excellent top to bottom flights to finish off his Elementary Pilot tasks, while Mervyn G was seen groundskimming further round the hill on his miniwing for a while.
Thursday, November 01, 2012
Due to change in family arrangements I managed to get away to Dungiven yesterday afternoon. Arrived on the hill to join Ian F, Danny Y, Dave T, Colin D and Mark W in a light but flyable wind. Got my wing and harness inspected and ready for flight, then noticed that the wind had dropped sending Ian to the bottom landing field.
Danny was busy chatting up some spectators and the others were attached to their wings so I drove down and retrieved Ian. Taking off in a slightly increased breeze I found fairly consistent pockets of light lift to the north of takeoff and eventually made my way on to Benbradagh headland where I reached 500ft above takeoff.
Flying across to the headland to the south resulted in the loss of some 300ft but there was more lift there. On the way back I decided to apply full speedbar, having never done so on the Medium Firebird Raven. I was most surprised to find that even with significant increase in airspeed there was no change in sink rate and I must have flown into some rising air as I crossed the road as the wing started climbing. Removal of speedbar input resulted in a climb back up higher than when I first applied it!
During the later part of my 45 minute flight the wind got lighter but I noticed that it had backed slightly towards the SW so that best lift was to be found to the north of takeoff where the ridge was more into wind. I easily got back for a top landing. My vario showed the temperature at height was 2 degrees C which explained my numb fingers even with gloves on.
Colin went up on the Raven for a flight after waiting for wind to take off in. Surprisingly he managed to soar for around 5 minutes before coming in for a slope landing at his takeoff point.
A good day in a bad weather week.
Danny was busy chatting up some spectators and the others were attached to their wings so I drove down and retrieved Ian. Taking off in a slightly increased breeze I found fairly consistent pockets of light lift to the north of takeoff and eventually made my way on to Benbradagh headland where I reached 500ft above takeoff.
Flying across to the headland to the south resulted in the loss of some 300ft but there was more lift there. On the way back I decided to apply full speedbar, having never done so on the Medium Firebird Raven. I was most surprised to find that even with significant increase in airspeed there was no change in sink rate and I must have flown into some rising air as I crossed the road as the wing started climbing. Removal of speedbar input resulted in a climb back up higher than when I first applied it!
During the later part of my 45 minute flight the wind got lighter but I noticed that it had backed slightly towards the SW so that best lift was to be found to the north of takeoff where the ridge was more into wind. I easily got back for a top landing. My vario showed the temperature at height was 2 degrees C which explained my numb fingers even with gloves on.
Colin went up on the Raven for a flight after waiting for wind to take off in. Surprisingly he managed to soar for around 5 minutes before coming in for a slope landing at his takeoff point.
A good day in a bad weather week.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Good day at Big Collin, although it needed hard work to make the most of bubbles of lift drifting up the hill in the light and sometimes variable direction wind. Managed almost 2 hours airborne for a change, with the best conditions arriving for myself and the two Fermanagh pilots after most people had gone home! Weather not looking too promising for the next few days though.
Sunday, August 05, 2012
Robin Young's came good.
Yesterday (Sat) there was much dithering and to-ing and fro-ing of texts about the weather. I eventually drove out to Agnew's Hill in the late afternoon but stopping on the road, saw that the wind was more north-easterly. So - quick text to Colin D as arranged and off I headed to Robin Young's Hill. On the way I saw what I thought was Ian F's car diving off towards the roundabout at Larne. I stopped at the end of the road he had just entered, hoping that he would see my car in his mirror - but I guess he was concentrating on the approaching bend! Never mind - I'll ring him. But, being a good driver he does not answer his phone when driving nor, it appears, stop to find out who called him until he gets home.
Anyway, at Robin Young's the wind seemed fine so I climbed with my wing to the top takeoff (taking a belated return call from Ian on the way) and prepared to launch. The wind was very light and soaring seemed questionable. However, the arrival of Colin D and Dave T in the car park did the trick. The wind came up to around 10mph and I took off as they started to climb the hill. There was little lift until I got to the far end of the ridge in front of the cliffs and slowly worked my way up in the intermittent but smooth surges.
I was soon joined by Dave and Colin and then of course my 'phone started ringing in my pocket. After a few more beats I top landed and let Ian F know that it was soarable, having told Alastair that it was flyable.
Airborne again for more soaring. Alastair arrived and climbed the hill with his gear. I turned at the high takeoff for one more beat and saw Dave very low on the cliff at the far end. I flew over the front ridge just maintaining height and moved closer to the cliff to let Dave take advantage of any lift on the front ridge. When I turned to follow him back I saw that he was getting no lift. Neither was I - the lift had suddenly switched off and I was forced to try to soar the front of the front ridge. No height gain but able to maintain and convert speed to lift as I approached the lower takeoff so that I had height to turn and top land there. Dave didn't make it and bottom landed. Colin squeaked in to top land by the car park.
I went up to Alastair at the top takeoff. Flat calm by this time but he made an excellent nil-wind forward launch and flight to the bottom landing field. My warning to Ian F when I landed that he need not come out now was too late but he kindly retrieved Alastair from the bottom field.
Hoping for more soaring soon.
Anyway, at Robin Young's the wind seemed fine so I climbed with my wing to the top takeoff (taking a belated return call from Ian on the way) and prepared to launch. The wind was very light and soaring seemed questionable. However, the arrival of Colin D and Dave T in the car park did the trick. The wind came up to around 10mph and I took off as they started to climb the hill. There was little lift until I got to the far end of the ridge in front of the cliffs and slowly worked my way up in the intermittent but smooth surges.
I was soon joined by Dave and Colin and then of course my 'phone started ringing in my pocket. After a few more beats I top landed and let Ian F know that it was soarable, having told Alastair that it was flyable.
Airborne again for more soaring. Alastair arrived and climbed the hill with his gear. I turned at the high takeoff for one more beat and saw Dave very low on the cliff at the far end. I flew over the front ridge just maintaining height and moved closer to the cliff to let Dave take advantage of any lift on the front ridge. When I turned to follow him back I saw that he was getting no lift. Neither was I - the lift had suddenly switched off and I was forced to try to soar the front of the front ridge. No height gain but able to maintain and convert speed to lift as I approached the lower takeoff so that I had height to turn and top land there. Dave didn't make it and bottom landed. Colin squeaked in to top land by the car park.
I went up to Alastair at the top takeoff. Flat calm by this time but he made an excellent nil-wind forward launch and flight to the bottom landing field. My warning to Ian F when I landed that he need not come out now was too late but he kindly retrieved Alastair from the bottom field.
Hoping for more soaring soon.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Cracker day at Big Collin
A good crowd of club fliers out from winter hibernation riding thermic conditions on Big Collin sunshine today. Three paragliding schools working too, so expect new club members before long!
I had a thermic soaring flight whilst waiting for a student to arrive. Looking down from my old Firebird Spider on a new Delta wing was surprising. Traffic hugging the hill plus a search for a thermal that had just left, meant a slope landing first time. Second flight was better, with a top landing that took about 5 mins as the entire hilltop was covered in lifting air.
Worked with my student for a few hours, resulting in Pete finishing all his EP flying tasks. The sky was buzzing with club pilots all the time. While Pete was packing up after his last flight, I went up to retrieve my wing abandoned earlier on the hilltop. Wind was 8-9mph and Andrew D and I took turns to fly. I managed to stay up for a while and landed just below the top to let Andrew off. No lift for him. I then took off again and soared, finishing with a cruise along above the lane halfway to the entrance gate and back to land by the windsock. Andrew flew down to join me. End of a great day. Hoping for more tomorrow!
I had a thermic soaring flight whilst waiting for a student to arrive. Looking down from my old Firebird Spider on a new Delta wing was surprising. Traffic hugging the hill plus a search for a thermal that had just left, meant a slope landing first time. Second flight was better, with a top landing that took about 5 mins as the entire hilltop was covered in lifting air.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Another frustrating weekend!
Sunday - reports from the hills said "stay at home": wind, rain, low cloud.
Saturday - cabin fever forced a trip to Mayobridge in remote hope of a flight and to introduce Ian F to a new site. Met a couple of fellow pilots, Colin D and Dave T, driving away from the site - "too windy" they said. And anyway the parking lay-by was occupied by a film crew. We all adjourned to a local hostelry for coffee/tea and scones.
Suitably refreshed we returned to the hill. Film crew had gone. Of course the wind had no notion of easing off from the consistent 23mph, but Ian did a good job in assessing the characteristics of the site; how it could be flown and hazards avoided.
The others left for home after a while and we went on a short tour of some of the other Mourne mountain sites I used to fly in the early days when I was much younger and fitter before heading home on yet another typical 'flying' day!
Saturday - cabin fever forced a trip to Mayobridge in remote hope of a flight and to introduce Ian F to a new site. Met a couple of fellow pilots, Colin D and Dave T, driving away from the site - "too windy" they said. And anyway the parking lay-by was occupied by a film crew. We all adjourned to a local hostelry for coffee/tea and scones.
Suitably refreshed we returned to the hill. Film crew had gone. Of course the wind had no notion of easing off from the consistent 23mph, but Ian did a good job in assessing the characteristics of the site; how it could be flown and hazards avoided.
The others left for home after a while and we went on a short tour of some of the other Mourne mountain sites I used to fly in the early days when I was much younger and fitter before heading home on yet another typical 'flying' day!
Saturday, February 04, 2012
Here we go again!
Went out to Big Collin yesterday (Friday) more in hope than expectation. Wind southerly and varying from 14 - 25mph. Got some much needed exercise walking up and down the hill for an hour waiting to see if conditions would change. No such luck. Gave up and went to visit my brother in Ballymena!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
At last!
Great to get airborne after all the hopeless weather - even if it was a roller-coaster ride at Big Collin in the gusty SSE wind. After 25 mins I had had enough and landed by the lane. With the wind seeming to ease a bit I had high hopes of getting Ian F airborne but just when he was revved up, speedbar adjusted and ready to go, we had to abandon the idea as we watched Martin B on his miniwing getting bounced around in the strengthening wind. Even though it had been calm in the morning. the Met Office low level wind chart was again fairly close to the mark. Maybe better luck tomorrow?
Monday, January 09, 2012
Just when we thought we might fly!
Had a meeting in Belfast this morning but forecast looked promising for Dungiven in the afternoon. Got a text from Danny Y to say it was flyable. After getting home around lunchtime I collected Ian F who was anxious to complete his CP tasks and to try out some new gear that Santa had brought.
This being Northern Ireland, of course when we got there the wind was too strong and gusty and only Mervyn on his miniwing was flying.
We hung around for a few hours, commiserating with fellow flyers who had turned up - then went home! Typical day!
This being Northern Ireland, of course when we got there the wind was too strong and gusty and only Mervyn on his miniwing was flying.
We hung around for a few hours, commiserating with fellow flyers who had turned up - then went home! Typical day!
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Will it ever end?
This stormy and wet weather is getting depressing - nearly as bad as the blizzards last year! But it can only get better, can't it? Friends in Spain continue to make us envious by their reports of flying nearly every day in 21 degrees heat and up to seven hours in the air - grrrr....
Thinking of getting a group together and making a trip to Spain later in the year.
Oh! - just had a look at the charts and the forecast. Maybe the chance of a flight tomorrow.
Wishing anybody reading this, a Happy New Year!
Thinking of getting a group together and making a trip to Spain later in the year.
Oh! - just had a look at the charts and the forecast. Maybe the chance of a flight tomorrow.
Wishing anybody reading this, a Happy New Year!
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Santa Claus!
Richard P and I did our Santa act yesterday - delivering 'thank you' goodies to flying site owners at Boviel and Dungiven W. No chance of a flight - low cloud, with wind and rain! Same story at Magilligan without the low cloud.
Considered sandyachting on the beach at Benone. Wind was strong but ok - but the sand was soaked and it was starting so rain so we adjourned to the Coffee Shop in Castlerock for a bite to eat and then went home!
Considered sandyachting on the beach at Benone. Wind was strong but ok - but the sand was soaked and it was starting so rain so we adjourned to the Coffee Shop in Castlerock for a bite to eat and then went home!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Neverending!
When is this awful weather going to end?
It's not just the weather that frustrates us. As a diversion, Ian Cross and I went off to defend UHPC interests at a meeting at the House of Sport, Belfast this evening. Of course, knowing our luck, when we got there we were told that the meeting had been cancelled - without the club being notified!!
It's not just the weather that frustrates us. As a diversion, Ian Cross and I went off to defend UHPC interests at a meeting at the House of Sport, Belfast this evening. Of course, knowing our luck, when we got there we were told that the meeting had been cancelled - without the club being notified!!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Grounded again!
Gales forecast for Saturday so loaded up the X-sail and headed to the 7 mile long beach at Benone, Magilligan. Met up with the Southern Irish sandyachting bunch with their mix of large sandyachts, Blokarts, Pottys and a few kite buggies. Strong offshore wind was turning back the tops of the incoming waves in spectacular plumes of spray. My old flying buddy Martin arrived with his X-sail but before I could get mine rigged it started to rain.
And so it continued, with intermittent light rain and strong wind as we huddled in the car and watched the braver souls ploughing on through the wind and rain. Another old flying buddy who lives nearby - Davy - turned up, but there being no sign of the rain easing, everybody packed up and we headed home.
More strong winds forecast for the next week or so - grrr...
And so it continued, with intermittent light rain and strong wind as we huddled in the car and watched the braver souls ploughing on through the wind and rain. Another old flying buddy who lives nearby - Davy - turned up, but there being no sign of the rain easing, everybody packed up and we headed home.
More strong winds forecast for the next week or so - grrr...
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Rare Flying Day Sat 12 November 2011
Out at Big Collin mountain with thoughts of some tandem flying if conditions ok. No such luck. Wind fluctuating as if often does on this site. One of my students was on his way to the hill so until he arrived I thought I would attempt some aviation. So I took my solo wing and climbed halfway up where I reckoned there was enough wind for a soaring flight. Inflated the wing, turned to start my takeoff run; then a sudden gust tucked the front of the wing; wing dropped back in the lull; then suddenly reflated, jerking me off my feet and taking me for a slide along the soggy hillside for 20 yds or so before I killed the beast!
Returning to takeoff and having checked again that all was in order, including the security of the reserve parachute deployment handle - vital check if you have fallen over - I got airborne without incident this time. Lift was intermittent and patchy. I found myself halfway to the bottom of the hill skimming the grass but by turning in any little bit of lift that came through I eventually managed to get to 150ft above takeoff - and above other paragliders that were trying to follow!!
My student having arrived, I landed back where I had taken off from and spent the next couple of hours with him revising ground handling, daily inspection, pre-flight checks etc and getting him three good flights to the bottom of the hill. Contrary to the Met Office low level forecast (15kts at 1,00ft!), the wind had dropped to around 5mph by this time and since my paraglider was still up on the hill I went up to fly it down to the bottom landing.
Much to my surprise I was able to get 5 minutes working what little lift there was drifting up the slope before landing beside the car. A good and welcome day after the bad weather.
Returning to takeoff and having checked again that all was in order, including the security of the reserve parachute deployment handle - vital check if you have fallen over - I got airborne without incident this time. Lift was intermittent and patchy. I found myself halfway to the bottom of the hill skimming the grass but by turning in any little bit of lift that came through I eventually managed to get to 150ft above takeoff - and above other paragliders that were trying to follow!!
My student having arrived, I landed back where I had taken off from and spent the next couple of hours with him revising ground handling, daily inspection, pre-flight checks etc and getting him three good flights to the bottom of the hill. Contrary to the Met Office low level forecast (15kts at 1,00ft!), the wind had dropped to around 5mph by this time and since my paraglider was still up on the hill I went up to fly it down to the bottom landing.
Much to my surprise I was able to get 5 minutes working what little lift there was drifting up the slope before landing beside the car. A good and welcome day after the bad weather.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Airborne again!
Got some airtime again at Big Collin mountain on Thursday. First time out since my hospitalisation and surgery on 26 September. Got four soaring flights and one of my paragliding students got some more tasks done before the weather deteriorated - increasing gusty wind stopped play.
I hasten to add that the surgery was totallly unrelated to paragliding activities!
I hasten to add that the surgery was totallly unrelated to paragliding activities!
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