I took off early on Thursday to fly with plans to meet Bruce and Hank at Pulpit. When I finally left the office, it looked a bit O.D'd, so I decided to go to Smithsburg with Rich Bloomfield, who was intent on getting some foot launch practice. I had planned to test-fly a PG I had just purchased, but winds were a bit too strong for that
Shortly after I arrived, I got a call from Bruce reporting that it was raining and winds at the Pulpit had been over 50mph, so he was headed home to dry out his gear. I informed Rich of the potential for rain and strong winds. We observed that the rain was travelling north of our position, and Rich wanted to experience some 'high-wind ground handling', so he set up his Falcon 195 while I flew Zagi and chatted with Eddie Miller.
Once Rich was ready, Eddie and I assisted. I tied a piece of webbing to the keel (an Eddie Miller idea), near the noseplate on the Falcon, and Eddie shared some advice on high-wind ground handling. Finally, the last vestiges of the squall moved past us, and conditions settled down ... a little.
Rich made two flights from a position half-way up the hill, waiting each time for a suitable lull in windspeed. I think he did well in his ground handling and in countering the turbulence.
Rich loaned me his glider and I made one flight into the sporty air, experiencing periods of zero ground speed followed by quick changes in altitude.
I made it home in time to cut the lawn and get the garden vegetables planted before the rain and sunset.
Another 'great' day
Thursday @ Smithsburg - high-wind ground handling practice.
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