I flew my Sport 2!

[KirkLewis]

With the string of bad weather on the weekends lately, I was starting to get worried I wouldn't have the chance before highland closes, but Sunday I got to fly my sport 2. It was a lot easier than I had anticipated. I was a little worried it would have poor handling as some pilots I had talked to had mentioned they had flown some that flew like a truck. I'm happy to report it flies awesome I did a stall just to see what that felt like on the sport 2 and it's a bit more exciting than the falcon's haha. It also has a sweet glide.

This also makes me a lot more confident about heading to the mountains, as I feel like flying the sport 2 isn't going to be too much of a liability. So after highland closes and I get my foot launch training squared away I'll be joining you guys for some winter flying =P

On a side note, I had a fun experience with an eagle. I was searching for a thermal when an eagle dived down a few feet off my right wing and pulled out. Then it zoomed away and flew straight towards Bob, who was about 1/2 mile away. It followed him for quite a while. I haven't seen eagles get so "friendly" before. Maybe next time I'm thermaling above one I'll return the favor

[KirkLewis]

Oh and for those of you who witnessed the hilarity of my but landings a few weekends ago, I only did one of those with my sport 2. I do think I can do them upon request though so just ask

[brianvh]

Best training for the mountains: Pick some corner of Highland with trees around it. Throw down some cow poop as a spot. Doesn't count if it's not fresh. Stand around waiting most of the day before you launch.

And yet you'll love it.

[KirkLewis]

Yep, I have a feeling I'll miss the easy elevator that highland provides. But ridge lift sounds like it can be a nice change from thermal hunting, and a change in scenery will be nice, cow pies or not. I will miss the Saturday evening beer fueled conversing, it's always a fun time

[markc]

Well, as far as post-flight-festivities, mountain days can offer beers and dinner at The Strasburg Inn,
after a Woodstock day. Or Barley & Hops, south of Frederick, after a High Rock day. Don't worry, you
won't go thirsty

Congrats on your first Sport 2 flights Kirk!

MarkC

[jimrooney]

Brian... HAHAHAHA... And you'll love it.... YUP!

Congrats Kirk. The Sport2 won't be a liability at all. It's a pretty ideal mountain glider if you ask me.
There's something special about running off a mountain. You're in for a treat. There's a lot of frustration and waiting-game involved, but in the end, it's super cool.

Enjoy
Jim

[KirkLewis]

Mmmmm beer. Sounds good Mark. And thanks Jim, the scooter towing you did with me helped me get the hang of those landings a lot quicker.