Woodstock windsock

[XCanytime]

After a blown launch at Woodstock on Father's Day, there was discussion about mounting a windsock at the top of the left bottom corner of the slot, a la the slot at Sacramento and 501. Would the Central VA guys, who opened this site, (and pilots who fly this site) want a windsock mounted? Any inputs would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Bacil

[davidtheamazing1]

I'm in favor of the idea, however I'm at a loss for how it would be installed there such that it wouldn't get in the way, would be ok with the park service, and would be high enough when the trees grow. Also the post would need to last through wind, lightening, vandalism, etc.

What if we sponsored an American flag, to be mounted vertically on the Woodstock tower?

[RedBaron]

I'm sure there's not one pilot out there who would object to it.
Just do it and see what happens. I'd pick a wind sock that is the least visible upon superficial inspection, camouflaged would be great.
If you start a thread on this there is the danger of a dozen pilots unleashing a hundred dozen opinions on this, just like I just did

[davidtheamazing1]

Just do it and see what happens.

How?

[RedBaron]

How?

Bacil's problem. He volunteered

I suggest several overlapping PVC tubes of decreasing diameter. Well-placed screws should be used to keep them from sliding all the way into each other. Secure it by a big stake hammered into the ground and by tying it to a tree.

[Matthew]

American flag???

How about the state flag of Virginia?

"Thus Always to Tyrants".

Gotta love a state flag that quotes John Wilkes Booth.

No VA resident or anyone in the park service will have the balls to remove that.

Matthew

[RichH]

Really doubt that its neccessary..I mean for heaven sake it has a tower at the launch..Just walk up and check the over all direction from the tower..crossing conditions are always mean at woodstock especially from the south west..all the windsocks in the world are not going to prevent a bad decision to launch at woodstock..so be cautious, check the overall conditions if it has a hint of south in it be awear..and if you had a bad launch maybe you need your technique looked over by a instructor or a more experienced pilot don't assume a wind sock is what you need..Sorry I wasn't there when u launched but I can't think of too many sites where you can get as much information before you launch then woodstock..sticking a windsock at the end of the slot is probably not the cure to the issue.. Honestly maybe some fellow mentorship by a more experienced pilot is what is needed..Woodstock can be very benign but it can bite you in the ass on crossing days..Take my word for it...RH

[RedBaron]

See, should not have started this thread.

[jimrooney]

Have a chat with Joe Gorey up at Sacramento PA.
He's had a sock at the Sac for years and I hear has a good setup that makes replacing it easier.

Jim

[hang_pilot]

A windsock at Woodstock is a great idea; I'd love to know what the wind is doing at tree-top level compared with in the slot. Thanks for taking this on, Bacil! ~Daniel

[Spark]

http://www.winddirection.com/

[RichH]

Look I'm not opposed to putting a windsock at the slot..My point is there are other considerations here..If you make a mistake on launch ( I have made some of my own) it always helps to have your technique looked at by others..Not only technique but your decision process..I have blown a launch at Woodstock myself I asked questions about what I did and what I could have done better..As it turned out the problem began in my decision making process..I launched in too high a wind conditions and started my launch when my right wing was low ( ..fortunately I was able to actually get a good flare and land within the slot only bending a down tube).. Several very good pilots were there and I was able to learn from my mistake by asking questions and getting honest feedback..I offer this not in any attempt to bulster my own ego but to honestly prevent a mistake. Mentorship is a key factor in safe flying learning from more experienced pilots will hopefully prevent some future accidents from happening..I was very fortunate to have some great pilots around me while I was learning to fly and honestly I continue to this day to seek out their advice..RIchH

[tdilisio]

In my limited experience, I think a windsock would be a good thing.... especially after the leaves fall off for the winter.... which makes reading the wind above the trees a little difficult from the slot.

[XCanytime]

I am in contact with the local Ranger District about the windsock. I've already talked to Joe Gorrie about how they mounted their windsock at the SAC and 501. I'll let you know how it goes with the local Ranger District.

Bacil