Arrived about 11:00 am to find Kelvin and Mark C in their usual places, perched on the rock waiting for conditions to improve, contemplating either this life, or their next life as birds. Mark was the human sacrifice that launched first - breeze was coming in mostly straight and mostly about 5-8ish? (please correct me if I'm wrong), streamers pretty light but only drooping occaisionally.
Mark headed to the LZ pretty quick, Wesley launched nicely, I think Bunkhouse Bob went off, then came the "newly two-ly" and too many questions: "last time they said I CAN'T run off, now this time you WANT me to run off?!?!" and such like "no, I'm gonna park my glider right here safely back in the rear of the rock and have a nervous breakdown because I'm afraid of heights..." Coulda sworn I ran off like they said to, but apparently I walked off... the pictures will tell. Ralph was out with his new camera. As if his pictures could get even better!
A zillion kudos to Danny, Kelvin, Pete, Mark, who all helped get me off the rock - twice! They have the patience of saints. I think I saw Pete snoozing on my nose wires while I quietly panicked...Ralph kindly retreived me in time to get me back up for a second launch. (Second time's the charm, apparently I ran off my second launch). Wesley did great, and I believe he said this was his first time launching at High Rock (he's on his Eagle). Go Wesley! I suspect he'll be back for more. Danny soared but said he didn't get very high over launch. Think he had the longest FOTD.
John S. checked in with Miss Emma Jane and signed the waiver, and also introduced Heather. They came out for the entertainment today, and to get the lay of the land for future flights at High Rock. Good to see another FiFi! (John too!)
DAVE PROCTOR -WHERE WERE YOU ON THIS FLYABLE DAY?!?! HMMM. WHAT'S GOOD FOR THE GOOSE IS GOOD FOR THE GANDER! LOL! (dang uppitty 2's!)
Bob - I had socks on when I flew....
-Linda B.
Sunday at Highrock - mountain launches #2 and #3
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Sunday at Highrock - mountain launches #2 and #3
Thanks; everybodies launches look the same to me!
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From: hang_pilot [mailto:daniel.broxterman@suntrust.com]
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 3:18 PM
To: hg_forum@chgpa.org
Subject: Sunday at Highrock - mountain launches #2 and #3
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Loved your post: definitely felt like I was there. Also makes me miss Lauren's mountain stories.
Your launches look great in Ralph's pictures!
~Daniel
<![if !supportLineBreakNewLine]> <![endif]>
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From: hang_pilot [mailto:daniel.broxterman@suntrust.com]
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 3:18 PM
To: hg_forum@chgpa.org
Subject: Sunday at Highrock - mountain launches #2 and #3
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Loved your post: definitely felt like I was there. Also makes me miss Lauren's mountain stories.
Your launches look great in Ralph's pictures!
~Daniel
<![if !supportLineBreakNewLine]> <![endif]>
Launching at HR #2 and #3
Linda and Others:
as far as being told not to run off before versus running off this time, the rule of thumb is when it's blowing 10mph or higher, hang your toes off the edge; for every 2mph below this you can afford to take another step back. Be aware that not everyone agrees you should move back from the edge of a cliff launch. Also, if it's averaging 5 but gusting to 10, treat it as 10 and stand at the edge.
I think if you look at the two situations and apply this rule, you'll find that the various observers are being consistent with each other.
as far as being told not to run off before versus running off this time, the rule of thumb is when it's blowing 10mph or higher, hang your toes off the edge; for every 2mph below this you can afford to take another step back. Be aware that not everyone agrees you should move back from the edge of a cliff launch. Also, if it's averaging 5 but gusting to 10, treat it as 10 and stand at the edge.
I think if you look at the two situations and apply this rule, you'll find that the various observers are being consistent with each other.
Brian Vant-Hull
Sunday at Highrock - mountain launches #2 and #3
That is the explanation which I received after I started balking! ??I could wish for this kind of in-depth explanation before I’m standing on launch shaking at the knees.? I think the more experienced pilots forget what it is that the beginners do or do not know (and even that amount of knowledge will vary among beginners).? I’m reading madly as much as I can on the topic, but it doesn’t mean that I’ve got all the situations covered in my mind yet for all possible launch conditions. ??
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I think I will request a more comprehensive briefing prior to getting up on launch.? I will ask all the experienced pilots whom I count on for their invaluable experience, ?to bear with me on this request and to see if they can find a little more time to talk with me so that the whole launch will go more smoothly.? Okay, so I confess I probably SEEM argumentative but it is only because, on launch looking into my destiny, I rather like having ?all the advice kind of in alignment, if you know what I mean….
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I understand too that the more advanced pilots want to get the starters off the rock so that
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<![if !supportLists]>1)?????? <![endif]>the starters can get the air they need while it is still blowing appropriately for the starters, and
<![if !supportLists]>2)?????? <![endif]>the more experience pilots whom are helping to crew, etc, would also like to go off and fly.
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So I will also keep that in mind, and continue to seek advice everywhere I can get it (including prior to launch) and thru the forum.
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Thank you for the input Brian. – Linda B.
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From: brianvh [mailto:brianvh@dc.umd.edu]
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 3:40 PM
To: hg_forum@chgpa.org
Subject: Sunday at Highrock - mountain launches #2 and #3
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Linda and Others:
as far as being told not to run off before versus running off this time, the rule of thumb is when it's blowing 10mph or higher, hang your toes off the edge; for every 2mph below this you can afford to take another step back. Be aware that not everyone agrees you should move back from the edge of a cliff launch. Also, if it's averaging 5 but gusting to 10, treat it as 10 and stand at the edge.
I think if you look at the two situations and apply this rule, you'll find that the various observers are being consistent with each other. <![if !supportLineBreakNewLine]> <![endif]>
Brian Vant-Hull
301-646-1149
<![if !supportLineBreakNewLine]> <![endif]>
?
I think I will request a more comprehensive briefing prior to getting up on launch.? I will ask all the experienced pilots whom I count on for their invaluable experience, ?to bear with me on this request and to see if they can find a little more time to talk with me so that the whole launch will go more smoothly.? Okay, so I confess I probably SEEM argumentative but it is only because, on launch looking into my destiny, I rather like having ?all the advice kind of in alignment, if you know what I mean….
?
I understand too that the more advanced pilots want to get the starters off the rock so that
?
<![if !supportLists]>1)?????? <![endif]>the starters can get the air they need while it is still blowing appropriately for the starters, and
<![if !supportLists]>2)?????? <![endif]>the more experience pilots whom are helping to crew, etc, would also like to go off and fly.
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So I will also keep that in mind, and continue to seek advice everywhere I can get it (including prior to launch) and thru the forum.
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Thank you for the input Brian. – Linda B.
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From: brianvh [mailto:brianvh@dc.umd.edu]
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 3:40 PM
To: hg_forum@chgpa.org
Subject: Sunday at Highrock - mountain launches #2 and #3
?
Linda and Others:
as far as being told not to run off before versus running off this time, the rule of thumb is when it's blowing 10mph or higher, hang your toes off the edge; for every 2mph below this you can afford to take another step back. Be aware that not everyone agrees you should move back from the edge of a cliff launch. Also, if it's averaging 5 but gusting to 10, treat it as 10 and stand at the edge.
I think if you look at the two situations and apply this rule, you'll find that the various observers are being consistent with each other. <![if !supportLineBreakNewLine]> <![endif]>
Brian Vant-Hull
301-646-1149
<![if !supportLineBreakNewLine]> <![endif]>
preflight conferences with observers
A detailed preflight discussion is always a good idea, and I'm sure you'll find any observers will be more than happy to discuss things (it really strokes the ego for one thing). There's so much information it's easy to forget important details, or to assume that someone who's been around a while will have heard it all before. I'd suggest buttonholing more than one person.
I think it was a year after my first woodstock flight that I learned the good lift band is actually a hundred yards out at that particular site .... someone may have mentioned it, but there was so much else to keep track of it probably wouldn't have registered. I'm sure most H2's have heard nearly everything that needs to be said, but unless it's reiterated in context it may not be readily available when needed.
So....all H2's out there take note: don't be afraid to bug observers and other experienced pilots for more information. Everyone likes talking about flying. Otherwise unless you're totally green we may not think to start talking until we get you up on launch. Good opening line: "what would you suggest as a flight plan and why?"
I think it was a year after my first woodstock flight that I learned the good lift band is actually a hundred yards out at that particular site .... someone may have mentioned it, but there was so much else to keep track of it probably wouldn't have registered. I'm sure most H2's have heard nearly everything that needs to be said, but unless it's reiterated in context it may not be readily available when needed.
So....all H2's out there take note: don't be afraid to bug observers and other experienced pilots for more information. Everyone likes talking about flying. Otherwise unless you're totally green we may not think to start talking until we get you up on launch. Good opening line: "what would you suggest as a flight plan and why?"
Brian Vant-Hull