Sunday Highland (long)

John Simon · Post by **John Simon** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 1:13 pm

As usual Heather and I showed up late to Ridgely Sunday to do a little
afternoon flyiing. The sky looked good, if not a bit filled in... Large
semi-flat cummies all over the place and quite high. Talked to a few folks
and reports were that 1pm and 2pm launchers got nada... bummer. A few were
breaking down and calling it a day as I set up at around 3-3:30. I was
looking for my typical 5 o'clock soaring flight at Ridgely but from reports,
was expecting the sledder. No problem as I hadn't flown since the HR flyin
and Heather would fly later so it was going to be a good day either way.
Got airborne around 3:45 with a light-medium north cross coming over the
trees. Pretty smooth though on tow and pinned off at 2400' in a nice one.
Got right up to 4800' in wide strong lift... was seeing 680 on the 15s
averager for long periods of time. Flew around a bit and hit some more
stuff at about 3000' that was not smooth at all, punchy and strong but found
a core and took it to cloudbase at 6830' AGL... a new personal best for me.
Easily doing 5-600 fpm all the way up to 6200 or so then lighter lift to
base. I was freezing but trying for 7k... no luck and as the involuntary
shivers convulsed my body I stuffed the bar and headed for warmer air.
Level at 4000' I flew in semi-strong north winds at 40mph and was climbing
at 1-200 fpm under a street and now a bit warmer. The drift was pretty
strong so it was nice to cut through it in the Discus. I decided to see how
fast I could get her and pulled full VG and truly stuffed the bar all the
way to the knees, arms fully extended. I saw 68 on my vario airspeed
indicator, but it really was stable at 66. Who knows how accurate they are
though? My cocoon harness wasn't helping I'm sure. I need longer arms as
well I think!
Flew with one baldie and a bunch of vultures and some wangs and cruising
around at will in bouyant air all over. Landed at 5:30 to help Heather get
setup... could have flown much longer I'm sure. Beautiful clear day and you
could see both coastlines clearly.
Heather flew a few real nice flights a bit late in the afternoon and was
thrilled she had not forgotten how! She is working on her pattern,
consistent approaches and landing on target and she nailed the spot on her
last flight with a huge grin. We had a great day and lots of others flew
too, Ed Balow, Erica, Dave P., Christy, Tad, Linda B, Christian and lots of
tandems and others too. Fun day at the flight park... for the late arrivals
anyway.

John Simon

Paul Tjaden · Post by **Paul Tjaden** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 5:58 pm

Glad everyone is having such a great holiday weekend. It's rare when a holiday coincides with such?great flying weather. I've had some of my best flights at Ridgely in late Summer and Autumn. Looks like this year is no exception.
?
Wish I could say the same about Florida. During our first week and a half back in Groveland flying has been pretty pathetic. Lauren has managed a few AM pattern tows trying to get tuned into her new glider but we've been blown out a lot and rained out several days. I finally got an hour yesterday but it was weak and low and I really had to work to stay within range of the field. There were?15 to 20 mph winds trying to blow me to the SW and out over the Green Swamp. Conditions should improve in the next couple of weeks and the natives say that the rain pretty much stops by October so I guess I can wait a bit longer.
?
Enjoy your great Fall flying!
?
Paul

padamez · Post by **padamez** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 7:19 pm

Wow John, When I passed you as I was leaving with my family after my stepson's tamdem I would have never dreamed you were about to have a flight like that! Everyone was saying the better part of the day was over. Almost 7 grand - I bet your butt 'was' freezing! Glad you got a new first. I think it's been awhile since anyone has gotten that high at Highland.

Post by **mcelrah** » Mon Sep 05, 2005 9:38 pm

Hi, Paul! Wondered where you were. I am reduced to 3-axis/powered
flight while I heal up and Steve W. fixes my glider. Flew with a
buddy in a Piper Warrior from Leesburg to Tangier Island and stopped
at Ridgely on the way back so he could see HG. Bought AVGAS at $3.60/
gal and thought it was a bargain - that's what premium mogas costs at
the Shell near my house. Keep in touch... - Hugh

On 5 Sep 2005, at 17:59, Tjadenhors@aol.com wrote:

>
> Glad everyone is having such a great holiday weekend. It's rare
> when a holiday coincides with such great flying weather. I've had
> some of my best flights at Ridgely in late Summer and Autumn.
> Looks like this year is no exception.
>
> Wish I could say the same about Florida. During our first week and
> a half back in Groveland flying has been pretty pathetic. Lauren
> has managed a few AM pattern tows trying to get tuned into her new
> glider but we've been blown out a lot and rained out several days.
> I finally got an hour yesterday but it was weak and low and I
> really had to work to stay within range of the field. There were
> 15 to 20 mph winds trying to blow me to the SW and out over the
> Green Swamp. Conditions should improve in the next couple of weeks
> and the natives say that the rain pretty much stops by October so
> I guess I can wait a bit longer.
>
> Enjoy your great Fall flying!
>
> Paul
>