Fri (3/18/2016) @ Woodstock

[wmelo]

It may be too early to call, but we are hopeful that it will be a warm day with flyable NW winds.
A few pilots have already indicated their interest.
What about you?

[Ward Odenwald]

Looks doubtful. Good intentions, albeit debatable, have resulted in the closure of WS for the near or foreseeable future.

For HG pilots, Spring has become the "winter of our discontent"!

Please visit the Woodstock Launch thread.

Ward

[krryerson]

Great news about the Woodstock launch/update and I'll be going to Woodstock on Friday if it is possible to take off.
Not the best timing for us, but hope for the best and we'll hear back from Patrick after the meeting with the contractors on Thursday.
Knut

[Ward Odenwald]

Knut, could be wrong, but Patrick's meeting with contractors on Thursday and having one of them clear the downed trees from launch before Friday is not realistic. Felling a large tree is relatively easy but cutting it up and removing it is most of the effort and likely the most dangerous part of the process.

Based on Peter's assessment (via Matt's post), WS is closed for days.

Ward

[silverwings]

It appears that the launch may be adequately cleared for flying on Friday but according to xc-skies it is going to be extremely windy at altitude. Even if launchable, with the great lift forecast you could find yourself in trouble, trouble.

[krryerson]

Not sure if we will be flying, but seems like we are 3-4 pilots going to Woodstock tomorrow, to check the launch out and maybe fly.
Looks like some pilots might be flying early, 10AM. Windyty.com forecast predicts manageable wind below 3000 feet, though could be wrong. As you all know, WS seems to most of the time be very difficult to predict and not sure what to think, but will be going there tomorrow AM.
Knut

[krryerson]

Estimated time arrival 11 a.m.

[rlweber]

Thinking about an evening flight....the conditions look very (too?) strong at this point. I would appreciate a conditions report from those who go.

Randy
540-820-6342

[krryerson]

It is picking up now, but launchable still. Here at the launch with Bacil.
Since Bacil will leave in 30 min, are going to wait it out till 3-4pm.
Excepting it to peak around 3PM and hope to launch at 4PM, flying till 6:30PM.
Assume 3 more pilots will show up by 4:00 PM. The WS launch looks great now and launchable.
If needed, text me at 703-nine-6-seven-8-two-77.
No guaranty that we can get a flight in, but considering wind dying during late day and WS effect, seems like we most likely will get some great afternoon flying in today.
Knut

[krryerson]

12:45PM:
Between 15-21 mph wind gusts (thermals), there is 50-60 seconds with wind straight in from 5-14 mph.
The gusts lasting for about 2-3 second.
Great thermals today.
Over a 5 min period, measured one max 23 mph for 2 second. That is the strongest.
Cloud base does looks like 25 mph, but difficult to estimate.
Have been on days like this before at WS and if having double sail wing, this should be a fun day to fly.
Gary will be here by 4 and going to Walmart now and will report back by 3 PM.
Knut

[krryerson]

3:00 PM:
Over 2 minutes with wind straight in from 6-13 mph. Than shorter periods, 5-6 seconds with thermals coming in with a speed of 14-18mph. Was expecting it stronger, but better now.
Rigging up my glider now and will get airborne when Gary arrives. Expecting to land as late as possible.
Will not post any more.
Knut
Knut

[XCanytime]

Got to launch at 9A to find Chris and Justin cutting up the remaining felled trees that were blocking the slot. Hauled wood and branches while they cut and hauled. After an hour we got 'er done. The...launch...is...CLEAR . Chatted with them a while before they departed to trim the Dickey's Ridge slot. Knut showed up around 11:15A and I continued to pick up stray branches and such and deposit them in the appropriate places. The setup area and slot look a lot different now. There is no wind block for the setup area on the SW side. The slot is wider by an appreciable amount. Left just after noon to head to work in Rockville. Hope Knut and the 3 other pilots that were going to show up get some safe, inaugural flights of the new slot in before sunset. Bacil

[krryerson]

Nice launch and got airborn around 5:00PM and flew till around 6:00PM. Not any epic day at Woodstock, but great to be back in the air after 2 months. It was 75% fun and 25% challenging with typical spring air. Went weightless ones and could not stay in nice strong thermals and drift too fare away.
Gary and Randy flew too and we all had great launches and perfect landings.
If interested, check link at http://doarama.com/view/685795
Knut

[thermalup]

Thank you Knut for the report and the 'doarama' link. Did you happen to make one of your videos documenting the flight? I'm just curious to see what the launch now looks like from the air.

Also, does anyone know approximately when crop is planted at the bridge LZ and landing there will not be an option?
Thx much for any information. ..::JG

[krryerson]

Sorry, did not bring the GoPro, but John M. Posted my pictures on WS launch updates link. The launch is really open and nice now. Knut