Large crowd under cloudy skies. Winds light but soarable on and off for the afternoon. I managed to scratch to 150 over launch then moved down the ridge. I stayed below 300 for most of the flight but did manage to get to a thousand over for a brief period. Landed with an hour flying.
Joe
Pulpit Sunday
Moderator: CHGPA BOD
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Flying Lobster
- Posts: 1042
- Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:17 pm
Re: Pulpit Sunday
Twas definitely a day for paragliding (an hour and 1200 over)! Another amazingly good mid-winter flight. Even got to introduce Ashley to paragliding by doing a paraglider tandem--he had a great launch run which enabled us to get out cleanly without scraping our butts. I guess this was another successful Bacil Dickert New Year Pulpit Fly-inJoe Schad wrote:Large crowd under cloudy skies. Winds light but soarable on and off for the afternoon. I managed to scratch to 150 over launch then moved down the ridge. I stayed below 300 for most of the flight but did manage to get to a thousand over for a brief period. Landed with an hour flying.
Joe
Others had nice flights as well--since there were so many I will let them recall their own moments of glory.
marc
Great Googly-moo!
-
hepcat1989
- Posts: 684
- Joined: Thu Jan 06, 2005 11:15 pm
Lemme see.... By my count today's turnout was 20 pilots,
pretty damn impressive for a "morning-after" new year's day!
New pilots Bob P and Jim Lee. Andy, Sparc, Marc, Matthew,
Karen, and Daniel on PG (Spark on both). Gary, Joe S, Dave B,
Craig, Ashley, Pete, Bacil, Shawn, John M, myself on HG.
Brian, Bruce, and Rich out enjoying the day and helping out.
I got there a bit late, around 11:30 or so. Hustled to set up
when Craig mentioned that the 'cast was for winds to lighten
between noon and 1:00. Was glad I did! Got up and out around
12:45 or so (thanks to Gary, Bruce, and Joe for crewing!) for
a bit over an hour, and 600-and-change over. Was fun
thermalling with Spark and Marc Finc in their sky-bouyies
(oh, sorry, I mean paragliders
) .
Made the mistake of buzzing the Mountain House and launch
just as a flush cycle started, and was soon toast.
Things turned back on while I was in the LZ, so I headed back up
for a second flight. In spite of some sun breaking through late
in the afternoon, it was just a sledder. But hey, what a great way
to start 2006, I ain't complainin'.
FANTASTIC sunset at the end of the day, enjoyed by me,
Gary, Ashley, and Rich. Gary filmed it, so maybe the footage
will find its way into one of his kick-ass DVDs one day.
Feelin' fat, dumb, and happy!
Mark C.
pretty damn impressive for a "morning-after" new year's day!
New pilots Bob P and Jim Lee. Andy, Sparc, Marc, Matthew,
Karen, and Daniel on PG (Spark on both). Gary, Joe S, Dave B,
Craig, Ashley, Pete, Bacil, Shawn, John M, myself on HG.
Brian, Bruce, and Rich out enjoying the day and helping out.
I got there a bit late, around 11:30 or so. Hustled to set up
when Craig mentioned that the 'cast was for winds to lighten
between noon and 1:00. Was glad I did! Got up and out around
12:45 or so (thanks to Gary, Bruce, and Joe for crewing!) for
a bit over an hour, and 600-and-change over. Was fun
thermalling with Spark and Marc Finc in their sky-bouyies
(oh, sorry, I mean paragliders
) .Made the mistake of buzzing the Mountain House and launch
just as a flush cycle started, and was soon toast.
Things turned back on while I was in the LZ, so I headed back up
for a second flight. In spite of some sun breaking through late
in the afternoon, it was just a sledder. But hey, what a great way
to start 2006, I ain't complainin'.
FANTASTIC sunset at the end of the day, enjoyed by me,
Gary, Ashley, and Rich. Gary filmed it, so maybe the footage
will find its way into one of his kick-ass DVDs one day.
Feelin' fat, dumb, and happy!
Mark C.
Pulpit Sunday
Got two flights in, including my 1st landing in the secondary. First
flight my nose was bit high, and I mushed off. Kept my nose lower
the second time. Biggest news of the day, though, is that Johnnie's
Diner is now smoke-free.
Dave
flight my nose was bit high, and I mushed off. Kept my nose lower
the second time. Biggest news of the day, though, is that Johnnie's
Diner is now smoke-free.
Dave
-
Danny Brotto
- Posts: 709
- Joined: Mon Feb 14, 2005 9:29 pm
getting it right...
It has been my experience (on numerous occasions) with reporters that no matter how much careful and factual information you give them, it will end up being printed incorrectly.
Danny Brotto
Danny Brotto
Pulpit
I'm delighted to hear about so many wonderful flights to start off the new year.
I debated coming out to fly the falcon - but felt that I should do penance at Blue Sky and tidy up my last mistakes before starting new ones, so I set up the glider and went over it with Steve, and then scrubbed it clean with a toothbrush and some water.
The good news is that the frame seems to be in good condition - no visible dings or marks on the frame that could be identified with the sail still on. The sail is torn at the right wing tip and adjacent to the right sprog zipper. Those will require sewn patches. There are a couple small holes in the leading edge dacrom, but no mylar damage underneath. Those are primarily cosmetic and might get a sticky patch/might get a re-sew depending on how Steve feels about it all when he's got the sail off. Battens were all fine, and all there! All the parts were there! Absolutely amazing! A couple hundred in repairs sounds like I'm getting off lightly after that mess in the trees. Whew!
But the car died on the way home....
-Linda
I debated coming out to fly the falcon - but felt that I should do penance at Blue Sky and tidy up my last mistakes before starting new ones, so I set up the glider and went over it with Steve, and then scrubbed it clean with a toothbrush and some water.
The good news is that the frame seems to be in good condition - no visible dings or marks on the frame that could be identified with the sail still on. The sail is torn at the right wing tip and adjacent to the right sprog zipper. Those will require sewn patches. There are a couple small holes in the leading edge dacrom, but no mylar damage underneath. Those are primarily cosmetic and might get a sticky patch/might get a re-sew depending on how Steve feels about it all when he's got the sail off. Battens were all fine, and all there! All the parts were there! Absolutely amazing! A couple hundred in repairs sounds like I'm getting off lightly after that mess in the trees. Whew!
But the car died on the way home....
-Linda-
Flying Lobster
- Posts: 1042
- Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:17 pm
Re: getting it right...(different thread?)
I assume you meant this to go up on the HR thread--but I agree with what you say. I think the media is always looking for a sensational angle in accident reporting--and hang gliding is the perfect subject.Danny Brotto wrote:It has been my experience (on numerous occasions) with reporters that no matter how much careful and factual information you give them, it will end up being printed incorrectly.
Danny Brotto
Overall, the situation at HR was handled very well--but it does raise issues about the club's ability to deal with these kinds of situations in a way where it has more control over the outcome. Accident reporting, especially sensationalized, never does any good for the public image of hang gliding. A good off-season seminar for the club to consider.
marc
Great Googly-moo!
It was a busy day for me. I started at Smithsburg to test fly Daniel's new Ozone paraglider and do some more practice flying kiting, then headed to Pulpit.
When I got there, I could see Matthew high over launch in his PG. I observed Shawn, and then flew my new PG. I really like the handling and that brightly colored crispy new canopy.
After landing the PG, I headed back up top to help Daniel and Andy launch their PGs. Then I 'test-flew' Mike Lee's recently acquired Falcon I 195. As expected, it flew like a Falcon, fun and easy. Soared it for awhile.
Then it was back up to launch to help Daniel and Andy again. By this time, winds were lighter. I got to see Marc and Ashley make the first tandem launch from pulpit. My final flight was a sledder, and a nice way to end a New Years day.
Many thanks to Mike Lee for the retrieval rides, and to the wire crew who helped me with the Falcon.
When I got there, I could see Matthew high over launch in his PG. I observed Shawn, and then flew my new PG. I really like the handling and that brightly colored crispy new canopy.
After landing the PG, I headed back up top to help Daniel and Andy launch their PGs. Then I 'test-flew' Mike Lee's recently acquired Falcon I 195. As expected, it flew like a Falcon, fun and easy. Soared it for awhile.
Then it was back up to launch to help Daniel and Andy again. By this time, winds were lighter. I got to see Marc and Ashley make the first tandem launch from pulpit. My final flight was a sledder, and a nice way to end a New Years day.
Many thanks to Mike Lee for the retrieval rides, and to the wire crew who helped me with the Falcon.
'Spark
Cold Fingers
Couldn't find my high tech glove liners to put inside my fleece windstopper gloves. Ten minutes into my first flight on the PG my fingers started getting cold. Spent most of the flight between 500-700 over. Tried balling up my fingers, flying with one or the other hand under my butt, wiggling my fingers, etc. But after a half hour my fingertips felt like ice cubes so I headed out to land in the secondary.
Came back up with intention of flying HG. But it had gone light and everyone but Joe Schad had sunk out. Pulled out the PG again. Daniel B. (AKA The Oscillator) launched in his PG and got right up, sans vario. I followed and used my ski gloves this time. Got 600 over flying with John M., Daniel, Joe and Pete S. Joe landed, Daniele succumbed to coldfinger syndrome about a half hour later and landed in the secondary, then it lightened up and John and Pete succumbed to gravity. I found some bubbles half way down the ridge and managed to stay between 50 and 200 over. But after another 15 minutes my fingertips were turning into ice cubes again so I head out to land in the primary for a 45 minute flight.
A great way to start the new year. Karen had a good flight too in her PG with quite the exciting launch!
Gotta get some thin battery powered gloves or battery powered glove liners.
Matthew
Came back up with intention of flying HG. But it had gone light and everyone but Joe Schad had sunk out. Pulled out the PG again. Daniel B. (AKA The Oscillator) launched in his PG and got right up, sans vario. I followed and used my ski gloves this time. Got 600 over flying with John M., Daniel, Joe and Pete S. Joe landed, Daniele succumbed to coldfinger syndrome about a half hour later and landed in the secondary, then it lightened up and John and Pete succumbed to gravity. I found some bubbles half way down the ridge and managed to stay between 50 and 200 over. But after another 15 minutes my fingertips were turning into ice cubes again so I head out to land in the primary for a 45 minute flight.
A great way to start the new year. Karen had a good flight too in her PG with quite the exciting launch!
Gotta get some thin battery powered gloves or battery powered glove liners.
Matthew
Pulpit and car
Due to a cracked rib from a mugging I wasn't flying, but thought I'd come up for wire crew and a possible pg tandem. Arrived just in time to watch things die down, so wasn't good for much except a retrieve.
The parking lot was covered with packed snow, and my little civic wasn't coping well. Had to be pushed free once, then on my second time backing out of the crowded parking lot managed to get the rear wheel planted right between two sawed off stumps and a rock. The tire slid in like a key into a groove, and with no traction to go back uphill I was helpless. I was trying to stay away from Schuman's truck, and was over a foot too far, so between the two of us the exit was blocked just when people wanted to leave. Pete made some comment about getting my driver's license from a bubble gum machine, and said if I had planted it in the top of a tree he'd lend a hand, but as it was he couldn't help me.
Well, it being my car, I wanted to sit and study things for awhile...plan out the best method of attack. But it wasn't anybody else's car, so as I was pondering, behind my back planks came flying out of the woods, jacks popped out of trunks, and within a 2 minute flurry of activity about 6 different ideas were tried and abandoned. They kept plugging away undeterred as I offered helpful advice like "what?...well....um...maybe you should..." Suddenly the ass end of my little car was perched high up on a jack, tottering back and forth while teams of pilots on both sides rocked it with enthusiasm. It flew over the stump to a cheer of group triumph and crashed down on the gravel like the General Lee in Dukes of Hazzard. I climbed in and sheepishly drove it away.
The car's fine. Except for a disintegrating rust spot held in place by paint that was ready to fall out and is now entirely missing, the car seems perfectly content. Shoulda gotten snow chains for christmas.
The parking lot was covered with packed snow, and my little civic wasn't coping well. Had to be pushed free once, then on my second time backing out of the crowded parking lot managed to get the rear wheel planted right between two sawed off stumps and a rock. The tire slid in like a key into a groove, and with no traction to go back uphill I was helpless. I was trying to stay away from Schuman's truck, and was over a foot too far, so between the two of us the exit was blocked just when people wanted to leave. Pete made some comment about getting my driver's license from a bubble gum machine, and said if I had planted it in the top of a tree he'd lend a hand, but as it was he couldn't help me.
Well, it being my car, I wanted to sit and study things for awhile...plan out the best method of attack. But it wasn't anybody else's car, so as I was pondering, behind my back planks came flying out of the woods, jacks popped out of trunks, and within a 2 minute flurry of activity about 6 different ideas were tried and abandoned. They kept plugging away undeterred as I offered helpful advice like "what?...well....um...maybe you should..." Suddenly the ass end of my little car was perched high up on a jack, tottering back and forth while teams of pilots on both sides rocked it with enthusiasm. It flew over the stump to a cheer of group triumph and crashed down on the gravel like the General Lee in Dukes of Hazzard. I climbed in and sheepishly drove it away.
The car's fine. Except for a disintegrating rust spot held in place by paint that was ready to fall out and is now entirely missing, the car seems perfectly content. Shoulda gotten snow chains for christmas.
Brian Vant-Hull
Mugging
Brian - I'm sorry to hear that you got mugged and have a broken rib! You are going to have to stop hitting on women tougher than you.... <cheeky grin>
Seriously, glad to hear that you didn't have to lift your car out yourself. What a great group this community of pilots is. -Linda
Seriously, glad to hear that you didn't have to lift your car out yourself. What a great group this community of pilots is. -Linda
-
hang_pilot
- Posts: 662
- Joined: Thu Jan 06, 2005 11:13 pm
- Location: Tallahassee, FL
Yeah, I need to control the canopy better and the reminder from Matthew is totally welcome. Fortunately, the new wing is pretty bomb proof.Matthew wrote: Daniel B. (AKA The Oscillator) launched in his PG and got right up, sans vario.
First soaring flight on the pg. Without vario, best guess on stats: 4 hours and 4k over.
O.K. 40-45 minutes and 500 over. Landed when my fingers just couldn't take any more of the cold. Practiced rear riser turns, weight shift only turns and big ears. First flights on my new wing: a medium Ozone Buzz purchased from 2Fly, LLC (i.e. Spark). The Buzz is a low level intermediate (DHV 1-2) wing. Probably analogous to a Wills Wing Eagle. Handling and launch characteristis are hugely improved versus the older Large Nova Phocus I've been flying. I did 12 flights at Smithsburg in the morning and then the two flights at Pulpit.
Thanks to Spark for the instruction and Brian for the ride.
Man was it cool to see so many pilots at the Pulpit. Nice day. Great energy. With three launches and a long ridge the site can easily handle a crowd and there were plenty of pilots in the air to pimp off of. I heard that some pilots drank a champagne toast on one of the ramps. Yes, George Bailey, it's a wonderful life.
~Daniel
Re: Mugging
Yeah, that Olivia sure packs a punch. But I wouldn't call the rib broken: just distraught and painful...probably a hairline fracture. A few weeks of trying not to laugh or cough and I'll be fine.breezyk1d wrote:Brian - I'm sorry to hear that you got mugged and have a broken rib! You are going to have to stop hitting on women tougher than you.... <cheeky grin>
Brian Vant-Hull
Hey Brian,
Glad to hear that you weren't hurt when Olivia mugged you.
And I have some good news for you.....now that you have been mugged, you now have the undergone the life-changing event that should allow you to fully convert to a conservative LOL. I look forward to hearing from you and your "new perspective" in the near future.
All the best,
Marco
PS: Happy New Year to all.
Glad to hear that you weren't hurt when Olivia mugged you.
And I have some good news for you.....now that you have been mugged, you now have the undergone the life-changing event that should allow you to fully convert to a conservative LOL. I look forward to hearing from you and your "new perspective" in the near future.
All the best,
Marco
PS: Happy New Year to all.
Muggings make conservatives?
So let's see: conservatives have a dark view of human nature caused
by traumatic interactions with others, whom they assume to be
homosexual, so they outlaw gay marriage? or they assume their
assailants are poor, old, and sick, so they give tax cuts to the
rich while cutting foodstamps and medicare? Or perhaps the muggers
are educated, so in order to get back at them, conservatives mandate
the teaching of alternative biological theories such as the evil-
spirits theory of disease? or perhaps it's just a matter of style:
conservatives detest the muggers' direct approach, strongly
preferring the more genteel techniques of embezzlement, influence-
buying, and gerrymandering of Congressional districts... - Hugh
by traumatic interactions with others, whom they assume to be
homosexual, so they outlaw gay marriage? or they assume their
assailants are poor, old, and sick, so they give tax cuts to the
rich while cutting foodstamps and medicare? Or perhaps the muggers
are educated, so in order to get back at them, conservatives mandate
the teaching of alternative biological theories such as the evil-
spirits theory of disease? or perhaps it's just a matter of style:
conservatives detest the muggers' direct approach, strongly
preferring the more genteel techniques of embezzlement, influence-
buying, and gerrymandering of Congressional districts... - Hugh
Exciting Pulpit PG launch
After cringing at many exciting PG launches at the Pulpit in the past year I probably had the most exciting one ever on Sunday. It had the potential to be very dangerous. I?m very lucky and amazed that I (finally) got off safely. This is what happened to the best of my recollection. I?m welcome to any corrections or comments.
Matthew had launched earlier and reported smooth air. It took me a long time to get ready after he launched. (I now resolve to have my glider and gear ready before moving to launch). The winds had picked up some since Matthew launched. Marc Fink was assisting me. He advised me to build a wall, which I did and which went well. Then he checked for a straight in cycle, and I pulled up the glider. It came up beautifully ? completely straight. Marc said ?Turn around and go!? and at that moment, whether because he let go (he had been anchoring me) or because of a gust I popped up like a champagne cork about 7 or so feet in the air. I was facing backwards and the risers were tight against each other. I wasn?t going forward out from the launch area but was stuck there and getting higher. I pulled the risers apart hard to turn around, but this put me into a strong right turn. I headed towards the right ramp and I believe actually touched it with my foot. I then pulled left but over corrected and headed towards the left ramp. I think I touched the rocks with a foot, and then overcorrected once more, heading back to the right ramp. Marc and Sparky had been running back and forth with me attempting to grab onto me but I was too high. This time I ended up behind the right ramp. I was practically standing on one of the stairs and contemplated pulling hard break but was scared that I might fall backwards down the steps. Either Marc or Sparky almost had hold of me but then I corrected again at finally the right degree and was in the middle of the slot. But I still wasn?t going forward. I didn?t want to step on the speed bar since I was so close to terrain. (Plus the speedbar wasn?t easily accessible). Marc & Sparky yelled ?Hands up!!? and when I lifted them all of the way up the glider began to slowly go forwards. I think I had the longest sled ever to the secondary ? must have been 15 minutes or more. The flight was uneventful and actually even enjoyable. I landed safely next to Matthew.
Sorry for scaring to death everyone who observed the launch. I believe my mistake was attempting to launch in winds that were too strong for me at this location. Conditions in general were fine, but I need to launch at the Pulpit in lighter winds with the PG.
Matthew had launched earlier and reported smooth air. It took me a long time to get ready after he launched. (I now resolve to have my glider and gear ready before moving to launch). The winds had picked up some since Matthew launched. Marc Fink was assisting me. He advised me to build a wall, which I did and which went well. Then he checked for a straight in cycle, and I pulled up the glider. It came up beautifully ? completely straight. Marc said ?Turn around and go!? and at that moment, whether because he let go (he had been anchoring me) or because of a gust I popped up like a champagne cork about 7 or so feet in the air. I was facing backwards and the risers were tight against each other. I wasn?t going forward out from the launch area but was stuck there and getting higher. I pulled the risers apart hard to turn around, but this put me into a strong right turn. I headed towards the right ramp and I believe actually touched it with my foot. I then pulled left but over corrected and headed towards the left ramp. I think I touched the rocks with a foot, and then overcorrected once more, heading back to the right ramp. Marc and Sparky had been running back and forth with me attempting to grab onto me but I was too high. This time I ended up behind the right ramp. I was practically standing on one of the stairs and contemplated pulling hard break but was scared that I might fall backwards down the steps. Either Marc or Sparky almost had hold of me but then I corrected again at finally the right degree and was in the middle of the slot. But I still wasn?t going forward. I didn?t want to step on the speed bar since I was so close to terrain. (Plus the speedbar wasn?t easily accessible). Marc & Sparky yelled ?Hands up!!? and when I lifted them all of the way up the glider began to slowly go forwards. I think I had the longest sled ever to the secondary ? must have been 15 minutes or more. The flight was uneventful and actually even enjoyable. I landed safely next to Matthew.
Sorry for scaring to death everyone who observed the launch. I believe my mistake was attempting to launch in winds that were too strong for me at this location. Conditions in general were fine, but I need to launch at the Pulpit in lighter winds with the PG.
Karen Carra
-
bustedwing2
- Posts: 249
- Joined: Thu Jan 06, 2005 10:58 pm
- Location: McConnellsburg,Pa
booh
Heck,scared me to death just reading about it,nice save,Spark is good at communicating verbally to airborne pilots who can use assistance,I think he gets hoarse when I fly.Hey Brian,want a hammerless snubnose .357 that fits nicely in a bluejeans back pocket,no holster necessary? RichB
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Flying Lobster
- Posts: 1042
- Joined: Fri Feb 25, 2005 4:17 pm
That's pretty accurate, as far as I can remember. Its possible that a gust got you at the time I let you go (pretty much had to so you could turn around).
I kinda had the feeling--which I expressed earlier to you guys--that the pop-up thing was a possibility. In retrospect, I guess I should have been adament about waiting till later on, but I didn't feel my role was that of observer. Ballasting up may have helped also.
Interesting to note--in light of discussions elsewhere on the list--that the range of manageable launch conditions can vary rather dramatically with velocity/gust variations of 10 mph or less.
For what its worth--you did a great job managing an emergency situation. Lets figure out what its takes to prevent this from happening again.
I kinda had the feeling--which I expressed earlier to you guys--that the pop-up thing was a possibility. In retrospect, I guess I should have been adament about waiting till later on, but I didn't feel my role was that of observer. Ballasting up may have helped also.
Interesting to note--in light of discussions elsewhere on the list--that the range of manageable launch conditions can vary rather dramatically with velocity/gust variations of 10 mph or less.
For what its worth--you did a great job managing an emergency situation. Lets figure out what its takes to prevent this from happening again.
Great Googly-moo!
Pulpit Launch
I've discovered that 13mph is the top wind speed for me launching at the Pulpit for my wing loading. In winds above 8, I've found that it's best to start lower in the slot and then have the glider pull you up the slot as you kite it up or deliberately kite it back a few steps after you pull it up, and then turn around and launch. I've done enough of the assisted launches with an anchor person to know that I never want to do one of those again. If it's so strong that I need an anchor, then it's too strong. Also, from lower in the slot you don't have to pull it up as fast and there's less of a chance that it will surge overhead and get ahead of you. This has also happened to me too many times and I've had to run like hell and over the rock to catch up with the glider even when applying hard brakes to stop the surge.
Matthew
Matthew
Pulpit Sunday
Did anyone get Karen's launch on video? Sounds like it's right up there with Jim Dullahan's Woodstock launch for excitement value.?
Sure glad to hear it worked out ok.
Christy
kcarra <karencarra@hotmail.com> wrote:
Yahoo! DSL Something to write home about. Just $16.99/mo. or less
Sure glad to hear it worked out ok.
Christy
kcarra <karencarra@hotmail.com> wrote:
After cringing at many exciting PG launches at the Pulpit in the past year I probably had the most exciting one ever on Sunday. It had the potential to be very dangerous. I?m very lucky and amazed that I (finally) got off safely. This is what happened to the best of my recollection. I?m welcome to any corrections or comments.
Matthew had launched earlier and reported smooth air. It took me a long time to get ready after he launched. (I now resolve to have my glider and gear ready before moving to launch). The winds had picked up some since Matthew launched. Marc Fink was assisting me. He advised me to build a wall, which I did and which went well. Then he checked for a straight in cycle, and I pulled up the glider. It came up beautifully ? completely straight. Marc said ?Turn around and go!? and at that moment, whether because he let go (he had been anchoring me) or because of a gust I popped up like a champagne cork about 7 or so feet in the air. I was facing backwards and the risers were tight against each other. I wasn?t going forward out from the launch area but was stuck there and getting higher. I pulled the risers apart hard to turn around, but this put me into a strong right turn. I headed towards the right ramp and I believe actually touched it with my foot. I then pulled left but over corrected and headed towards the left ramp. I think I touched the rocks with a foot, and then overcorrected once more, heading back to the right ramp. Marc and Sparky had been running back and forth with me attempting to grab onto me but I was too high. This time I ended up behind the right ramp. I was practically standing on one of the stairs and contemplated pulling hard break but was scared that I might fall backwards down the steps. Either Marc or Sparky almost had hold of me but then I corrected again at finally the right degree and was in the middle of the slot. But I still wasn?t going forward. I didn?t want to step on the speed bar since I was so close to terrain. (Plus the speedbar wasn?t easily accessible). Marc & Sparky yelled ?Hands up!!? and when I lifted them all of the way up the glider began to slowly go forwards. I think I had the longest sled ever to the secondary ? must have been 15 minutes or more. The flight was uneventful and actually even enjoyable. I landed safely next to Matthew.
Sorry for scaring to death everyone who observed the launch. I believe my mistake was attempting to launch in winds that were too strong for me at this location. Conditions in general were fine, but I need to launch at the Pulpit in lighter winds with the PG.Karen Carra
Yahoo! DSL Something to write home about. Just $16.99/mo. or less
This really oughta be a thread in the PG forum and it is very much related to a recent discussion about the Pulpit PG launch, so I will post my response there.kcarra wrote:After cringing at many exciting PG launches at the Pulpit in the past year I probably had the most exciting one ever on Sunday. It had the potential to be very dangerous. I?m very lucky and amazed that I (finally) got off safely. This is what happened to the best of my recollection. I?m welcome to any corrections or comments.
'Spark
PG launch
Karen;
Glad to hear the launch resolved finally into a nice flight. I hope you felt somewhat in control during the launch even though it didn't go as planned; it sounds as if you kept your head and were evaluating conditions as they arose, even if overcorrections occurred. That has got to be a great attribute, and a comfort for handling future unknown events. -Linda
Glad to hear the launch resolved finally into a nice flight. I hope you felt somewhat in control during the launch even though it didn't go as planned; it sounds as if you kept your head and were evaluating conditions as they arose, even if overcorrections occurred. That has got to be a great attribute, and a comfort for handling future unknown events. -Linda