If you plan to go to Woodstock...

[uplandann]

For anyone who may be going to Woodstock: I would like to hang out and learn more about the site, meet other pilots, help out etc...
So be sure to post if you are planning on going and I will try to get up there. Or give me a call.
I am an H-2 from Harrisonburg, VA and would eventually like to fly the site.
Thanks!

Ann
540-414-4550

[brianvh]

You're taking the right approach, Ann. Take your time to learn things, get to know people, and you'll have no problem hooking up with observers. Just keep your nose glued to this list and you'll see when folks are going.

[kcarra]

Hi Ann

Looking forward to meeting you. I'm about the only woman flying hang gliders at Woodstock lately. What kind of glider do you have?

Karen

[uplandann]

Hi Karren,

Just sent you a message ... I have a Falcon One 140. What conditions are ideal for Woodstock? I might just go up tommorrow (Sat) just to look at the site.

Ann

[brianvh]

But don't focus your sights completely on woodstock for your first flight. Jack's is better when the crops are down, and the launch is less temperamental. Or Bill's.

[uplandann]

Where is "Jack's"?

Bill's Hill looks great if I can get some time to get there (at least a 2.5 hr drive from Harrisonburg, VA), and the weather is perfect, and I have a sponsor/observer who will meet me there etc... Hope to someday.

Went up to Woodstock today at about 10:15 and hung out for an hour enjoying the view. The wind was west to northwest; seemed perfect for HGs. But most of the club is in MD, PA, and NOVA, so those other sites are closer to them and much more attractive. Looked pretty near perfect today with cloud streets galor... I'm sure someone got a good flight today somewhere.

Ann

[Dan T]

Amber,

The three most popular foot launch sites for this club are Woodstock, High Rock and the Pulpit. Woodstock tolerates strong winds and we often go there when the forecast is up to about 20 mph. Woodstock almost always blows at least 5 mph less than the forecast.

The Pulpit on the other hand is just the opposite, it blows stronger than the forecast, so it sees this club's members when the winds are forecasted to be light NW like they were today. The Pulpit is the easiest site to learn to XC that we have, not counting the Aerotow parks of course.

High Rock is in the middle and has the friendliest landing field when the grass is cut down as I understand it is now. High Rock is a cliff launch and looks very intimidating, but in reality is probably the easiest foot launch site we have. I hope you get an opportunity to see and fly these sites soon. If people aren't responding to your posts on here, call them. I'll probably fly next weekend and would be glad to show you around if I do.

Today would have been a good albeit hot day to watch them wherever they went. Some of my paragliding friends were heading out to Woodstock. Did you get to see them fly?

Dan

[Dan T]

Oops called you Amber for some reason, sorry Ann.

[theflyingdude]

Ann,

Sent you PM, but I would suggest that Zirks, near Cumberland, MD, is the most ideal H2 launch in the entire region. It may be a little far from Harrisonsburg, but if you're interested in flying from there, drop me a line.

JR

[mcelrah]

Ya, I would say that the bottom line is: ya gotta lose the aversion to "hang-driving". Given that you live close to one of the premier sites in the mid-Atlantic, you are going to come out a winner over time. Woodstock is a bit squirrelly in any kind of cross because of the wind swirling over the trees into the slot (streamers blowing opposite to the true wind). Sometimes go up in the fire tower to get a better idea of the true wind. But you get cycles when it blows straight in; ya watch for them and take one when it comes.

Some names of observers: Matthew Graham, Bacil Dickert, Tom McGowan (I think he's still one), myself (Hugh McElrath). (Who else?) Watch the forum to see where people are going, call an observer on the phone and get him to agree to observe you, make an appointment to meet.

Give him some background on your level of experience and skill. As you approach H3, try to exercise independent judgment on conditions and just use the observer to backstop your judgments - don't keep asking him whether you can launch yet - he's trying to help you develop the ability to judge safe conditions for yourself. On your early flights, discuss your "flight plan" (turn left or right after launch, turns away from the ridge, clearing your turns, criteria for going out to land, landing direction, how you will set up your approach, bailouts if you aren't going to make the primary LZ). The observer will go over these things, but again, he is looking for you to be a Pilot - and since he is taking at least some measure of responsibility for your safety, it will make him more confident that you are thinking proactively.

Try not to let a long time go by between flights - this is summer; make hay while the sun shines. If you get skunked for several weekends in the mountains, consider going to a tow park - yeah, I know it's a long drive - refer to the first sentence.

Oh yeah: find out what kind of beer your observer likes and bring some...

- Hugh

[brianvh]

And Jack's is up in central PA near Lewisburg. Yeah, it's a drive, but in line with what Hugh pointed out, if you sit waiting for your local site to be good you'll only fly about once a month. You've gotta chase the wind and be willing to drive hours for what may amount to a 5 minute flight. Take it as a chance to learn new sites (they are all very different with various lessons to learn), enjoy the scenery and get to know people.

As a H-2 you need to be cautious in the moment, but gung-ho about the journey...sort of like a tornado chaser that is willing to drive all over but strike out more likely than not. It's worth it for the few minutes (or if you hit it right, hours) of air time and observation. Those who wait around home end up being H2 for years.

[brianvh]

Hmm, forgot how far south harrisonburg was. Jack's may be a stretch. but if camping at the Pulpit it's a couple hours. I highly recommend camping at the Pulpit if you can call people for weather reports: it's centrally located.

[uplandann]

[quote][Ya, I would say that the bottom line is: ya gotta lose the aversion to "hang-driving". /quote]

It is not so much an aversion as it is time, freedom. Wish I could just take off at whim with the family blessings, or better yet with a family that flys.

I have enjoyed reading all your responses ... Lot's of great insights. It gets me psyched and hopeful to fly again. I hope I get to meet all of you..

Ann

[brianvh]

Yep, that can be a problem. If they are the outdoorsy type you can split up: you fly, they go bike riding in the area, or at the Pulpit I think the lake in Cowan's Gap state park might allow canoeing. Even at Woodstock you need to plan for a half day to wait for the right wind. If no kids the local winery can take some time. Have Dad teach the kids orienteering and set up a course. Link up for dinner after flying: there are plenty of interesting places. But you have to make a point of flying taking priority on weekends, with a 24 hour notice to let people know conditions won't be good and you can do something else. Otherwise you'll never be allowed to fly.

I don't have a family, so others will have to chime in. But by any account, it's tough.

[brianvh]

Is it obvious I have a tedious pile of work to do that I'm avoiding?

I checked out Cowan's gap state park: they have swimming, rental boats, fishing and hiking. Should cover the bases. So the plan is, pick a beautiful NW weekend that won't be so strong people are compelled to go to woodstock. Actually NW one day and E to SE the other day will work too. Tell they family they are going to enjoy the weekend at the park (even get a cabin?) while you check out the local flying sites, 3 of which are within an hour's drive. Take a bunch of observer cell phone numbers with you. Go to eat in Mercersburg, etc. Otherwise fly, fly, fly. If you can talk the family into doing this a couple times in the summer you will be well introduced to the local sites.

[mcelrah]

Brian,

how come you haven't talked her into taking the whole family to Hyner this weekend?

- hugh

[brianvh]

Uh, how many mountain flights have you had, Ann? Hyner is great but they are trying to be careful with new H2's, and I don't know where you fall in the spectrum.

If you've had about 10 mountain flights, you can handle the skinny (but long) Hyner LZ. The place is a hoot,with plenty for an outdoor oriented family to do (river, etc) plus you can hang with Dennis Pagen and other old timers. Plus your family can take tandems and find out why you do it. There's always a crowd on 3-day weekends.

Are you coming, Hugh? More tandem practice?

[mcelrah]

Sallie gets back from Africa (!) Saturday so we are staying local. Tandem at High Rock today though if I get a willing victim... - Hugh

[uplandann]

[quote="brianvh"]Uh, how many mountain flights have you had, Ann? Hyner is great but they are trying to be careful with new H2's, and I don't know where you fall in the spectrum.

I've had about five, I think. I flew at Villa Grove in CO a few times, and once in Arizona off the Bluffs. Both are at 1500 agl. All sled rides. Doing some scooter towing til I get my approaches consistent, but haven't gotten high enough to do that yet. Fingers crossed, gonna try it tomorrow.
Would love to get the fam. out of the house, but hubby has no vacation left due to illness earlier in the year. Maybe mid October...

Ann

[brianvh]

but does he have the type of job which lets him be free on weekends? That's all we're talking about here.

Of course, if you can join those who fly on weekdays, you're not leaving the family out. Did you see how many people went to woodstock yesterday?

[uplandann]

It is a great plan to go to Cowan's Gap. I like the itinerary. Will try to figure something out.

Ann