In the face of a scary typhoon forecast (typhoon is 750 miles NE, causing rainy blustery conditions here), I have had two straight days of successful weather-dependent sports. Sailing yesterday (turned back after an hour in 1 meter (half of the wave face) seas and 15 knot wind (precautionary - didn't know whether it would get stronger) under sunny skies. Forecast was for 80% probability of rain - which was fulfilled only after 4 PM.
Today's forecast was 90% probability of rain - and we did have a shower about 1130 - but not until we completed a very successful hang-glider groundhandling session with Faye and Azizan (visiting Malaysian paraglider pilot). Now fully equipped with harness and big M&M wheels - and benefiting from transpacific feedback from Richard and Matthew - Faye was able to balance the glider on her shoulders and run many times, although as she tired it became more difficult for her. The new groundhandling venue below Timberland has better footing (too bad it's not really a training hill - not steep enough and no runout to land in), but we had good wind (6-10 mph/10-15 kph). Big step forward and we are both much encouraged!
Azizan is stronger and had no difficulty handling the wing. He is almost ready to buy Amy's Falcon III 145 - just need to get a quote for shipping to Kuala Lumpur.
After we packed up Faye's wet glider, we went up to the San Mateo launch for a look. Wind was 12-18 and SW - cross for the previously cleared launch but straight for the newly cleared fairway. With that kind of wind I don't need much running room. Faye's driver, Menan(der), grabbed my wing and sprinted up the steep slippery path to launch (in flip-flops, natch) - the guy is a horse! With Menan and one of landowner Ed's employees as wirecrew (Azizan was in charge of photography - "pictures at 11"), I had to wait a few minutes for a lull, then stepped off and headed straight down the spine to ensure I penetrated forward to make the LZ. Once safely on the hill above the LZ, tried to work any lift in the bowl facing SW on that hill, but lost as much as I gained. Still 150 m/450 feet up, I could hear the kids in the shanty town reacting to my presence. With SW wind, you land on the long axis of the LZ, so there's plenty of room. Quite a wind gradient from perhaps 20 kph/12 mph at 100 meters/300 feet to almost nil in ground effect. I forgot to go upright and flared weakly, got wet knees in the rice paddy which is getting wetter with each day's rain - hey, this was my first hang-glider flight since March! Fortunately, my students could not see my disgrace from up at launch. I was quickly surrounded by a dozen small boys who were eager to "help" me break down the glider. At the end all of them carried the glider triumphantly out to the truck.
Ya know that movie "Dances With Wolves"? Call me "Flies With Typhoon".
- Hugh
Pioneer HG flight at San Mateo, greater Manila area
Moderator: CHGPA BOD
Re: Pioneer HG flight at San Mateo, greater Manila area
Great job, Hugh! Way to spread the sport. I had a chuckle at your description of the "helpful" youngsters. Little boys and flying machines... what more can you say. 
Jesse
Jesse