Eye in the Sky - Apr 2008
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Fri 25th April 2008
Report by Keith Burridge
Bassano Spanking! Generally many pilots had been flying all day in conditions
which consisted of clear skies out in front of the South facing hill with
noticeable cloud developments to the East and West. By about 3. 30 pm
the earlier developing cloud formations had increased with the addition
of clouds to the North and the area out in front was now looking a little
hazy although visibility was still good.
The wind was about 5mph South to Southwest facilitating a take off from
either the West or the South takeoffs. After waiting 10 €“ 15 minutes on
the Western side from which Ali F managed a take off it was decided the
South would probably work better. Another 10 to 15 minutes would pass
in changing takeoffs making it about 30 minutes since the last assessment
of the weather had taken place.
Conditions were changing but as a pre launch weather reassessment was
not undertaken the changes went un-noticed. There were still a few other
pilots in the air with Ali having recently taken off shortly before to
be joined by myself and one Russell W.
After takeoff the changing conditions took a turn for the worse and the
abundance of lift and darkening skies were now obvious. I clocked one
pilot spiralling earthwards and two others (Ali and Russell) scampering
off in the distance still in lift to stay ahead of the now looming gust
front.
So here I am. Halfway up a valley entrance Big Ears and going nowhere
but up and things are just starting to get a bit choppy. The wind is backing
and strengthening from a fresh Southerly to a gusting Easterly. I am now
in the lea of one ridge, upwind of the other, with guaranteed turbulence
below and guaranteed cloud suck above.
€œWhichever way I jump out of this frying pan I know I am still going to
land in a fire of some description€ If I go up and over the ridge, (option
€œa€) will I be able to get ahead of the front and not get sucked into
oblivion? If I try to lose height (option €œb€) will I find anywhere to
land and/or be rotored into the Valley floor or wall? Only two options
but many variables. It is amazing (sometimes!) how much one can process
in a very small space of time when stuff seems to be hitting the proverbial
fan. If given more time would one make the same decisions or make them
at all? Anyway decision time let's go for half of option €œb€, lose a bit
of height and see how things are lower down and maybe come up with an
option €œc€ (try and push outward from this SUCKING valley)? I lost as
much height as I dared in my demi spiral with the comforting sinking tone
of my vario changing to a neutral silence as I straighten up to face into
wind and away from the Valley and try again to push out from the valley.
Ooooooh Boy. Now the ride picks up pace. I am now in big time rotor from
the eastern ridge in the now Westerly gust front and to quote another
Wessex member (Martin B) €œa cascade of events€ is about to occur€.
OK let's reassess the situation? No time! The Vario screams €œwe are going
up fast now€ and the wing pitches behind me.
The Vario groans €œwe were going up fast but now we are going down much
faster€.
We sustain a frontal collapse followed by a perfectly formed tip to tip
Shrimp Stall. (Oh S*€t. Never seen one €œo€ they before!) Next on the list
is the subsequent massive surge from the recovery but as it is asymmetrical
a partial entry into a spin follows but fortunately a full recovery and
a few moments of unsettled airtime and a settled Vario ensue.
Me and my new friends (Wing, Vario, Harness, and any other bits of equipment
I forgot to mention) reassess! Whilst still suffering tucks, asymmetrics
and pitches, although now less severe we are just able to make enough
headway, to round and clear the western spur of the valley.
Next is a bumpy ride in reverse over what were and then were not potential
landing areas. Even the final landing field was in the lea of a road,
railway line and embankment.
Finally a drop of only six or seven feet in reverse with a PLF in long
grass with a wonderful softly ploughed field welcomed us back to Terra
Firma accompanied with a dragging of about 10 Metres.
In the time it took for me to settle myself, call in, pack away may glider,
and get to the road about 200 yards away the wind had already dropped
and the skies in front of the hill were clear.
Damage/Injuries Sustained: Self Nil, Equipment Nil, Property Nil, Confidence
Dented Copious nerve settling amounts of alcohol were soon after consumed.
I did fly the last couple of days although somewhat tentatively.
Submitted report to BHPA Max Vario: Only +4m/s But -11m/s Max Speed 95Km/h
Lessons learned: Never assume.
Keep a constant eye on weather (esp. in foreign climates) Thanks to: My
Equipment and Faith in it.
Other things Great Week. Thanks guys for support'n'all
Mon 28 Apr 2008
Report by Alastair Florence
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Just had a week in Bassano with Pete C, Martin B, Keith B, RW and J,
Steve P, followed by Marcus, Mike A and Derek at the end of the week.
Here's just a few highlights of the week from my point of view plus a
small selection of pictures.
Monday - bad start lamping it down with rain all day, couldn't even sight
see, sat in bar played cards, got ratted.
Tuesday, still wet but ok for sightseeing in Bassano, top to bottoms off
East launch as soon as it emerged from cloud.
Weds getting better but still claggy and TTB's Thurs much better plenty
of boating about plus ventures well out onto flatlands.
Friday Excellent day, base only around 4500ft asl so top launch still
in cloud, but great fun flying at base and on the cloud fringes.
Looked similar in the evening, a few wings still flying so we all went
up to West launch. Luigi was off quickly as wind swung south and halted
launching. Distant thunder put Pete and Martin off. Luigi now landing
as I tried launch. I launched at West t/o iin some gully suck and began
slowly gaining height over south t/o. RW and Keith launched from South.
Overhead a large dark cloud sat as it had done most of the day, maybe
a bit more active looking now. Soon the whole hill was lifting gently
and smoothly, plenty height now so started to push out SE following a
high aspect wing. RW also with Keith much lower and following behind.
Lift now progressively getting firmer but still smooth.
Within moments the H/A wing started spiralling down, I wasn't sure if
this was for fun or not so became alert. RW now in front began big earing
and going up fast, rat strongly smelt now. I found rapidly increasing
lift and RW was now disapearing into cloud forming below me and to the
East.
Now at 4000ft ato and climbing fast with the cloud rapidly developing
just behind me. I realised I needed to start escape plan 'A' instantly.
Considered B lining but decided I may not get enough sink and would just
drift further back into stronger cloud suck, considered spiral but hate
lock ins and couldn't have dealt with 4000ft spiral plus would drift back
into stronger lift if I had to abort.
RW had now spotted me and ran toward my direction. Last I saw of Keith
he was well below and part way up the valley behind the Abbey, I reckoned
he was in for a spanking but he has his own tale to tell. and I was thinking
more of avoiding being cloud sucked and spat out as ice over the Dolomites.
There was still a blue hole to the SW so jammed full bar on and big ears,
still climbing at around 2 up but pacing the clouds development, now around
4500ft. As we got further away from the hill and over the river at Bassano
the lift finally began to weaken and we gained distance from the cloud.
Suddenly we were into gentle sink at maybe a KM West of Bassano.
As we left the cloud suck we went into the true wind which had increased
dramatically and was blowing from ESE. Still on full bar and big big ears
we where pointing into wind and radidly going sideways and backward in
very gusty air.
Now approaching Morostica almost 15K from t/o we where getting nearer
the ground but still going sideways and backward fast. Each landing option
wizzed by in the wrong direction. its amazing how many powerlines houses
and vines are around when you dont want them. RW pitched down near a farm
house and I managed a fairly ok landing 50m outside Morostica town. RW's
farmer gave us a lift back.
This was probably the most thrilling flight of my life, dont think I want
to repeat it but glad I didn't miss it. More alchohol than normal was
consumed this night.
Saturday / Sunday base up at 7500ft allowed superb flying on the hill
and out on the flats, Sunday I did around 30K with turn points from Panetone
launch to Bassano Ponti vechio bridge, back to Fonte and landed short
of Garden Relais landing field by 3 or 4 fields. Most of the flight between
4500 - 6500ft amsl.
Poor start to week but excellent finish, cant wait until next chance to
visit.
Sun 27 Apr 2008
Report by Jon Harvey
Eype.
C/base varied considerably, at times Thorncombe in cloud and other times
well below. John P made Golden Cap, I was well on the way up there, when
c/base dropped to around 400ft, so aborted smartish. Shortly afterwards
over Seatown saw John following. Wind later definitely off to the east.
Pity base varied so, otherwise Charmouth was just formality.
Wind conditions varied considerable, sea level flat calm, whilst at T/off
around 15mph min, but up near base able to make good headway, gps ground
speed, never less than 6mph, so happy to fly.
Other pilot Keith B.
Report by Shamus Pitts
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When I got to Mere Rifle Range, the wind was SSE and blowing about 15mph so I quickly unpacked and took off. It was surprisingly thermic and fairly rough at times, with the wind changing direction between SE and SW. I managed to thermal up to about 450' ATO a couple of times but couldn't take it any higher. After an hour the wind seemed to have picked up a bit so I landed to find it was now blowing about 22mph on take off. I waited around but conditions didn't seem to improve much, although someone did take off later on from half way down the hill and have a good flight.
Despite the rough thermals it was probably my best day so far at Mere!
Fri 25 Apr 2008
Report by Shamus Pitts
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The wind seemd to be going more west, or getting lighter, or both, and after a while the people on the cliff top who were looking up waving, were now looking down waving! Now lamp posts had been added to the mix of things I had to swerve around and I was starting to think about landing on the beach. I found a bit of cliff that was working less badly and managed to claw my way back up to the cliff top, step over the fence and land!
Tue 22 Apr 2008
Report by Shamus Pitts
I arrived at Ringstead just before 7pm, not feeling particularly optimistic
because it was fairly misty. There was someone flying a model aeroplane
on the ridge so things started to look up and a quick check with my wind
meter revealed that it was blowing 10 - 12 mph and off to the south a
bit.
I got ready - I didn't bother with my camera as I figured it would be
pretty scratchy - and took off. To my surprise it wasn't long before I
was 120' ATO boating backwards and forwards in the buoyant air. It was
a bit murky looking towards White Nothe but it was definitely visible
so I decided to keep out of the modellers way and try for the cliffs.
It was an easy flight and I missed out the bowl, instead flying over the
small churchyard, past the mansion and on to the main cliffs. Looking
back I was a bit concerned that I couldn't see the ridge, so I decided
that I would build up some height and head back, just in case the mist
got worse. When I was 200' ATO I headed back, although by the time I was
flying over the mansion I'd already lost 40'. I was starting to worry
that I wouldn't make it back, but arrived at the ridge 60' below take
off, literally skimming the gorse at the bottom of the hill. Four or five
beats later and I was back at the top, where I flew for a while before
landing. A surprisingly good half hour!
Tue 22 Apr 2008
Report by Jon Harvey
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Quite misty conditions, only just see Thorncombe from Eype t/O.
New phone system works well, especially if Dinks is unavailable/flying, then new system can let everybody know, where, etc, it's ok.
15 Apr 2008
Report by Alastair Florence
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I plucked up courage to launch and started a cracking 2 & 3/4 hr battle with the elements twas a little bumpy at times but as they say 'there's no gain without a bit of turmoil in the underwear' if you know what I mean.
Peaked out at over 800ft ato and decided to go ridge running. Got 3/4 of the way to Corfe but it became unrealisticly rough so turned tail and took the kicking, then flew over Ulwell gap to the tip of Ballard, then back over Ulwell gap and 2/3rds back toward Corfe again (chickening out of the really bad bit) then back over Ulwell to Ballard again and 2/3rds of the way back over Ulwell gap where I bombed out, kited up hill a bit, re-launched and flew on. Mike was now in the air and we enjoyed a very pleasant (calmer) evening. Peachometer 9 Not many photo's as It didn't really feel safe letting go the brakes to often !
Report by Shamus Pitts
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Monday 14th April
Report by John Alder
Bell Hill. Arrived late afternoon to find fresh (23mph) wind. Literally swept off my feet when launching (HG), but the soaring was okay €“ nice and smooth €“ once that potential calamity was successfully overcome. I was encouraged to land by an approaching shower after 40 minutes. Just beat the rain by packing up quickly €“ well the best I can say is that that was a flight I didn't miss out on!
Sun 13 April
Report by Shamus Pitts
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When I got there, the wind was about 16mph and off to the west a bit, but the seagulls were soaring so I thought I would try it. It was surprisingly scratchy and I struggled to get more than 15' ATO - with the into wind leg being quite slow and the downwind leg being fairly swift, and the lack of altitude, it was fairly hands-on cliff flying! Roy arrived and took off and we both enjoyed over an hour hurtling East and wafting West! Luckily the "lift band" seemed to be no worse further out over the beach so it didn't feel too crowded with the two of us in the air in the scratchy conditions.
Roy landed a couple of times to sign autographs and chat to the adoring crowds and it seemed every time he did that the lift would suddenly increase - weird day! We landed eventually because the sky was getting blacker and the clouds were getting nearer , which turned out to be the right decision because just as I drove out of the car park it started raining! An unexpectedly good day, over 3 hours in the air! Shamus Pitts
Report by Shamus Pitts
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Having landed, the wind seemed too strong for another flight so I packed up my stuff and decided to try somewhere else. . .
Fri 11 Apr 2008
Report by John Alder
RINGSTEAD. Arrived to find several PGs soaring the cliffs €“ wind (c.
13mph) seemed strong enough to stop up on the hang glider so I rigged
and took off around 1 o'clock. The air was very smooth and there was plenty
of weak lift on the cliffs. The PGs had mainly flown eastwards towards
Lulworth so I joined them. The wind gradually picked up to about 25mph
at top altitude (+/-250m ATO) so I gradually lost the company of the PGs
but continued for an hour and a half enjoying the spectacular views that
Martin Foley has photographed so beautifully. A memorable afternoon's
flying.
Thu 10 Apr 2008
Report by Grant Oseland
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Report by Martin Foley
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Wed 9 Apr 2008
Report by David Franklin
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Ali I think you may have found it more frustrating had you come over to Bell. The wind was anywhere from SW to NE but mostly WSW. That is the reason most people went to the coast and very little air time was to be had on the hill. Mid afternoon a thermal came through to the west of us and briefly pulled the wind on the hill which three of the remaining pilots(out of four)manage to climb out in. I left a strong thermal just behind Okeford a few hundred feet below base and went in search of something a little more benign. I am not sure who the other pilot was that I left there but he carried on up into the base of the cloud,I guess he wasn't bothered about the planes flying around somewhere near. The thermals seemed to have very sharp edges so after a couple more climbs I wasn't sorry to be back on the deck.
Report by Alastair Florence
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Not wishing to sound ungratefull as any flying is welcome but it would be really nice to get a good thermic weekend day (for us who work a bit) on Bell now rather than just racking up hours, or this just me.
Tue 08 Apr 2008
Report by Alastair Florence
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Pretty much classic conditions for the site again today, Sea breeze starting off a bit westerly then going more SW. Punchy thermals and a bit rough at times as you would expect here, then grew smoother but still thermic by evening. Flew till 1830hrs, Nigel B joined me late afternoon otherwise alone. Countless climbs to 500ft ato and plenty boating around out in front with abundant lift, plus one climb to over 900ft ato.
An excellent fun evening.
Report by Marcus Webster
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The only low point of the day was watching Martin Foley (we think it was him ?) in the distance climbing out from the White Horse and and going xc under a very active looking sky.
I have included some shots of William giving John some advice on how to fly his Flirt .
Report by Shamus Pitts
Having listened to all the site phone messages while I was at work (does
no-one else work?) I headed for Ringstead this evening and was in the
air by 7pm. The wind was light (11mph) and off to the WSW but it was just
about soarable on the SE end of the ridge. I managed to stay up for half
an hour and even reached the dizzy heights of 38' ATO - more proof that
my new wing flies itself! There was only one other person there, flying
a yellow Firebird Matrix, who's name I don't know, sorry! All in all,
better than nothing!
Report by Martin Foley
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Sun 06 Apr 2008
Report by Shamus Pitts
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