So, after I have been talking up Wolcott, and all the great flying we have been having, several pilots came up from the front range for some west slope action. Casy, Rusty, Al, and Kiernan took the drive up to check it out. None of the pilots had ever flown Wolcott. Casey had been up here a couple of times, but got skunked each time due to strong winds. But, we have to give it up for the guys making the two hour drive in hopes of some great flights, and Casey secured his Tandem 1 certification. Congratulations, Casey!
Well, true to form Wolcott seemed to be setting up for a great day. The only reservations I was having is listening to the AWOS on top of Copper mountain as it was gusting to 35 mph most of the morning and early afternoon. We met at1 pm and conditons were still calm in the LZ. So driving up we were considering when it would actually turn on. Once at launch, winds were light and variable, with no definite direction. After about 15 minutes cycles started to come up the face, with the occasional 15 mph speed. Casey set up with Rusty, did his perfect tandem briefing, very comprehensive, and launched. Nicely done Casey! They soared in front of launch for about 10 minutes and then worked toward the LZ. A little soaring in the LZ area, and set up in increasing winds to a nice landing. Pilots began to get ready. Kris, set up and was first on launch, but bocked at launching due to the increasing winds. Cycles had kicked in and it was now blowing a steady 15 with some gusts to 25 mph. It was a good thing he waited as winds continued to increase topping out at a steady 20 mph with peak gusts over 30 mph. So, unfortunately we settled in to the waiting game.
Needless-to-say, we ended up waiting until one hour before sunset, and then with a little diminish of the winds, Dave set up and hucked. Winds were still strong as his penetration was not stellar, and launch conditions were still quite sporty. Gradually all the pilots got off, and one pilot reported he was going backwards at 5 mph at one point. So, speed bar was in use during part of the flight.
So now that this wave has passed through, we are hoping for the next couple of days to be good. It looks like after Sunday, the weather may shut Wolcott down for the season. At least you finally got to fly the site Casey.
It was great having the visiting pilots come up. Stay tuned for the last few days of the fall season. Cheers
Well, true to form Wolcott seemed to be setting up for a great day. The only reservations I was having is listening to the AWOS on top of Copper mountain as it was gusting to 35 mph most of the morning and early afternoon. We met at1 pm and conditons were still calm in the LZ. So driving up we were considering when it would actually turn on. Once at launch, winds were light and variable, with no definite direction. After about 15 minutes cycles started to come up the face, with the occasional 15 mph speed. Casey set up with Rusty, did his perfect tandem briefing, very comprehensive, and launched. Nicely done Casey! They soared in front of launch for about 10 minutes and then worked toward the LZ. A little soaring in the LZ area, and set up in increasing winds to a nice landing. Pilots began to get ready. Kris, set up and was first on launch, but bocked at launching due to the increasing winds. Cycles had kicked in and it was now blowing a steady 15 with some gusts to 25 mph. It was a good thing he waited as winds continued to increase topping out at a steady 20 mph with peak gusts over 30 mph. So, unfortunately we settled in to the waiting game.
Needless-to-say, we ended up waiting until one hour before sunset, and then with a little diminish of the winds, Dave set up and hucked. Winds were still strong as his penetration was not stellar, and launch conditions were still quite sporty. Gradually all the pilots got off, and one pilot reported he was going backwards at 5 mph at one point. So, speed bar was in use during part of the flight.
So now that this wave has passed through, we are hoping for the next couple of days to be good. It looks like after Sunday, the weather may shut Wolcott down for the season. At least you finally got to fly the site Casey.
It was great having the visiting pilots come up. Stay tuned for the last few days of the fall season. Cheers
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