Practice day PWC

Today was the official practice day for the Paragliding World Cup, and we couldn't ask for better conditions. The official task was to fly to Mansfield and back to the Chelan LZ, and it was 55 km. Cloudbase was at 11,000 msl, and very light wind from the west. What was the biggest treat was to fly at my own pace, thermal with few pilots, which made it easy to core any thermal you found. It took a mere 15 minutes to climb to 7,500 over the butte to easily hit the flats. Once established there we were just hoping thermal to thermal to Mansfield. Climbing to 11,000 msl it was fun to fly into little cloud wisps, as there was just enough moisture to form small clouds at base.

The flight took about 2 hours 30 minutes. Thermal climbs were about 1,200 feet per minute. I wish every day was like this, but then again, variety is good too.

Tomorrow is the 1st comp day. Looks like it may be a little windy.

We had our offical meeting tonight with live classical music. Wish you were all here.

Day 3, 4,5,6 Chelan Nats

I finally have a chance to update my blog. It's been quite the whirlwind event with long days, not much sleep, late dinners, and mayhem. I had some great days and some bombouts, but that's ok, as I reached some personal best during comps, and it's always fun hanging out with pilots you only see once a year. It's also nice to fly solo as most of the year I am on my tandem glider sharing the air.

So day three, dawned as forecasted. Winds were nuking at 5 am, and no one had to meet at the LZ to discuss the cancelling of the day. Sleeping in was great, and hanging out by the lake, getting some errands done, and driving some of the lake roads allowed for some recharge. In retrospect, the second task in my previous blog turned out to be a 600 point day, so just for launching you had over 150 points added to your score. So, if getting a good score in these comps is important to you, even if the conditions are deemed marginal, it's worth it to launch. And, many pilots did launch because they did not call the task. These pilots did not want to launch because of the marginal conditions, and would not have if it wasn't for the comp. Not good for safety.

So Day 4, task 3,opened as post frontal type of day, with winds coming from the northwest at launch, which is not typical. Usually we are launching east or southeast in the morning. The forecast were for the winds to pick up later in the day, even though the front went through. They called an early task to a town called Wilbur. It was over a 100 km task with a couple of turn points. They moved up the usual start times a half an hour because of the conditions. What has been frustrating is being one of the later pilots to launch. Sometimes it hasn't been a problem, but this week so far being later has been more challenging getting above launch then being early. The only problem if you launch early, you have to hang out in a huge gaggle for 30 minutes or longer waiting for the start to open.

So once in the air on this day, I flew to where most pilots were climbing out. Since we were launching on the west side of the butte, and the thermals were on the east side, you had to ridge soar up and catch light thermals until you were over the butte and then catch the lee-side thermals from the east side of the butte. Pilots that launched early had favorable light conditions and found the climbs fairly smooth. Once I was out there the winds had picked up a little so once over the butte I found the thermals trashy and very turbulent. I was trying to circle and just managing to keep my glider open. I did manage a climb to above 7,000 feet msl. I then decided to head to the flats, and could not find anything. I crossed with my friend Rob Sporer, and both dirted just over the rim. Many pilots thermalled to find themselves out of the start cylinder, and could not get back into the wind to make the start. Even tough it was an interesting day, many made goal, and some pilots, like my friend Muzzi, made there first 105 km task. Jan(Loopy), and Casey from the the front range both made goal that day. Jan was flying well with the R10.2, and was scoring well.

Day 5, task 4, turned out to be a light wind day, and so a 106 km triangle was called. The day was forecast to be high pressure with very stable conditions, and a blue sky day. Climbs were not to really get above 8,000 feet msl. The task was to go from the butte to Leahy, then Withrow, then back to the butte LZ. I launched early this time, and had an awesome quick climb out. So, there were about 80 pilots at about 6,500 feet msl (3,000 over launch) circling for about 45 minutes trying to work together to stay up and get as high as we could to make the start and reach the flats.

I had a good start with most of the gaggle, and reach the flats not to high. But we had a big group on our side, and we were able to climb out nicely though not very high. At this time we were finding out that flying with a group would be helpful due to the stable conditions. The going was slow, as we would get a little low, about 2,000 feet agl, which meant it was time to find something. I choked my way to Leahy and made the turn point, finding the climbs snakey. You would core a thermal, and then it would be gone, and you had to change you circles all the time to find where it went. Thermals were topping out at about 7,500 msl. Just before Leahy, we found the best thermal of the day so far. Climbed in that, made the turn point, and then came back to it. It got over 8,000 feet msl from this one, and now it was a headwind to Withrow which was about 30 km away. Casey had landed around Leahy as there was huge sink over the turn point. I even thought I was going to dirt here. So I got to hook up with Bill Hughes at this point, and Cliff Curry from Salt Lake. We wtuck together pretty much until we all dirted after the Withrow turn point which was awesome.

So from Leahy we got to Mansfield, and I was finding that we would thermal, and drift further away from Withrow. Frustrating since we had to push into a headwind. I finally found a decent climb with my friends, and we pushed on, trying to core anything climb we could find. At this time it was after 5pm and we had been in the air for 5 hours. Weariness was setting in, but we were pushing hard. Goal was closing at 7 pm so there was a point Bill and I push hard to the Withrow turnpoint, and found ourselves low. It was about 6:30 pm and the thermals had faded. Plus wind had picked up, so I dirted about 14 km short of goal. Over 6 hours in the air, a personal best for me. I did have to relieve myself quickly once on the ground. Awesome flight 90 km, and a flight worth the trip right there. Jan did well, and made goal 5th. He was in goal an hour before I landed. Go Jan!

So, one more day, day 6, task 5. They forecasted some wind again, and today it was found to be way more stable then the day before. Since it was the last day the task committee decided to call a short task. 59.5 km with and entry cylinder from Withrow, to Mansfield, to Sims Corner. Everyone thought it was going to be a short day, but low and behold, it turned out to be interesting. Winds were south on launch so we were launching the side called the green monster. It seems that when we have to launch this side, getting up can be difficult. I got to launch within a reasonaable time, and like everyone else, yoyoed above, and then below launch height several times. Finally, I boated around for a while with the other pilots looking for something, and then decided to head toward the normal LZ where my friend Cherie was hanging out. By herself, she began you work a thermal very low. I hooked in with her thermal and it turned out to be a screamer (1,300 fpm) back to about 5,800 and enough, so we thought to make the flats. No way. Everyone except maybe two pilots, who had the luck of the day, scrapped and ridge soared trying to get on the flats, getting weak climbs on the rim, and getting sucked back into the river valley. Many pilots chose to land, and I just hung in there. We finally found a thermal and climbed over the rim into the flats low, but it wasn't enough for me. I lost the thermal, and dirted right on the rim. The pilots I were with made it a little further, and Cherie made the first turn point. Some pilots got the climb out and several made goal. Today was some luck, some excellent thermal skills, and all patience. Great experience!

So there you go, the end of the first round of the US nationals. I didn't score well, but had some great flights. Made goal one of the days, my longest time in the air, and learning to fly a new glider. Next is the Paragliding World Cup. Many phenominal pilots will be here. I will try to blog more regularly, since now I have wifi where I am staying. Cheers!

Day 2 Chelan Nats

So Sunday looked like another great day to fly. Looking at the wind forecast, conditions looked favorable for a decent task. However, there were some reports that winds were going to pick up, but the wx service forecast said light winds to 12,000. Launch conditions were different today as winds were blowing from the south. It seemed there was a strong inversion at launch height, with no pilots getting above launch by noon, and smoke from a fire filling in the valleys below.

So, when the window opened a couple of comp pilots launched, but were not geeting any lift. The winds were increasing and it looked pretty stable for soaring. Eventually the inversion got higher, but that increased the wind and pilots were launching in 15 to 25 mph cycles. As pilots were trying to climb out, they got pushed back behind the butte, and would only top out about 1,000 to 1,500 over which makes it difficult to make the flats. Gliders were parked and some going backwards occasionally in the strong winds. I decided to hold off launching with strong winds coming through, and little glider penetration with the pilots in the air. Twice they closed the launch window because of many gliders in front of launch not climbing out. At 1:50 pm they decided to close the launch all together because getting off the ground became too dangerous. So there were several of us conservative pilots that chose not to fly. The meet director asked pilots in the air that were on the safety committee how the conditons were, and the concurred that conditions were a 2 out of a possible 3. 3 would have shut the task down. So, 2 or 3 pilots made goal. most landed in the regular LZ, we had a pilot air lifted by helicopter to Spokane after crashing in Leahy one of the turn points. So, true to strong Chelan condtions.

In two days we have had two crashes, and a reserve deployment. Today, Monday, we are completely shut down due to a cold front and winds 40 to 50 mph. Tomorrow looks breezy, but we should have a great lapse rate after the front goes through. Stay tuned for more excitment from Chelan.

1st day of Comp Chelan, WA

So, The first task for the Nats at Chelan turned out to be perfect. We had great weather though partly cloudy, which was good because it made it a little cooler. Even with the flats in the shade the thermals were still working. There were definitely less dust devils in the flats. The task was about 89 km which is 55 miles from Chelan butte to Coulee city with a dog leg to Almira. I had a late start as launch opened at noon with the start at 1:30. A long line started and I was just a little slow suiting up, so I was one of the last pilots off. I had to wait in line for over half an hour, and once in the air I had about 25 minutes to get high enough to cross the river to the flats.
I got to 7500 feet msl which was not as high as the lead gaggle, but crossed the river anyway and got to the flats low. That put me a half an hour behind at the finish. Finally finding a climb with a few pilots we started on course toward Coulee city. The sky was more then half full with clouds so I was worried that the shade would shut it down, but it kept working. I had once excellent climb to 11,500 msl and pushed a lot more speed bar and was able to catch up to come pilots that were well ahead of me. I made it to Coulee city with good altitude, and needed at least two more climbs to make goal. At this time becasue of shade the climbs were weaker and I was worried if I raced hard I would hit the dirt. So being patient just to make goal I took my time, and made goal. It always sweet to make goal, as everyone there is great spirits.
Today is another hot day, so I will post tonight. Stay tuned.

Chelan Training Day for Nats

Well today was for my first flight in Chelan, Washington 2010. Also my big first flight on the Aircross U4.

Conditions were very typical Chelan, with light winds on launch, dust devils pinging off the top, and super hot temperatures. But, as always, a great flight, longer then anticipated and almost a full triangle.

Once launched it took a long time to climb out above butte, and had a low crossing over the Columbia river into the flats. Once there we had an awesome gaggle that enabled everyone to climb out again. Winds were from the southwest, so my friend Jan, Casey, and myself headed to a small town called Withrow. I was slower then the boys, as I was trying to dial in this new ship, not pushing much speed. However, I was happy with the stability of the glider and surprised with this high aspect ratio wing. Not one collapse today. Once at Withrow we decided to go east toward Mansfield which was an easy glide since we had a nice tailwind. Awesome climbs to 12,000 msl with thermals pumping at 1400 fpm. What was amazing were the size of some of the dust devils in the flats. I saw a couple that were 30 yards in diameter or bigger. Cloudbase was 12,500 msl and reached it 3 times today.

From Mansfield the goal was to make it back to the butte, with a 15mph head wind it wasn't in the cards. So landed about 10 miles from Chelan Butte for a total distance of 30 miles. 4 hours in the air. Great training day.

Stay tuned for more blogs, and pics. I am hoping to blog daily.

Cheers, Greg

Update Finally

Here is a quick update for the last month we have been flying. I can't believe that it has been a month. The weather has gotten a little better, but for a good part of June, we had wind. When the wind finally quit, we had thunderstorms. So, short flying windows have been the norm this month. We have had some afternoon flying, but minimal.

Soon, I will be leaving for the competitions in Washington state. Lake Chelan is one of the best thermal and cross country flying sites in the world. On the eastern slope of the cascades, on the bank of the Columbia river, Chelan butte will be the start for the US Nationals from JUuly 10th to the 15th, and after that the Paragliding World Cup will be taking over. Some of the best pilots who fly the World Cup regularly will be there. It will be exciting to fly with these guys.

The dates are from the 17th to the 24th. I think there are a couple of practice days and then the 6 day event. I will be blogging. Hold me to it, as long as I have a computer connection. So, please check daily starting on the 8th of July.

Here are a few pics from the last month of flying.

Cheers

June 1st update

So, finally we have been having warmer weather up here, but the jet stream, the troughs, the pressure gradient winds are still buffeting us daily. The forecast from the National Weather Service, and the actual weather has been off quite dramatically. We have to take it one day at a time. We did have a couple of evening flights off Wolcott now, but generally we get blown out. Even our mornings have been short lived with wind blowing over the back by 9:30 am. That is 2 to 3 hours too early.

We have a nice evening at Wolcott on the 3oth of May. It was a late launch with strong winds steady at 18 to 25 mph. We got off about 7 pm and flew for about 45 minutes or so. I guess you have to say, take what you can get.

Now that Paraglide Vail is the Aircross high performance paraglider importer, I had the chance to now fly the U-Sport which is it's LTF 2-3, EN-D performance glider. It was the large, so I had to load up with 25 pounds of ballast. The high end weight wise is 253 pounds. I flew the glider at about 235 pounds which was low middle for the range. I was amazed at the stability of the glider, even though I was on the light end. It lunched like a charm. I loved how it turned, and felt like it cut through turbulence like a knife. I do think this glider should be flown on the higher end of the weight range, but I was never concerned on it's handling being light. For a 2-3 the brake length seemed to have a londer travel then other gliders, but all you had to do is fly with an extra rap around the hands. I can't wait to have other pilots give this glider a try and get some awesome feedback.

The Teva Mountain Games are coming to town. Unfortunately, we have been taken off the roster since in three years we never got a task off to showcase our sport. This year the weather looks better then ever, so we will be attempt to fly as if the games are on. Keep your eyes to the sky in Vail for gliders flying in, and stay posted to the blog for the daily flights and weather conditions.

Cheers