Last night texts were flying and a flock showed up at the patch. Paul had two students ready for their solo, Rob Nordlund, Joe Tayler and I needed a flying fix.
I arrived first, the wind was very light from the north. Rob had already launched and was floating around the patch. He called me from the air on his cell. Excellent clarity ! I set up and stumbled into the air with one of the sloppiest launches in a long time. The wing caught the prop wash immediately and I had to start the rollout completely unprepared. The wing was all over the place and the trike came up on two wheels twice before I managed to get into the brakes and settle things down.
At 300 feet the wind picked up and changed direction. I was making 50 mph heading west and barely penetrating against it. Never the less it was smooth so I was happy to stay up and enjoy the view.
When I landed the winds had increased to 8 and it was getting bumpy. Paul’s new guys didn’t stand a chance. The first tried a forward and almost turtled. His reverse was appropriate but he needed more kiting practice before he would be able to pull that one off.
Among the spectators were two young boys with eyes as big as saucers. Seeing them was the best part of the morning.
Tomorrow we are going to try again from Lake Suzi.
Powered Paragliding. A most Personal form of Flight 