Month: April 2021

This was a last minute decision. The sky was clear and the temperature was high. I should have gone to the traditional field but chose to launch from the cul de sac that I’d partially cleared last time out. The wind was 45 degrees off the runway so I chose to launch from the grass. It looked a bit dicey with a couple of trees that could catch a wingtip. I didn’t like it but there wasn’t enough time to pack up and reset. The surface was bumpy so I laid the ramps out to give the trike smooth start. The launch was … spicy.

Nice flight. The front tire blew again. I don’t know if it was low to start or if the landing caused it. It wasn’t a hard landing.

While packing up Avero came by and we caught up. I was confused by a strange sound that I couldn’t identify. I thought it was coming from the paramotor but it was behind me in the brush. Best guess it was wild bore. Unless the wind is perfect I don’t think I’ll go back to that site.

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Nice flight. When I got to the field the wind was 8 to 10mph, swinging 30 degrees W to WNW. I found a well hidden cul de sac pointing W and partly set up. The windsock went up and the motor was warmed. It didn’t look promising but I hoped it would come down before sunset. To kill some time I scraped the worst of the weeds growing through the cracks, in the center of the cul de sac.

Twenty minutes before sunset the wind had come down slightly and was blowing right down the runway. I kited the wing and built a wall.

The takeoff was excellent. I think it would be more comfortable if the hang point were slightly aft allowing the front wheel to lift sooner but I’ll take it. Flying to 2000 ft. I took some sunset shots and enjoyed the view. The ride back was quick and the landing was undramatic.

This was a good confidence builder before the big air show this weekend.

Dawn and dusk. Haven’t done that in a long time!

Both were good flights. This morning it was smooth below 600 feet and very spicy above. Ron Norland and another fellow were flying PPC’s. This afternoon Alvaro was out and we were able to spend a few minutes catching up.

Last minute flight

No Drama. Joe Taylor was already in the air when I got there. It was blowing pretty good, 8+. We chatted while I was setting up. He is on his way back to Michigan tomorrow is his last flight for the season. I’ve a busy day and the Fleet 6 award luncheon but I’ll try.

Air was 4 on bump level. Winds came down nicely closer to sunset. Landed with trims in neutral position. Sunset was much better than the camera showed. Lots of sink after sunset.