Skyport 11-18
Posted: Sat Nov 18, 2006 5:10 pmJust another beautiful day in S.B. A good turnout with a couple of visiting pilots thrown in. Gene, an experienced pilot from Flagstaff that has been flying over 10 years, and Cherie Silvera, who needs no introduction, came into town to take advantage of the weather.
A somewhat high-pressure day made for slow climbs but the turb factor was very low and everyone was able to boat around and enjoy the day.The house thermal at Skyport was working really well but it was difficult to take full advantage of it since there was a lineup on the pg launch, in addition to the usual hg crew up on the Eliminator ready to go.
A poor glide out to the Roundhouse had me wondering if I was going to be the Thanksgiving turkey for the day but the usual spots were working and I was able to stay in the game. Coming around on the front side of the ant. farm my vario suddenly spiked and I took a quick breath in anticipation of being blasted up by a monster thermal. ..but nothing happened. A quick look around and I realized I was directly in front of one of the microwave dishes on the farm. I couldn't get out of there fast enough. For the next several minutes I flew around thinking I WAS the turkey and I had just cooked myself. But it appears there's no damage. But it appears there's no damage. But it appears...
Topped out at just 3150 over the AF but the reports from those on the beach were positive so I went on glide, clearing the fwy with 1100 and having enough to fly over the water and watch a pod of dolphins playing just beyond the surfline. A lot of people get to see dolphins, but very few from our vantage point. As I packed up on the grass in my shorts, enjoying the 76 degree day, I realized we are very lucky to have such a great place to live and play.
Vario log: 600 fpm up, 900 dn, max alt. 3150, 1 hour airtime.
A somewhat high-pressure day made for slow climbs but the turb factor was very low and everyone was able to boat around and enjoy the day.The house thermal at Skyport was working really well but it was difficult to take full advantage of it since there was a lineup on the pg launch, in addition to the usual hg crew up on the Eliminator ready to go.
A poor glide out to the Roundhouse had me wondering if I was going to be the Thanksgiving turkey for the day but the usual spots were working and I was able to stay in the game. Coming around on the front side of the ant. farm my vario suddenly spiked and I took a quick breath in anticipation of being blasted up by a monster thermal. ..but nothing happened. A quick look around and I realized I was directly in front of one of the microwave dishes on the farm. I couldn't get out of there fast enough. For the next several minutes I flew around thinking I WAS the turkey and I had just cooked myself. But it appears there's no damage. But it appears there's no damage. But it appears...
Topped out at just 3150 over the AF but the reports from those on the beach were positive so I went on glide, clearing the fwy with 1100 and having enough to fly over the water and watch a pod of dolphins playing just beyond the surfline. A lot of people get to see dolphins, but very few from our vantage point. As I packed up on the grass in my shorts, enjoying the 76 degree day, I realized we are very lucky to have such a great place to live and play.
Vario log: 600 fpm up, 900 dn, max alt. 3150, 1 hour airtime.
