Re: Spin ??

From: bh
Activity_Date: 3/19/02
Remote Name: 12.155.143.53

Comments

Poor control, I suspect. As I turned to launch, I felt the wing move left. I moved under it, applied a little brake (probably not enough), straightened out (I thought), and launched into a good cycle. The spin happened immediately upon leaving the ground. I was so surprised by the sudden turn that I didn't react quickly enough to counter it. There was no forward surge, collapse or pendulum action so I came back into the moutain at a sane speed with feet positioned in front to cushion the landing. No damage, other than a sore muscle or two and the knowledge that Faoro is sure to remind me at every appropriate opportunity that I now hold the local record for successive chaparrel landings.

Although I'd like to write it off to an errant gust, it was more likely caused by poor pitch control. I was anxious to get away from the hill and join the party at East Beach so I'm sure I hurried the launch. I must say, though, that persistence paid off. The flight to the beach was a just reward!