While today was super windy, tomorrow will be super blue...bugger.
Just when I had some spare time.
Thermals to 4000ft but not marked.
Lighter winds for a change.
Go fishing...
Seems I'm back as Newsletter editor again...with the Friday afternoon update there's not much to put in a newsletter. We'll have to see rumours, speculation, heresay, and other nonsense I can coax out of people...
It would seem the number of blog visits continues to climb. 90% from inside NZ and of that most locally. I'm guessing the one from Rwanda is lost...
Regionals start tomorrow. Looking ahead tomorrow will be challenging, Monday looks wet whereas Tuesday-Wednesday will be OK...after that it's anybody's guess. I gather there wasn't many entries...but I assume there will be lots of "roll-ups" at the last minute.
Will National win? Will Labour get any seats? Will Hone get back in?? Will I care???
The best thing about voting today was the 2 km walk to the polling booth.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
RASP vs squiggly lines
The RASP looks great for the Waikato today. Thermals, ridge lift, high bases...but what the RASP doesn't make clear is a) high cloud and b) that the day will go blue.
If you look at the RASP picture for boundary layer cloud at 2pm you get a sense of how blue it will be.
However once again we have to deal with high cloud...which will limit heating, which will mean the thermal tops will be slow to rise, which means it'll go blue later in the day...
As always you need a mix of forecasts to get it right...
If you look at the RASP picture for boundary layer cloud at 2pm you get a sense of how blue it will be.
As always you need a mix of forecasts to get it right...
Sunday, November 20, 2011
It would appear it was a wave day...
There was this large funny shaped cloud that hung around all afternoon.
I timelapsed the sky from 1pm to 4pm so you can get a sense of how it moves over time.
I timelapsed the sky from 1pm to 4pm so you can get a sense of how it moves over time.
I'm not sure how this will appear on your screen but it's quite cool on mine. The only disappointment was I wasn't flying it in GNM.
And these 2 photo's in taken from under the primary. Thanks Scott.
the day just keeps giving...more photo's...
A Day of Check flights
A longish story...make a cup of tea...
I arrived just in time to see the working bee coming to an end. Such a pity all that farm work had got in the way...
On to the flying...requests for check flights in the Duo...so the first one was suppose to be a quick up/down and motor start. Struggled to come down due to all the lift. 4-5 knot climbs all over the place.
Check flight 2. This was to be a longer flight as the pilot being checked is instructing in the X-country course next week. 30 minutes later and we are in the air once again. This time it's a real struggle to stay up. Long tow out to Welcome bay...only to see the LS4 scuttling back at low-ish levels...mmm
A weak climb followed by a series of short hops to get nearer the Poripori area and then a long low-ish glider into 28 knots of wind to get over the Kaimai's
In the end it was an easy crossing (800ft to spare) but my co-pilot was a tad relieved to be over the hill. Typical ridge day...some thermals...not great...plenty of ridge lift. We then got called back so left at 5000ft...easy trip home. Oh we did see the LS4 again at low level...in the trees.
Flight 3. We got back to find who ever had called us back was no-where to be found...seemed rather strange. Sky looked even better...I couldn't contain myself...found another pilot who was keen for a Duo ride...and launched into a deteriorating sky.
Then things got interesting. Cloud bases lifted to 7000ft and a street set up from Motiti Island to National Park. Pity it was now 4pm. We were heading into a 28 knot head wind so progress was slow. However the trip home was fast...ground speed of 140 knots. Pictures below.
I arrived just in time to see the working bee coming to an end. Such a pity all that farm work had got in the way...
On to the flying...requests for check flights in the Duo...so the first one was suppose to be a quick up/down and motor start. Struggled to come down due to all the lift. 4-5 knot climbs all over the place.
Check flight 2. This was to be a longer flight as the pilot being checked is instructing in the X-country course next week. 30 minutes later and we are in the air once again. This time it's a real struggle to stay up. Long tow out to Welcome bay...only to see the LS4 scuttling back at low-ish levels...mmm
A weak climb followed by a series of short hops to get nearer the Poripori area and then a long low-ish glider into 28 knots of wind to get over the Kaimai's
In the end it was an easy crossing (800ft to spare) but my co-pilot was a tad relieved to be over the hill. Typical ridge day...some thermals...not great...plenty of ridge lift. We then got called back so left at 5000ft...easy trip home. Oh we did see the LS4 again at low level...in the trees.
Flight 3. We got back to find who ever had called us back was no-where to be found...seemed rather strange. Sky looked even better...I couldn't contain myself...found another pilot who was keen for a Duo ride...and launched into a deteriorating sky.
Then things got interesting. Cloud bases lifted to 7000ft and a street set up from Motiti Island to National Park. Pity it was now 4pm. We were heading into a 28 knot head wind so progress was slow. However the trip home was fast...ground speed of 140 knots. Pictures below.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
What looks good but isn't...
Today's RASP. It shows very strong thermals and a high cloud base. How ever what isn't quite so obvious is the wind strength. 20 knots at 5000ft and 40 knots at 10,000ft. That'll make things quite difficult.
Also the direction is Southerly which means the ridge may not work...maybe in sections on south facing slopes.
If the wind doesn't eventuate than it will be a cracker...
Also the direction is Southerly which means the ridge may not work...maybe in sections on south facing slopes.
If the wind doesn't eventuate than it will be a cracker...
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
There was a suggestion once...
that a truely ground breaking flight could be achieved from Tauranga. Not ground breaking in the sense of a world record or such like....
But rather a wave flight that started in Tga, went up the Coromandel's and back down over Taupo and out onto the East Coast. From there the world's your oyster...mountain oyster perhaps...
So here's the chance Mr Wave Master...oh you of the DG400 and Pusdual (or whatever that cross of a PW5 and a motorised hang-glider is...)
But rather a wave flight that started in Tga, went up the Coromandel's and back down over Taupo and out onto the East Coast. From there the world's your oyster...mountain oyster perhaps...
So here's the chance Mr Wave Master...oh you of the DG400 and Pusdual (or whatever that cross of a PW5 and a motorised hang-glider is...)
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
There is a contest on...the Sth Is Regionals
But you won't know it if you went looking for it on Soaring Spot.
Whilst I accept that this inter-web thingy is a new concept in southern parts, and if you're in Omarama why would you care what others think but those of us (who could be classed as Flat-landers, or worse urbanites) are quite interested.
Soaring Spot guys...its the most popular means of publicising your contest results, updating track logs and letting the world know whats happening.
Just to help you out here's the link...http://www.soaringspot.com/
And look...the Drury Contest which is a third the size, half as serious and based in a flat, coastal site already has a Soaring Spot Site ready to go...you could learn something from those Aucklanders...
Whilst I accept that this inter-web thingy is a new concept in southern parts, and if you're in Omarama why would you care what others think but those of us (who could be classed as Flat-landers, or worse urbanites) are quite interested.
Soaring Spot guys...its the most popular means of publicising your contest results, updating track logs and letting the world know whats happening.
Just to help you out here's the link...http://www.soaringspot.com/
And look...the Drury Contest which is a third the size, half as serious and based in a flat, coastal site already has a Soaring Spot Site ready to go...you could learn something from those Aucklanders...
Monday, November 14, 2011
Is there a gliding contest on???
Judging by the Spot page I'd assume the Omarama Regionals are on. Click on the graphic below...it should make it much larger...and much more impressive.
XG is George Wills...I'm guessing he is either way out in front...or way behind. The Branches (Shotover area) must have been the first TP.
The big contrast...
In the Bay of Plenty we can expect thunderstorms, hail and rain later this afternoon. While in the Waikato an excellent afternoon with strong thermals and high cloud bases.
What a difference a small range of hills and 20 kms make...
Squiggly line chart for Tauranga later today
Text Book land-out
We often talk about what makes for a good land-out.
Selecting a good paddock, checking out the area in advance, a standard circuit, landing into wind if possible, or uphill.
Here's a good example. I've lost the photo of the paddock but it was a good one.
The glider appears from the bottom right. You can see the pilot clearly found a paddock at 2500ft. He then got a small climb back to 3000ft and headed off to look for a better thermal safe in the knowledge the local area had a good land-out site.
No further thermals could be found and at 2500ft and 6.5kms from his paddock he heads back. The glider arrives back overhead the final landing site at 1500ft above the ground. A final look for a thermal...no luck.
The circuit is started at 800ft. Finals at 600ft.
A safe landing ensued...followed by a long retrieve.
Text book stuff Maurice...no wonder you are CFI.
Update...and now you're are not CFI it was still one of the best out landings that has been demonstrated by any of our current instructors panel...
Selecting a good paddock, checking out the area in advance, a standard circuit, landing into wind if possible, or uphill.
Here's a good example. I've lost the photo of the paddock but it was a good one.
The glider appears from the bottom right. You can see the pilot clearly found a paddock at 2500ft. He then got a small climb back to 3000ft and headed off to look for a better thermal safe in the knowledge the local area had a good land-out site.
No further thermals could be found and at 2500ft and 6.5kms from his paddock he heads back. The glider arrives back overhead the final landing site at 1500ft above the ground. A final look for a thermal...no luck.
The circuit is started at 800ft. Finals at 600ft.
A safe landing ensued...followed by a long retrieve.
Text book stuff Maurice...no wonder you are CFI.
Update...and now you're are not CFI it was still one of the best out landings that has been demonstrated by any of our current instructors panel...
Sunday, November 13, 2011
And around and around we went...
The day progressed almost to forecast. Highest cloud bases were 7000ft over the Lake Rotoma area. The ridge was working albeit mostly thermal assisted. The climbs to get out of the Bay area were difficult to start with (just look at my track) however 3 glider got across but things got better over the swamp.
A bit of a close shave getting re-established after leaving the Kaimai's howevre all's well that ends well.
A bit of a close shave getting re-established after leaving the Kaimai's howevre all's well that ends well.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
We just can't seem to get the Wx right.
Another weekend where in a normal spring/summer we would be looking forward to great thermal conditions however upper level moisture is going to disrupt things.
Forecast cloud bases for both Sat and sun look poor and there is a suggestion of high cloud about on Sunday. From my experience the RASP doesn't allow for high cloud which means Sundays RASP forecast will be optimistic.
You be the judge;
Forecast cloud bases for both Sat and sun look poor and there is a suggestion of high cloud about on Sunday. From my experience the RASP doesn't allow for high cloud which means Sundays RASP forecast will be optimistic.
You be the judge;
Saturday at 3pm
Sunday at 3pm.
I note a minor debate over the Duo use at X-country courses (and in general) has raised it's head again. One suggestion is the Duo shouldn't be allowed to go X-country with a student in the 2nd seat unless the Pilot in command has 50 hours Duo time and has completed at least 2 land-outs. That becomes a bit chicken and egg-ish...unless you do some serious X-country work you won't get to 50 hours (and remain current) and you won't land-out. We could just leave it in the hanger...much safer.
No-one has landed it out yet...I did try...so ipso facto it should not go X-country...
We have struggled as a club with this aircraft...a lesson for others maybe.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Who stole the airstrip???
Or why you shouldn't rely on the airstrip database in your glider computer...
This has become....
This has become....
This...
Bloody developers...
The Duo's Oudie might want to be updated...
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Friday or Saturday
We must get a good thermal day sometime soon...pretty please.
It's been a poor spring/early summer so far.
Friday or maybe Saturday is showing some promise bit neither will be a stunner...just OK.
I'll keep you up-dated nearer the time...I'd by keen for either day...or both.
It's been a poor spring/early summer so far.
Friday or maybe Saturday is showing some promise bit neither will be a stunner...just OK.
I'll keep you up-dated nearer the time...I'd by keen for either day...or both.
What's the link between 176 million and 4???
For those who listen to National Radio you will know the answer...
For the rest....
176 million is the number of blog sites in the world...and rising at 2 per second.
AND
4 is the average number of readers per blog...that's just sad. In fact large numbers of blogs may only be read by the owner...a real definition of "only the lonely"
Just as well this one has lots and lots...1800 last month...
For the rest....
176 million is the number of blog sites in the world...and rising at 2 per second.
AND
4 is the average number of readers per blog...that's just sad. In fact large numbers of blogs may only be read by the owner...a real definition of "only the lonely"
Just as well this one has lots and lots...1800 last month...
Monday, November 7, 2011
Murphy's Law
It's Monday and the day is shaping up to be a 300km day...bugger.
Thermals of 5-6 knots upto 6000ft locally and 8000ft inland.
Some ridge...convergences etc etc
Always on a Monday...
Thermals of 5-6 knots upto 6000ft locally and 8000ft inland.
Some ridge...convergences etc etc
Always on a Monday...
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Scholarship flying
Due to a lack of instructors the organisers of the "Canyoudoit" promotion really had to dredge the bottom of skills pool and use your author to do a couple of evaluation flights.
And wouldn't you know it...the best 3-4 hours of thermal flying we have seen in Tauranga this spring and I'm in the back seat of a trainer.
Good people all the same.
One pleasant young woman who had never flown before managed a climb to 4500ft feet...8 knots...take note Maurice...8 knots.
So by the time I'd got GNM rigged showers had appeared. Waited a hour, launched into more rain and spent an unproductive hour trying to get over the Kaimai's. Waffling about at 2500ft in the bush under cold dark clouds doesn't do it for me.
The Poripori strip beckoned twice but we avoided that embarrassment.
Today...looks nice now but showers are due through later today. I think that'll kill any 300km attempts.
Update (lunchtime)...forecast was bang-on...it's getting grey..raining up at the farm...oh well...
I see the Duo returned from the Taupo contest with lots of wiring, finger and power problems. As these gliders get more complex more problems arise.
Simple is usually best...maybe removing the engine and all the associated electrical components might help...
If I allow my Discus to be rented for the trans-Tasman and use the club's Duo for the Nationals (sorry Maurice I'm next in line) I'll probably remove the engine for the contest. It'll allow lower wing loadings for those light days in Matamata (most days) and we can carry lots of water to make up for those strong days or ridge days (maybe 1 per contest).
Time will tell....
And wouldn't you know it...the best 3-4 hours of thermal flying we have seen in Tauranga this spring and I'm in the back seat of a trainer.
Good people all the same.
One pleasant young woman who had never flown before managed a climb to 4500ft feet...8 knots...take note Maurice...8 knots.
So by the time I'd got GNM rigged showers had appeared. Waited a hour, launched into more rain and spent an unproductive hour trying to get over the Kaimai's. Waffling about at 2500ft in the bush under cold dark clouds doesn't do it for me.
The Poripori strip beckoned twice but we avoided that embarrassment.
Today...looks nice now but showers are due through later today. I think that'll kill any 300km attempts.
Update (lunchtime)...forecast was bang-on...it's getting grey..raining up at the farm...oh well...
I see the Duo returned from the Taupo contest with lots of wiring, finger and power problems. As these gliders get more complex more problems arise.
Simple is usually best...maybe removing the engine and all the associated electrical components might help...
If I allow my Discus to be rented for the trans-Tasman and use the club's Duo for the Nationals (sorry Maurice I'm next in line) I'll probably remove the engine for the contest. It'll allow lower wing loadings for those light days in Matamata (most days) and we can carry lots of water to make up for those strong days or ridge days (maybe 1 per contest).
Time will tell....
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Part 115 AGAIN and Again and again...
I attended one of the most poorly organised seminar's of the year.
No lunch, no parking, no audio system, not enough hand-outs, little chance for questions etc etc.
Ever wondered what happens to the monies from all those fees we pay to CAA???
7 presenters were flown to Hamilton, accommodated at the Novotel to present Part 115...mumble grumble.
However what did we learn.
Firstly, any criticism of the introduction of Part 115 was very quickly shut down...secondly any objections were dismissed because Warbirds are very happy with the regulation...well bully for them.
What does it mean for gliding (despite the fact that there is no justification to apply Part 115 to gliding)??
Short summary - unless your clubs potential income from taking members of the public on fun flights will exceed about $15000 per year...don't bother.
Why...if the gross revenue is $15k less costs of $10k (fuel, R&M, etc) that leaves $5k. Annual fees are likely to be $1-2000 per year (initial setup costs might be $3k) plus you will need to pay your instructors to get an annual Class 1 medical...say $500 each. Answer...it will be a zero sum game...don't bother.
If your club earns more than $15k...it might be worth a look...but in the end all that is being achieved is more costs...can we raise the price of trial flights to cover this??? Doubtful...
Other points of note;
Tow pilots will need a minimum of 50 hours on type as well as 200 hours PIC...that might be a problem.
Instructors will need to occupy the front seat.
Friends/family offering to pay you take a club 2 seater on a flight will fall under Part 115.
To be a Part 115 certified organisation will require a CEO (yip you read that right) Ops Officer etc etc. That might be a challenge for gliding clubs...
More later...got to go...
No lunch, no parking, no audio system, not enough hand-outs, little chance for questions etc etc.
Ever wondered what happens to the monies from all those fees we pay to CAA???
7 presenters were flown to Hamilton, accommodated at the Novotel to present Part 115...mumble grumble.
However what did we learn.
Firstly, any criticism of the introduction of Part 115 was very quickly shut down...secondly any objections were dismissed because Warbirds are very happy with the regulation...well bully for them.
What does it mean for gliding (despite the fact that there is no justification to apply Part 115 to gliding)??
Short summary - unless your clubs potential income from taking members of the public on fun flights will exceed about $15000 per year...don't bother.
Why...if the gross revenue is $15k less costs of $10k (fuel, R&M, etc) that leaves $5k. Annual fees are likely to be $1-2000 per year (initial setup costs might be $3k) plus you will need to pay your instructors to get an annual Class 1 medical...say $500 each. Answer...it will be a zero sum game...don't bother.
If your club earns more than $15k...it might be worth a look...but in the end all that is being achieved is more costs...can we raise the price of trial flights to cover this??? Doubtful...
Other points of note;
Tow pilots will need a minimum of 50 hours on type as well as 200 hours PIC...that might be a problem.
Instructors will need to occupy the front seat.
Friends/family offering to pay you take a club 2 seater on a flight will fall under Part 115.
To be a Part 115 certified organisation will require a CEO (yip you read that right) Ops Officer etc etc. That might be a challenge for gliding clubs...
More later...got to go...
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