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.
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