asquaddie

Simon Are you going to cater for our wives/partners too? For the good of the club (& members) I think it will be good to get them involved (drivers are always welcome) Tony

Sorry all - double booked. Pre-booked tickets to see LOR in London. Tony

Answer back from 10 Downing Street You recently signed a petition asking the Prime Minister to "Allow the Red Arrows to Fly at the 2012 Olympics." The Prime Minister's Office has responded to that petition and you can view it here: http://www.pm.gov.uk/output/Page13332.asp Prime Minister's Office Petition information - http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/RedArrows2012/

/It takes 2-seconds to submit your signature to the petition; it is a reputable, fully registered, petition site/ The world-famous Red Arrows have been banned from appearing at the 2012 London Olympics because they are deemed "too British". Organisers of the event say that the Arrows military background might be "offensive" to other countries taking part in the Games. The display team have performed at more than 4000 events worldwide, but the Department of Culture, Media and Sport have deemed the display team "too militaristically British". Red Arrows pilots were said to be "outraged", as they had hoped to put on a truly world class display for the Games, something which had never been seen before. Being axed from a British-based event for being "too British" is an insult - the Arrows are a symbol of Britain. The Red Arrows have been excellent ambassadors for British overseas trade, as they display their British-built Hawk aircraft all over the world. The Arrows performed a short flypast in 2005 when the winning bid was announced, but their flypast at the Games was to have been truly spectacular. It is to be hoped that common sense prevails. If you disagree with this decision, sign the petition on the link below http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/RedArrows201 ... Arrows2012

Maybe I didn’t explain fully. I did try a couple (only) times bringing the wing up over my head with the ‘A’ lines and then use the ‘D’ lines to control the wing. What I was doing wrong was holding the ‘A’ & ‘D’ lines together as I brought the wing up and the ‘D’ lines was loaded, which stopped the wing coming up – I think that is right. Well it was coming to the end of the morning. It felt better, because the area is on a very slight slope and when the wind is blowing, up the slope you get no rotor effect at all and the wind is constant and smooth (it that makes sense). The only shame is it is in a non fly zone Off now on holiday for two weeks - have fun all. Stuart - Go for it, I know you will get there. Simon - Hope you had a good flight on Tuesday Good luck to all on their first flights and hoping for good weather in October. Tony

Subject: T008 Training Day – Forward & Reverse Launches Date: Sun, 02 Sep 07 Site: Hyde Farm (Purton) Wing: Synthesis Motor: Nil Ground Handling – Reverse Launches in Stronger Conidtions Saturday evening and a quick text to Simon to check that he will be on site in the morning – no reply. Sunday morning another text – no reply. OK, no problem, decision time for me. 0930 hrs and it was windy outside and I was guessing that it was going to get worse. Looking out the window it was gusting to about 12 mph ish. Mind made up – car packed and I was off. On the way, I had a call from Simon saying that the training was off because of high winds in Lambourn. I was nearly on site so I thought I would make my mind up when I got there. I had my wind monitor thingamajig out and the max was 15 mph, but blowing up around 3-10 mph. Wing out, all pre-checks done (+ trimmers). Gloves & Helmet on and laid out the wing. Sorting the wing out is much faster now, which gives me more time playing. Had three 30 minute sessions of getting the wing above my head, turning and running. Making a few notes along the way – any advise would greatly be received. I noticed the wing was staying more at an angle of 50 degrees and then found it hard to get it above my head – I guess that I was not learning back and pulling hard enough… With stronger winds, I just could not run forward. I was getting pushed back each time – I guess that I needed some more thrust (like a motor) and within a step or two I would be in the air.. Twice, I was holding onto the wrong brake handle on turning around – Obvious answer there. Tried a couple of times to bring the wing up holding the ‘D’ lines, but just could not hold it and the wing collapsed each time – Simon to advise. All in all a good morning, strong winds made it hard but fun. As I was leaving the field, I thought the next step must be with a motor on my back. Lesson learnt: Ground handling in stronger winds. Forward launching in strong winds is hard work without a motor. Thinks to remember: Confirm correct brakes handles. Need to buy the farmer a bottle – great field, great location – can’t loose this.

Has anybody seen the PDA program called GPSDash2 - looks very good (Shareware software) You might need to Google it and download a free version. Of course, I HAVE NEVER USED IT FLYING, but I have seen a video of someone flying with the dials superimposed on the screen – looks great. Tony

That's a shame. It is the only day my wife does a late shift....

Subject: T007 Training Day – Forward & Reverse Launches Date: Mon, 27 Aug 07 Site: Hyde Farm (Purton) Wing: Synthesis Motor: Nil Ground Handling – Forward and Reverse Launches After a busy family Bank Holiday Weekend, wife happy and dog contented I thought it was time to get the wing out and have a play. It was 1600 hrs and the weather seemed prefect, I phoned Simon who was watching TV and having a peaceful day at home and bless him, he was kindly agreed to come out and watch me GH’ling. Quickly packing all my kit and getting plenty of fluid, I got into my car and started to drive to the site. The site was about a 45 minute drive and I started to think that it was pointless going all the way there, when there is lovely grassy sites just 5 minutes drive from here. So, I phoned Simon and explain and all was ‘cool’ – cheers Simon for the willing body, but we all need some time off and it is a lovely site. Got there, no cows, great unpacked all my kit and got out my ‘wind machine’ – blowing up to 8 mph, constant and looking perfect. Good for a few solid hours of GH’ling, not to hot. I have never really done GH’ling in the evening and this seemed prefect for the job. Laid out all my kit, wind sock up – remembered my helmet and gloves (no long sleeved top thou!) Done a pre-flight check and untwisted a few lines – clipped in and recheck the brake lines, rechecked the trimmers and feeling good. It does seem to come back to you when you are there – all looking good (I bet you’re waiting for the but,,) Holding onto the brakes in the correct manner (Simon, please note) pinching the ‘A’ lines and gently getting the wing into the wall. Looks and feels great. Now, gently leaning back and up she comes. Now above my head and a few small movements on the brakes – after about a long 5 minutes I put the wing down (I thought this must be the first time that I put the wing down). Done a few more and was feeling/looking good. Now, taking the wing up, turning around, and started to run/walk with the wing above. With only slight adjustments, I was running/walking the wing right down the field (good 75 metres). I did try and pull the brakes a few times, but did not get off the ground. A couple of runs completed and I was knackered. Time for a breather – fluid taken In the mean time, the wind had dropped right down, so I thought I would have a go at forward launches. Laid the wing out, kit on and went for it. Up she went above my head and holding like a good one. After twenty paces stopped and collapsed. Completed this twice and thought it was not so much fun, because it was hard work and also I have to unclip lay out the wing and get back in again. In the end I had a few goes and started to pack my kit away about 1830, thinking to myself that I had done well, but as people say, if the weather is prefect then it is a lot easier. As I was packing my wing away, I notice out of the corner of my eye that a bloody herd of cows was snorting this way. Wing still out, kit about 50 metres away and the field gate open. Panic, quickly grappled the wing ran over to the gate, making silly noises, because with the rustling of the wing the cows were getting very engrossed. I dumped the wing down behind the gate, closed the gate and ran back to get my kit. Afterwards had a big grin on my face and drove home. Lovely day out. Not like some, who has the chance to get off the ground and fly in this prefect weather, but getting there. Lesson learnt: Good weather, good forward and reverse launches. Good evening time for GH’ling. Thinks to remember: Field checks – shut all gates. A good pre-flight check does put more confidence in your work

Well done Simon - can't ask for more. I am on holiday from 6 - 20 Sept. Great timing.

Simon - silly question, but what colour are they?

What is the plan - all meet at yours before 0900 hrs?

Seen this helmet mentioned on the other forum - PPG 1 Has anybody got one, or any updates about it. ebay 130145650783 Looks like there are good and bad reveiws reference the company - how about the helmet, radio or ear muffs. Looks sweet. Hoping to need one soon. Cheers

Looks good - count me in too. Cheers

Simon A couple for me will be good. Tony

Simon How long do you think the visit will take? Whole morning, or all day ish!

Simon Is this a general problem "getting back into the seat"? Just thinking ahead 'one day''''''

Subject: T006 Training Day – Forward & Reverse Launches Date: Sat, 11 Aug 07 Site: Lambourn (Temp Field) Wing: Synthesis Motor: Nil Ground Handling – Forward and Reverse Launches First student on site f(or a change), time now about 1030 hrs and the wind was pretty low so we waited around for about 30 minutes and there was a slight breeze starting. I unpacked my wing and trotted off to the centre of the field while Simon played around with his ‘hang points’ and after about 20 minutes he had a small flight around the field and came back to earth with a smile on his face. In a short time, a few more people turned up and with the additional spectators, the site was buzzing. My goal for the day was to practice ‘Forward and Reverse’ turns. Also, my aim now was to try and cut this a bit shorter and stick to the facts a bit more, but you do get carried away when your mind is wonders about the day….. The wind was calm, so straight into forward launches – great. The wind was good to me, the wing came straight up, and I was running like a sweaty pig and getting nowhere. So in general Simon and I were pleased with the process – so either the wind or wing was good for me that morning, or I was getting the hang of this. After a break, the wind picked up and I went into reverse launches with 1 or 2 out of 3 I thought all was going well until…. Yep, big gust of wind I was doing my 3 foot hop and a scrape along the ground bit again. I ended up with a few grazes along my other forearm to match the other side, but still feeling good. Another break needed. Simon Payne, was getting ready so I though a good time to get my new camera out and take a few shots. After a few attempts with his new wing and with the very unfriendly wind conditions Simon was up and away doing some thermally right above us – looking great. So, after a bit, I tried again, but the wind was nil and the sun was hot so with the day getting on and an Indian meal calling my name I said all the goodbyes and packed my kit away. During the day, I found out that yesterday a person completed his Solo. Met Norman and he was getting ready for his solo this evening. Also met Ken who was GH and a bit experience than me. ‘All in all’ - a good day for the club and me. Lesson learnt: Ensure you check the trimmers on your pre flight checks Thinks to remember: Wear a LONG SLEEVE SHIRT Summary: Half a dozen good forward and reverse launches completed.

Subject: T005 Non-Event Day – Ground Handling Date: Fri, 10 Aug 07 Site: Hyde Farm (Purton) Wing: Synthesis Motor: Nil Ground Handling After playing ‘Cats Cradle’ last time with the wing I needed to sort it out before Saturday. The wind was less than 4 mph so I thought I would take it to the farm. It only took about 15 minutes to sort it out, so that was pretty good. I then spent another 30 minutes playing around, building a wall and waiting for the wind that never came. Still good practice at my stage – I was laying it out, building a wall and just playing around. After an hour the wind didn’t pick up so I packed up and went home with the feeling that the wing was sorted and ready for my next lesson.

‘Big congrats’ Norman - wish I was there to see you. I could have taken a few photos, but then again, maybe not (sorry Simon P). Must be a great feeling for the first time…. I still remember my first solo circuit in a Microlight, then the landing – it will never leave you. Tony

Hi Togsie I'm not going to answer any of your questions - sorry, but where's your training blog matey.......... Tony

A lot of councils will pay you to scrape up in local parks and open grassy areas - a new business venture? I know the farmer is paying me to clean his field up - and it's working well. Might venture out on this one.

Simon I was told on the other channel that the best thing to do is ‘Wipe with water the bits off first then leave it alone’ – is that good advice?

I just love this forum - what great wisdom, experience and wise cracks we have….. I should really ask my Great Grand Mother for advice, but she’s dead too Togsie - where is your blog - I would love to laugh at other peoples experiences too..

Problem is Dave – Never taken off, just poo scraping at the moment..