An invisible entity at Beeding Bowl

As I awoke this morning, I knew it would be a great flying day as I could hear the noise of the wind outside the house. In the past I have always been nervous of flying in windy conditions as the glider seemed to have a mind of its own especially on the downwind leg regarding the increased airspeed. However, I have overcome this fear and now I rather enjoy the speed element.

I met Martin J at the car park, just as two escaped lambs were being rounded up and returned into the field where the concerned mother was waiting.

Today both Martin and I had our SAS Wildthings with us, and we commenced flying. We were positioned at our usual launch point, only about 100 yards from the car park. As the models penetrated the oncoming wind it was noticed that something was amiss. Martin commented that it was “Choppy” and that was an understatement. It seemed that just ahead of the ridge was an invisible entity or force that was grabbing the gliders and throwing them in all directions, I have never in the past experienced such turbulence before, after the first flight we had a discussion regarding our situation. Grass was thrown into the air to ascertain wind direction and using an anemometer which showed a wind speed of between 16 - 22 mph. The direction of the wind was way off the forecast and was more North Westly. So we decided to re-locate about 100 yards to our left around the bowl. Flying conditions improved considerably and there is a suitable landing site using left hand circuits.

Bob C was next to arrive with his newly refurbished Wildthing and he was intending to achieve its maiden flight today but it was noticed during the pre-flight inspection that the control throws were not right. Also, considering the weather conditions it was agreed not to fly that model this morning. So, he returned it back to the car and retrieved his other Wildthing.

From the car park came Nick V clutching 3 models which included a Wildthing, a Middle Phase that was fitted with an FPV system and a glider that he called a “Bullet”. Last time we met Nick tried to demonstrate how the FPV works but due to a flat battery that was not possible. Today, he tried again and this time we had more luck, as he flew the Middle Phase and I had the opportunity to use the FPV goggles, it was my first experience and it reminded me of the TV program a number of years ago that re-created the Battle of Britain using RC scale models.

Scotty was next to arrive with his trusty Me163 Komet which flew well considering the prevailing conditions.

Glider Park

Nick enquired to why we had changed our flying position and we explained about the strange wind phenomenon that we had experienced a little earlier.

Despite the conditions we all had some very good flights, but I think all would agree that landing the gliders had its difficulties. I ended up in a rather large bush behind the launch point. Both Bob and Nick made the long walk back to the car park and through the gate into the field behind us to recover their Wildthings and Scotty experienced a difficult landing with the Komet which will require a tape repair but the award of the “Spot Landing” competition must go to Nick who managed to land his Wildthing right in the middle of the glider park and right next to his other gliders that were only inches away.

My Wildthing

In summary, an enjoyable day was had by all despite the very challenging conditions and no significant damage to any models that cannot be quickly rectified. We are all looking forward to the warmer weather and it was great to be in the company of fellow club members who all have a passion for slope soaring. Also, I will be having a look at the purchase of mobile windsocks to assist in providing wind direction information for club members.

Today's Flyers

Blustery Beeding 21/03/2023

 I arrived at Beeding just before 10am to be greeted by Martin Jones and a blustery wind. I had my Wildthing and a Lidl one (far too windy for that). Martin had only his Wildthing.

Our first flights where ok, but conditions were  bumpy but with good lift. I found landing a bit of a problem putting it down over the road into the field safely.

Just after our first flight Robin S arrived with his Wildthing and his Aztec (an Alan Head prototype).

We all had a few more flights before calling it a day due to feeling cold.

Still and enjoyable couple of hours in good company.

Beeding Bowl - Sunday 12 March 2023

I was the first to arrive at the designated flying site. On the slope I found that the actual weather was not as forecast. Using my anemometer it read only 8mph, I was expecting much higher, I know from experience that my SAS Wildthing needs at least 12mph to fly. I attempted several explorative flights only to have my original thoughts of my 12mph plus limit confirmed as the lift was marginal at best. 

So I decided to take a seat and enjoy not only the view but also the solitude and to contemplate the return of those Spring / Summer days as I could hear the Skylarks above. This peace was short lived as I heard a shout from behind "Oi you, Billy no mates" only to find other Club members had arrived, they were Nick V and Martin J shortly followed by Paul H.

Nick in Full Launch Mode with His MP

I briefed them on the current metrological conditions and luckily they had brought along light wind gliders, ideal for these winds. Nick V had his Middle Phase with a First Person View (FPV) attachment which was not operational today. In fact Nick tried to demonstrate to me how the goggles worked but unfortunately the battery was flat. His Middle Phase also struggled to remain up in the air but as he is a highly experienced pilot he managed to succeed. However, Paul's modified Lidls glider performed really well in the light conditions, even by around 10.30 am the wind speed was only 8-10mph. Martin brought along his, as he calls it the "Horrible Hacker" which as flew well. 

Hacker in Flight

Fortunately, for us as the morning progressed the wind speed increased significantly so by 11am it was exceeding 12mph which brings my Wildthing into play. By 11.30 the wind speed was increasing exponentially so by then we had 3 Wildthings and Paul's Hawk airborne, at last a great morning's flying. 

Paul's Hawk

Martin's Wildthing

The only casualty of the day was my Wildthing, I lost orientation of the glider and then noticed it was flying directly towards me, passed over me and landed fast and heavy behind me causing the fuselage to become detached from the wing, nothing some cross weave tape will not fix.

In summary, a slow morning to start but improved greatly during the morning and some good flying but even better company. Thanks to all who joined me on the slope this morning.