Hello, all:
The weather on Wednesday was so nice! Light winds, a high temperature in the mid-80’s, and very tolerable humidity levels. It was so different from last weekend when we wisely chose not to fly, due to the excessive heat and humidity. This was a gorgeous July afternoon, with SkySight and Dr. Jack’s predicting lift between 6,000’ and 7,000’ MSL. The thermals weren’t that strong, though. The highest anyone got was approximately 5,300’ MSL (that was Steve R in his 1-26E). The longest flight of the day was an hour and ten minutes (that was Jeff F in his 1-26B). Bud S mentioned later in the afternoon that the Thermal Index was only -2, which indicates that the thermals weren’t strong. It was hazy above 4,000’ and perhaps that’s what was preventing stronger thermals from forming. Regardless, it was a much better soaring day than what we’ve had since early June.
Today’s flights:
- Bob D brought his younger brother Steve out for three flights today. Steve is from Douglas, WY, and recently retired from a career as a railroad engineer. Bob and Steve leave Thursday for Oshkosh, WI, and the big ‘Airventure’ annual air show.
- Ryan K flew a solo flight in the L-23, then rode along with Jim D on two other flights. Ryan’s big news is that he took and passed the FAA written exam for his PPL – congrats, Ryan!
- Jim D flew two flights from the rear seat of the L-23. He’s building time and flights as he works toward his CFI-G. I think he’s also practicing flying CAP Cadet Orientation flights. Jim D is also heading to ‘Airventure’ this weekend.
- Jeff F flew two flights in his 1-26B. Jeff is still trying to complete a second two-hour flight to earn his ‘Bronze’ soaring badge. When the lift is strong, the sheet metal on the wings of Jeff’s glider makes a noise like hitting the top of an empty oil drum. The wings were quiet today, so he knew it’d be hard to stay aloft for two hours.
- Bud S flew a solo flight in the L-23, which was the hangar flight for the day. It was later in the afternoon before Bud flew, and the lift nearby seemed to have died. There were impressive looking cumulus clouds in the area, but none he could reach. He flew around the airport looking for thermals, including his favorite spot above a small feedlot, but found nothing workable.
It wasn’t a busy day, as there were only ten flights flown. But it was a relaxing afternoon to sit under the shade canopy and just enjoy being outside. This weekend, we are hoping to fly the first group of CAP Cadets from Iowa. Rain is forecast Saturday morning, so we may have to try another day. We are planning to fly Sunday, weather permitting.
Two SGS 1-26 Gliders Staged for Flight
Thanks all for another safe day of soaring!
OSCI
Recent Comments