Archive for year: 2013

Conditions at the field were perfect. Although we could use a little bit more wind. But it was nice smooth and gentle. Sergei arrived and the plan was to go on a first solo flight – we got ready, tried couple inflations but no luck. Meanwhile Andrew showed up and started to set up his gear. Shortly after Darren started to fly and completed six flights in fairly light wind conditions. We tried again with Sergei but not once, but twice, he jumped in a seat and stopped running. Andrew completed three flights including one very very late when there was absolutely no wind. If someone wanted to bet with me, I would say that he will never get up here but he did it! That was excellent work – totally surprised me. It was incredible night to fly, the air was smooth like butter…Darren has 26 flights and he is almost finished. One more evening and he will be done. He has handled himself really well throughout the course and will have no problem flying on his own. Good work guys!

Sergei

Andrew – fly by

Andrew – fly by 2

Andrew – landing

Darren

Darren ready for forward

Darren – failed forward

Darren – successful forward

Last night Jeff finished the remaining flights and is finished. He has also wrote and passed the ULTRA exam at TC office in Hamilton. He has now completed ALL the requitrements to apply for his Ultralight pilot license license. Well done Jeff! Congrats!

Take off and landing

Jeff practices emergency safety descent – big ears

 

Greg’s flight from GoPro

This how I fly:

VIDEO: Andre take off

VIDEO: Andre landing

 

Jeff is a new student and very experienced sky diver with 3000 jumps on his belt – definitely not new to flying a canopy. We have completed ground school in the afternoon and went to our flying field. Strong wind but manageable – I gave Jeff the small training glider and after 5 min explanation he was able to kite like a pro… Crazy! I have never seen anything like this. I had some work to do on one of the motors so I let Jeff to play with the canopy and every time I would look back at him it would be up and flying. In 10 min he was where others take 4 – 6 hrs to get. Amazing! We then proceeded to do our engine intro and powered runs.

VIDEO: Jeff powered runs

VIDEO: Jeff powered runs 2

After this was completed, wind came down and it was time to fly. I went for short flight to test the air. Bit thermally but not too bad. Jeff took off first after 5 hrs of training. It took him little bit to settle in. Flying under power is bit different then non-motorized under skydiving canopy. Then Greg took off. I put the GO PRO on his helmet – I have very nice footage from his first flight. Have to edit it – the file is huge. Then it was Andrews turn – no problem, nice forward and he was off too.

Summary: Jeff two flights, Greg 3 flight and Andrew 2 flights

VIDEO: Jeff at the end of the night

VIDEO: Andrew at the end of the night

VIDEO: Greg at the end of the night

From left to right: Andrew, Jeff and Greg

Great evening at the field and congrats on first 2 solo flights Jeff and Andrew!