Nant-e-Moel - as a tvhgc traitor flying for the southern slackers
Nant-e-Moel
GPS Track -
http://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/205724
I got up early on the Saturday and did a final weather check which suggested high base and light winds, so jumped in the car headed to Abbergeveny. On the way, there were some well set wave bars, which was a little concerning, but as there wasn't any wind and blue skies I didn't worry.
However, high cloud covered the sky once I got to Wales and the wind was anything but light!
After an hour or so of milling around the car park,other pilots arrived and were mostly pretty uninspired by the conditions and some even headed off to Mere in the hope of better conditions there.
Ian Greig (fellow Southern Slacker) offered my a lift in his van up to Nant-e-Moel which I gratefully accepted as the wind from the south west meant that we would be flying back towards Abbergeveny if we got away which would make for an easy retrieve.
We arrived on the hill to find a couple of wings out, but no one flying as the wind was too far off to the south, but pilots were optimistic that once the sun came round we "should" get an opportunity to fly, but XC didn't seem likely. Sure enough the sun came onto the face and that helped move the wind more onto the hill and a couple of pilots took off, I immediately got my kit out (having been pretty pessimistic about our chances five minutes earlier) took to the air.
The air was buoyant, but fairly rough, by this time there were probably about10 - 15 wings in the air all searching for a decent thermal. We tried heading out into the valley and some found a bit of lift, but nothing special, I chickened out quite early on my last venture and saw one glider was half way to base and climbing above the edge of the hill. I immediately focused on finding a climb on the ridge and saw the only other glider on the ridge turn into something promising.
I headed over and found a solid 2 m/s climb and tucked in. Unfortunately for me the pilot above was turning left, something I don't tend to do very often and my climb rate is always significantly lower than to the right. After trying to persuade the other pilot to turn right, I bit the bullet and accepted that i was going to thermalling left (which sucked). I just couldn't seem to crank on the turn when I hit the cores in the same way as i can to the right, and although i didn't have any collapses (the lift was variable), I didn't feel in total command of my wing.
Eventually, I managed to overtake the other pilot and immediately switched right and accelerated away for the last 150m or so. By this time there was a nice looking cloud above us, but we were still a fair distance from base and no longer climbing. I therefore headed off vaguely downwind watching the cloud above to get indicators of where i might find a little more lift. I found something and turned in it a few times, but again it petered out. Ahead of me I could see the first glider across the first valley searching for lift and so headed off on glide in his direction.
By this time the pilot I had shared the first thermal with was about 500m behind and a bit lower too, so he wasn't going to be helpful to me finding the next climb.
As I approached the ridge the pilot ahead started to turn in something, it didn't look that promising, but I figured that 2 of us searching would probably work quite well. As I approached a seagull came in from my left and found a belting climb close to my location so I changed direction and found myself going up, the seagull ahead kept on a straight course and continued to climb, so I followed, but the climb was really bitty.
I tried turning in it a few times, but the lift was light and bitty so pressed on. Once I left the higher ground, I found some fairly strong sink and started to consider where I might land, the air was rough and the wind was strong. Aberdere didn't have too many obvious landing spots, but the most attractive was the athletics track at the southern end of the town. T o make matters worse I could see the 2 gliders from earlier almost at base back above the last ridge.
As I headed over the town, I spotted another seagull and this one flew past me at 90*, so I turned and watched as it started to climb quickly. I followed and found myself in a strong ratty thermal that was varying between .3 and 3.7m/s which i figured must have been the some sort of convergence. I stuck with it for a while, but either lost it or it died, but by this stage i was over the top of the next ridge and so pushed on again. My efforts were rewarded with another really snotty thermal with big variations in the climb rate, but averaging around 2m. The conditions were some of the roughest I have flown in, although the lift wasn't that strong, the constant variation in the climb rate meant that i was working really hard to keep the glider above me.
Again the climb suddenly died, but now I could see wispy's at my height, but with "proper Cu" still 500m or more above. I figured that I was on the wrong side of the sea breeze, but decided that rather than head north into the boonies I would follow the A465, as that was on route to my car.
As I descended, I flew between 2 lakes about 500 metres apart and the wind on the lake to the south shooting across in a northward direction and the lake to the north with wind south much straight south while I flew between them straight downwind heading east?! I found a bit of a climb, but was either too low or too crap (probably both) to manage to hang on to it and headed on to the cricket pitch ahead which looked like the best landing option as I knew it was going to be turbulent and with the wind strong and all over the place, I felt that being somewhere with lots of people around would mean that if anything went wrong, at least there'd be someone to call an ambulance and with luck administer a bit of first aid too.
Fortunately I landed without incident on the boundary to be applauded by the cricketers and some guys just finishing off their rugby practice. What they didn't realise was quite how grateful I was to be on the ground without having had any sort of incident.
After packing up, I asked how to get back to Abbergeveny and was told to walk round the corner where I could catch a bus straight to Abbergeveny!
I got back to the car, checked in with Ian to see where he'd got to and he hadn't left the hill, so jumped in my car and was home drinking a pint in the garden at 6pm. All in all a pretty perfect day - apart from flying for the wrong team of course!
GPS Track -
http://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/205724
I got up early on the Saturday and did a final weather check which suggested high base and light winds, so jumped in the car headed to Abbergeveny. On the way, there were some well set wave bars, which was a little concerning, but as there wasn't any wind and blue skies I didn't worry.
However, high cloud covered the sky once I got to Wales and the wind was anything but light!
After an hour or so of milling around the car park,other pilots arrived and were mostly pretty uninspired by the conditions and some even headed off to Mere in the hope of better conditions there.
Ian Greig (fellow Southern Slacker) offered my a lift in his van up to Nant-e-Moel which I gratefully accepted as the wind from the south west meant that we would be flying back towards Abbergeveny if we got away which would make for an easy retrieve.
We arrived on the hill to find a couple of wings out, but no one flying as the wind was too far off to the south, but pilots were optimistic that once the sun came round we "should" get an opportunity to fly, but XC didn't seem likely. Sure enough the sun came onto the face and that helped move the wind more onto the hill and a couple of pilots took off, I immediately got my kit out (having been pretty pessimistic about our chances five minutes earlier) took to the air.
The air was buoyant, but fairly rough, by this time there were probably about10 - 15 wings in the air all searching for a decent thermal. We tried heading out into the valley and some found a bit of lift, but nothing special, I chickened out quite early on my last venture and saw one glider was half way to base and climbing above the edge of the hill. I immediately focused on finding a climb on the ridge and saw the only other glider on the ridge turn into something promising.
I headed over and found a solid 2 m/s climb and tucked in. Unfortunately for me the pilot above was turning left, something I don't tend to do very often and my climb rate is always significantly lower than to the right. After trying to persuade the other pilot to turn right, I bit the bullet and accepted that i was going to thermalling left (which sucked). I just couldn't seem to crank on the turn when I hit the cores in the same way as i can to the right, and although i didn't have any collapses (the lift was variable), I didn't feel in total command of my wing.
Eventually, I managed to overtake the other pilot and immediately switched right and accelerated away for the last 150m or so. By this time there was a nice looking cloud above us, but we were still a fair distance from base and no longer climbing. I therefore headed off vaguely downwind watching the cloud above to get indicators of where i might find a little more lift. I found something and turned in it a few times, but again it petered out. Ahead of me I could see the first glider across the first valley searching for lift and so headed off on glide in his direction.
By this time the pilot I had shared the first thermal with was about 500m behind and a bit lower too, so he wasn't going to be helpful to me finding the next climb.
As I approached the ridge the pilot ahead started to turn in something, it didn't look that promising, but I figured that 2 of us searching would probably work quite well. As I approached a seagull came in from my left and found a belting climb close to my location so I changed direction and found myself going up, the seagull ahead kept on a straight course and continued to climb, so I followed, but the climb was really bitty.
I tried turning in it a few times, but the lift was light and bitty so pressed on. Once I left the higher ground, I found some fairly strong sink and started to consider where I might land, the air was rough and the wind was strong. Aberdere didn't have too many obvious landing spots, but the most attractive was the athletics track at the southern end of the town. T o make matters worse I could see the 2 gliders from earlier almost at base back above the last ridge.
As I headed over the town, I spotted another seagull and this one flew past me at 90*, so I turned and watched as it started to climb quickly. I followed and found myself in a strong ratty thermal that was varying between .3 and 3.7m/s which i figured must have been the some sort of convergence. I stuck with it for a while, but either lost it or it died, but by this stage i was over the top of the next ridge and so pushed on again. My efforts were rewarded with another really snotty thermal with big variations in the climb rate, but averaging around 2m. The conditions were some of the roughest I have flown in, although the lift wasn't that strong, the constant variation in the climb rate meant that i was working really hard to keep the glider above me.
Again the climb suddenly died, but now I could see wispy's at my height, but with "proper Cu" still 500m or more above. I figured that I was on the wrong side of the sea breeze, but decided that rather than head north into the boonies I would follow the A465, as that was on route to my car.
As I descended, I flew between 2 lakes about 500 metres apart and the wind on the lake to the south shooting across in a northward direction and the lake to the north with wind south much straight south while I flew between them straight downwind heading east?! I found a bit of a climb, but was either too low or too crap (probably both) to manage to hang on to it and headed on to the cricket pitch ahead which looked like the best landing option as I knew it was going to be turbulent and with the wind strong and all over the place, I felt that being somewhere with lots of people around would mean that if anything went wrong, at least there'd be someone to call an ambulance and with luck administer a bit of first aid too.
Fortunately I landed without incident on the boundary to be applauded by the cricketers and some guys just finishing off their rugby practice. What they didn't realise was quite how grateful I was to be on the ground without having had any sort of incident.
After packing up, I asked how to get back to Abbergeveny and was told to walk round the corner where I could catch a bus straight to Abbergeveny!
I got back to the car, checked in with Ian to see where he'd got to and he hadn't left the hill, so jumped in my car and was home drinking a pint in the garden at 6pm. All in all a pretty perfect day - apart from flying for the wrong team of course!
2009-05-24 Pandy
Windless, inverted, hot day of idleness on the hill. Waited for the inversion to break but it didn't. A Talybont day really. Must make mental note..............
2009-05-23 Fochriw
A day in Wales. First at Nant Y Moel where the BCC had a few get away in the SW 10-12 wind. Was lumpy bumpy flying and a testing vertical landing to boot! The wind went too W so decamped to Fochriw which was a very floaty flight. All good!
Reech
Reech
2009-05-22 Milk Hill
Got away from work early so in the absnce of anything better to do I went flying! Got to Milk about 5pm and was all alone and the wind was a bit too strong. Was a bit surprised by the lack of optimistic people! Was joined by another (who's name escapes me!), phoned Fiona who was on her way! Waited about for the wind to drop, which it did and flew! All on my own for a bit 'till the wind had dropped a bit more the Fi took off. Flew about some more. Then the lift switched off rapido and had to land. Fun was had!
2009-05-10 Skirrid
Interesting day. Went to Ebbw Vale where it was light and SE, a bit off, so went to Skirrid, cause it takes a SE only to find it E and light. After a bit of umming took off found a thermal! Thought about going with it, remembered I had the car keys! Bobbled about for a bit before going for the car. Returned to Ebbw Vale where we missed the flying window! Had a go at a take off and got royally lifted and deposited back by the cars, A bit too strong methinks! Waited but went home.
Reech
Reech
Sunday 10th May – Whitewool & Mercury – Easterly
Arrived at Whitewool at 12.30pm and whereas is had looked blown out all the way down the motorway, the wind was actually quite light but with thermals passing through. As this is a sensitive Sky Surfers site, checked with warden whether it was OK to fly and then had an hours fantastic flying in wonderful Hampshire countryside with stunning views right over to the Solent and Isle of Wight.
Lots of lift over the trees at the end of the ridge and was very peaceful. Later headed over to Mercury which was quite crowded but when the lift came through was excellent. As the evening progressed the wind increased and it was just the hangies in the air when I left.
Robert Agar
Lots of lift over the trees at the end of the ridge and was very peaceful. Later headed over to Mercury which was quite crowded but when the lift came through was excellent. As the evening progressed the wind increased and it was just the hangies in the air when I left.
Robert Agar
Milk Hill SW 9 May
Early start! Bit blowy, Ron flew his hangglider, I went to the White Horse. Bit off and light! Took off slope landed. Took off again and decided to go to Milk. Gotblown over the back in a gale! Waited for it to ease. Took off floated about for ages. Weird shaped thermals.... Landed let loads of people fly. Had a chat and took off for an evening float. Got caught out by my new gliders glide angle and had to land by the track at the bottom! Much fun had by quite a few! No vid, time for getting to know my glider!
Reech
Reech
2009-05-09 Milk Hill
Early start! Bit blowy, Ron flew his hangglider, I went to the White Horse. Bit off and light! Took off slope landed. Took off again and decided to go to Milk. Gotblown over the back in a gale! Waited for it to ease. Took off floated about for ages. Weird shaped thermals.... Landed let loads of people fly. Had a chat and took off for an evening float. Got caught out by my new gliders glide angle and had to land by the track at the bottom! Much fun had by quite a few! No vid, time for getting to know my glider!
Reech
Reech
Steeple Aston, Oxfordshire 4 May
Mark Chamberlain
Well, with the wind blowing and the rain...er raining I was determined to get
out to try my Revo out.
It was gusty and turbulent as well as quite strong wind. I wouldn't have even
considered taking off in my Arcus.
Dodging the rain showers while setting up. Had problems starting the motor first
of all and had to leave it for a while incase I'd flooded it.
I got the wing set up and prepared to do a little ground handling when it
started raining again. I ran to get the stuff sack from my van and got the wing
out of the rain. 10 mins later I got the wing out again and realised the risers
had gone through some of the lines aaarrgh!
10 mins later, lines sorted I got a chance to ground handle for a while to gauge
the wind conditions. This proved difficult due to the gusting.
Got the motor started, and inflated. Perfect inflation and off a few steps
later.
It was 50 minutes of one of the bumpiest flights I've had and I had problems
trusting the wing. Lots of movement in the harness and swinging around. I'd put
the trimmers out but could see that there was still a little more play in the
risers so I made a mental note to adjust this before the next flight.
I also didn't put my speed bar on as it needed adjusting so another mental note
there.
I was making headway at between 1 and 12mph so didn't get very far. I also had
to stay below 800ft due to the wind gradient.
The scariest part was the landing approach. Extreme buffeting at low levels and
I'm pretty sure the wing rustled, probably a tip collapse but couldn't say for
sure. Going backwards at one stage I did two or three go arounds to get the best
position/conditions to land.
The landing itself was actually no problem. I was landing down the gradient of
the field with the engine off. Remembering the technique for landing the Revo
(on fast trim) I levelled off just above ground then flared for a running
landing.
I know my Arcus would have been going backwards faster that I was flying
forwards (except I wouldn't have taken off) so my Revo has vindicated itself.
A few adjustments to make but all in all a successful test. Apart from a loose
manifold bolt my Rad didn't fall to pieces either so that's always a good start!
An unexpected days flight.
out to try my Revo out.
It was gusty and turbulent as well as quite strong wind. I wouldn't have even
considered taking off in my Arcus.
Dodging the rain showers while setting up. Had problems starting the motor first
of all and had to leave it for a while incase I'd flooded it.
I got the wing set up and prepared to do a little ground handling when it
started raining again. I ran to get the stuff sack from my van and got the wing
out of the rain. 10 mins later I got the wing out again and realised the risers
had gone through some of the lines aaarrgh!
10 mins later, lines sorted I got a chance to ground handle for a while to gauge
the wind conditions. This proved difficult due to the gusting.
Got the motor started, and inflated. Perfect inflation and off a few steps
later.
It was 50 minutes of one of the bumpiest flights I've had and I had problems
trusting the wing. Lots of movement in the harness and swinging around. I'd put
the trimmers out but could see that there was still a little more play in the
risers so I made a mental note to adjust this before the next flight.
I also didn't put my speed bar on as it needed adjusting so another mental note
there.
I was making headway at between 1 and 12mph so didn't get very far. I also had
to stay below 800ft due to the wind gradient.
The scariest part was the landing approach. Extreme buffeting at low levels and
I'm pretty sure the wing rustled, probably a tip collapse but couldn't say for
sure. Going backwards at one stage I did two or three go arounds to get the best
position/conditions to land.
The landing itself was actually no problem. I was landing down the gradient of
the field with the engine off. Remembering the technique for landing the Revo
(on fast trim) I levelled off just above ground then flared for a running
landing.
I know my Arcus would have been going backwards faster that I was flying
forwards (except I wouldn't have taken off) so my Revo has vindicated itself.
A few adjustments to make but all in all a successful test. Apart from a loose
manifold bolt my Rad didn't fall to pieces either so that's always a good start!
An unexpected days flight.
Bradwell Edge 2nd May Mike Hibbit
Leave home at 5.30am and drive to Sheffield.
At my sister- in- laws house, I grab 40 winks, Maggie goes shopping with her sister and I head for the Peak District.
Wind westerly but looking a bit too breezy! A few miles from Bradwell there seems to be nobody flying above the ridge. I stop, have a look around, and can't believe it - there are about eight paragliders a couple of thousand feet above launch and climbing!
Imagine Rhossili Down with a giant thermal generator out front and a gliding club situated on the top. That's Bradwell Edge.
On take off there were half a dozen hang gliders about to launch and a dozen frustrated paraglider pilots. A few of us launched in a lull and found ballistic thermals coming through. It was more like spring Alpine conditions with big punchy thermals. Probably a total of twenty pilots got away during the course of the day in a fabulous sky!
By late afternoon the whole ridge was being used by all three types of gliders in smooth mellow conditions, Fantastic day.
At my sister- in- laws house, I grab 40 winks, Maggie goes shopping with her sister and I head for the Peak District.
Wind westerly but looking a bit too breezy! A few miles from Bradwell there seems to be nobody flying above the ridge. I stop, have a look around, and can't believe it - there are about eight paragliders a couple of thousand feet above launch and climbing!
Imagine Rhossili Down with a giant thermal generator out front and a gliding club situated on the top. That's Bradwell Edge.
On take off there were half a dozen hang gliders about to launch and a dozen frustrated paraglider pilots. A few of us launched in a lull and found ballistic thermals coming through. It was more like spring Alpine conditions with big punchy thermals. Probably a total of twenty pilots got away during the course of the day in a fabulous sky!
By late afternoon the whole ridge was being used by all three types of gliders in smooth mellow conditions, Fantastic day.
2009-05-02 Bossington
Went coastal....... WSW 10-16 for most of the day, but got stronger in the afternoon.
Reech
Reech
