Thermal Camp Report (May 6-8, 2016) by Tom Watson
FRIDAY
On Friday the weather was rainy with no possibility of flying. We spent the day in the classroom with Jim Garrison showcasing his considerable soaring and contest experience through our program topics. Many good soaring issues were discussed while we met one another and talked over mutual situations at our respective clubs. Weather for the rest of the weekend was on everyone’s mind and many different weather programs were consulted. In the evening we moved to Condor tasks on member computers and enjoyed a common task in the digital environment. We had a “gourmet” dinner courtesy of Quizno’s. We flew, talked, and ate till the evening ended. All went to sleep with fingers crossed for favorable weather on Saturday.
On Friday the weather was rainy with no possibility of flying. We spent the day in the classroom with Jim Garrison showcasing his considerable soaring and contest experience through our program topics. Many good soaring issues were discussed while we met one another and talked over mutual situations at our respective clubs. Weather for the rest of the weekend was on everyone’s mind and many different weather programs were consulted. In the evening we moved to Condor tasks on member computers and enjoyed a common task in the digital environment. We had a “gourmet” dinner courtesy of Quizno’s. We flew, talked, and ate till the evening ended. All went to sleep with fingers crossed for favorable weather on Saturday.
Condor Flying (Friday, May 06)
SATURDAY
Saturday dawned with the probability of improving weather and we started instruction and flight organization in the morning while the National Guard Assembled (SURPRISE!) and got ready to start parachute jumping. In the afternoon, our operations began with Piet Barber and Jim Garrison mentoring in their Duo’s, Eric Lambert was at a wedding so the G103 was not assembled. Tidewater Soaring Society loaned their PW 6 which was flown by mentor Mamad Takallu. Tows were done by Mike Keefe in TSS Citabria and Wally Azimi in Merlin Soaring’s 180 hp Cessna 150. Both tow pilots got some rope drop training coupled with “interesting” landing situations .
On Saturday we did six flights of times ranging from 1 hr/15 min to 2 hrs. Pilots were happy to see climb heights up to 4k and distances varied as mentors adjusted to the area. Flights were arranged so that almost all pilots got two flights with mentors and in most cases different sailplanes. Scott Gross was the lone exception with one flight. Saturday after planes were secured, we had a fine discussion on the challenges of landing out while we stuffed ourselves with pizza. The weather was again assessed and we went to bed with high hopes for good flying on Sunday.
Saturday dawned with the probability of improving weather and we started instruction and flight organization in the morning while the National Guard Assembled (SURPRISE!) and got ready to start parachute jumping. In the afternoon, our operations began with Piet Barber and Jim Garrison mentoring in their Duo’s, Eric Lambert was at a wedding so the G103 was not assembled. Tidewater Soaring Society loaned their PW 6 which was flown by mentor Mamad Takallu. Tows were done by Mike Keefe in TSS Citabria and Wally Azimi in Merlin Soaring’s 180 hp Cessna 150. Both tow pilots got some rope drop training coupled with “interesting” landing situations .
On Saturday we did six flights of times ranging from 1 hr/15 min to 2 hrs. Pilots were happy to see climb heights up to 4k and distances varied as mentors adjusted to the area. Flights were arranged so that almost all pilots got two flights with mentors and in most cases different sailplanes. Scott Gross was the lone exception with one flight. Saturday after planes were secured, we had a fine discussion on the challenges of landing out while we stuffed ourselves with pizza. The weather was again assessed and we went to bed with high hopes for good flying on Sunday.
SUNDAY
Sunday brought another day of soaring weather however the winds were stronger and across the runway. Pilots were rotated with mentors and aircraft, Scott Gross was first off with Piet at 11:44. Pete Appleby and Matt McKrell flew their single-place ships. Flights lasted from 1hr 30 minutes to 2 hrs, climbs were above 5k, and distances between 40k and 90k were accomplished. We had the added excitement and pleasure of a skillful land out at Lawrenceville Airport. Wally, who was about to fly home, was happy to do an aero-retrieve. We ended the day by cleaning up and securing aircraft. Members who could stay enjoyed a lively dinner session at Applebee's in Emporia, where flights of the weekend were relived, possibly embellished, but enjoyed by all.
Sunday brought another day of soaring weather however the winds were stronger and across the runway. Pilots were rotated with mentors and aircraft, Scott Gross was first off with Piet at 11:44. Pete Appleby and Matt McKrell flew their single-place ships. Flights lasted from 1hr 30 minutes to 2 hrs, climbs were above 5k, and distances between 40k and 90k were accomplished. We had the added excitement and pleasure of a skillful land out at Lawrenceville Airport. Wally, who was about to fly home, was happy to do an aero-retrieve. We ended the day by cleaning up and securing aircraft. Members who could stay enjoyed a lively dinner session at Applebee's in Emporia, where flights of the weekend were relived, possibly embellished, but enjoyed by all.