I had the time of my life this morning. The air was absolutely smooth, I really enjoyed doing the low-level stuff. I didn't realize how long I was air-borne until I landed and found I had burned over a gallon! We will definitely have to do more of that before-work flying!
by Maurice Sheldon
What a crazy day. Flying this morning was sooooo strange. It didn't feel like Arizona with the humidity. It was dense and thick. Even my wing was diffent. It wasn't a dirt and static magnet it usually is.
I found it easier fly in the wet air. My take-off's were shorter and climb rate seemed much better than usual. However, this could have had nothing to do with the humidity since I was playing with two new variables since the last time I flew: I painted my props and I played with the trim tabs for the first time. Maybe the shiny paint on my props made for more efficient thrust or maybe pulling in those trim tabs made the difference. Hopefully I'll test this theory again next week.
Bill had perfect flights. Both Dave and I experienced technical difficulties before and after take off. In fact, Dave and I were futzing with our motor and wings at least until 7:20am when Bill had already landed, packed up and left.
Again both Dave and I had some flawed forwards, but I was soon off the ground in my second attempt. Dave pretty much describes his take of his flight in his earlier post, so I won't repeat here.
While I was in the air just getting settled in my harness, I heard a strange skidding sound eminating from my motor, so I came in for a landing to inspect. It appeared the drive belt was loose. Dave offered to help with a special belt solution. At first it made things worse, but only because it was still wet. Once we wiped some of it off and tighted the bolts that expand the belt, it worked perfectly. Not only is David great to talk to, but one nice guy lending me his tools, time and helping hand.
I set up to take off, but after another flawed forward, I finally made it off the ground. Once in the air it was marvelous. Calm and thick. Everywhere I looked, I could see the layer of humidity hugging the wet ground. This was an unusual sight for me in Arizona.
When I decided to land I thought I would cut my engine at altitude and glide in for a smooth landing. It's amazing how different flying is with the engine off. So quiet! You can hear the wind rustling the canopy and lines overhead. I have found that this technique also ends in some nice landings like I had today.
I'm glad I got to get out today. I was sorry to miss flying with Bill AND Dave. But, I guess, that's the nature of this game. Some days are meant for flying, some aren't. Some days are trouble free, and some aren't.
