Summary and Images
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Another day at the beach!! by Bill Wright
Man, those ladies were hacked off we showed up again without Dave! I'm thinking that they might stop sun-bathing if Dave doesn't show next time.
Not a bad day, but the low-level air wasn't too easy to get along with. I think we need to take off about 15 to 30 minutes earlier to get that really nice "glass-off" air, stuff that lets you cruise with the rabbits.
We didn't go the cross-country root today, a little too advanced for me (air-wise). Mo got in a couple good launches though, and we did enjoy some local area flying.
Leaning out my carb just a touch was the ticket. I think I need to be a little leaner during the hotter mornings.
by Maurice Sheldon
Bill pretty much summed it up with his description of the day's flights. It was interesting how low the inversion layer was this am. It was shifty and bumpy from ground to about 300' agl, then smooth sailing. My practice with trim tabs sure paid off as my take-off's were easier.
Dave, I tried you suggestion of flying up high before landing, killing the engine, and gliding in. Today something very strange happened. I was up about maybe 2500' to 3000', when I decided to look down. I was immidiately struck with a panic feeling, like the feeling you get when you're on a tall ladder. The feeling was very abrupt and debilitating. Although conditions where I was flying were perfect, I had a tough time concentrating on flying. Even letting up on the throttle was difficult. After I got down about 500' I felt more relieved, but still had that feeling that I needed to be much closer to terra firma. I killed the engine probably at 1500' and had a nice glide to the LZ. It was sure nice to be on solid ground. I haven't had this feeling for over three years, when I flew high over a lake when I lived in Missouri. Any suggestions on understanding and/or conquering this?
David Cook responds...
I've only felt that way after "whiting-out" while passing through the wispy stuff at the bottom of a big, black cloud with lightening coming out of it, thinking I was doomed to go into the cloud! But even then, I wasn't debilitated -- I remembered very well how to pull big ears and stand on the speed bar!
It's supposed to be safe and enjoyable. Altitude is your friend as far as safety goes -- if you aren't near the earth, you can't hit it. Plus if you're descending rapidly, you have much more time to sort things out if you've got altitude. And finally, you are much less likely to encounter turbulence at significant altitude during the early morning because you're above the mixing layer. But, on the other hand, if it's not enjoyable, then altitude defeats the purpose of flying. I personally like the awesome views altitude gives, and I like the feeling of serenity that comes from being alone way up-there. I guess it's like anything else -- if you want to do it and you are convinced it is a safe thing to do, then ease into it a little at a time.
For me, I like the feeling of safety that comes from getting a little distance between me and the hard stuff.
Images
Sunrise driving to McCartney.
Bill Taking off...
Bill takes LOTS of pictures of me...
