Summary and Images
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by Maurice Sheldon Elephant Butte Lake, NM Fly-At Report
This fly-at was a real treat for me. It is hard for me to put in words how nice of a time I had. Being in the company of so many nice folks all getting together to share a passion we all have in common was an incredible experience. Not only was the flying great, but the food, conversation, evening fire, and rescue of several stuck vehicles in the sand and lake made the event all the better. I loved the diversity of the pilots: 3 female pilots, age ranges from 6 to 60's, many differing professions including two PPG instructors, a landscaper and a police officer. Best of all, the flying was incredible. Even the local ranger was intrigued and stayed for some time to watch us fly and talk with several people including Jerry Daniele. And there were no problems except for a few hard landings, one that bent a frame and cage.
I arrived Saturday evening just as the sun was setting. I had driven for over 5 hours straight from Phoenix and was so anxious to fly. When I arrived at the site, I could see numerous pilots in the air, basking in the sunset. Determined to fly, I yanked my equipment out of my car and set up my equipment. As I was readying to take-off, I noticed most of the pilots had already landed. But, I figured I could get a nice short flight, and took off. Given the two strobes I have on my motor, I know I was within FAR 103 to fly 1/2 hour after sunset. The altitude of the Lake is over 5000' ASL and I immediately noticed my reduced climb rate as I settled off the ground. But I was in the air and it was gorgeous! The sun had already gone down, so I only flew for a little while until I felt dusk approaching.
This location is perfect for PPG, with large open sandy beaches along the spacious lake. The water helps to insulate thermic activity, especially as the wind comes from the lake. As such, we were able to fly quite well into the late morning. Also, with a near full moon, several of the pilots (won't mention names) took to an evening moonshine flight.
On Sunday morning, I enjoyed flying low at the water's edge where I could spot the wildlife below. I saw several large fish (1 to 2 feet long) swimming lazily together in the shallow waters; a crane flying directly below me; chasing a large, slow hawk for several minutes back and forth along the beach; and following a fox that had picked up a large, dead fish. Also, it was fun waving at the other people camping along the lake. I always find when I wave to people they always wave back. I figured being friendly to non PPG folks and wannabees is the best exposure we can generate for our sport, so I always wave.
I had many firsts at this fly-at. For one, going to a fly-at with this many people (15 people and 10 pilots) was a first for me. Also, one of the pilots was generous enough to lend me his SD48 and his Elle wing. Having not flown another motor or wing, this was a major treat for me. Thanks Dan! Also, Jerry Daniele was kind enough to lend me his Silex for a few flights. I acted like a tow: When Michelle Daniele kited her wing in the morning breeze I gave her several nice steady pushes which got airborne repeatedly about 7 feet up. Lastly, I took my first video from the air.
This was an incredible experience I hope to relive again and again in my dreams.
Images
The campsite from the ground.
Looking toward the camp site from the air.
Water and earth.
Stuck in the mud. A major rescue.
Sandcastles in the air.
My First PPG Video
