Summary and Images
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Mo writes:
Friday Report David Sigier Training Very nice day. The Flying was quite varied with winds in the early afternoon up to 22 mph to sunset with 0 wind. I had a total of five flights and a bunch to touch and goes in all these conditions, even though I promised my wife I would not fly. Unfortunately, I came down with some kind of throat thing the day before and had a fever all night and all today. But once in the field, the call to PPG only made me feel better. And how could I resist?
David arrived with his partner Dan at 9 am. I didn't get to the field until almost noon with my weakened condition. Bill and Ken (an RC guy) were there when I arrived and Scott M arrived
soon after.
Ken got himself a tandem with David. I have not witrnessed a tandem flight before, but it was cool watching David skillfully explain to Ken the procedure and expertly pilot the duo-person contraption. Ken seemed to enjoy his flight immensly. We could see from the ground that David handed the brake toggles to Ken in flight to practice turning and maneuvering the wing.
Afterwards, David helped get Scott's engine running smoothly and he did a test flight of his motor and wing.
In addition, David made a bunch of impressive flights showing off his skills. It was nice to fly with him because it made me more comfortable with pushing my limits (like flying in 22 mph winds). I was impressed with how professional and prepared David was.
I had a chance to fly a 27m Nervures Estive wing with four different motors. David had a 30 that I did not try. I flew this wing at least a dozen times during his visit and once during my visit to New Mexico last month.
If I could design a perfect PPG wing, I think this would be it. It is REALLY easy to inflate (better than my Symphony), in the air very stable (it's a DHV 1), but very responsive (seemed like the Silex in it's handling, but MUCH more stable), exellent glide ratio, comfortable controls, good construction, and a low price tag ($2400).
My conclusion: great beginner wing, and it won't bore you once you get some flight experience. I'm giving a strong consideration to buy one, especially since my trusty DK Symphony is showing it's age.
Bill taught a bunch of people (including me) to fly an RC plane (thanks to Ken for letting us do this with his plane and RC units). This was a first time for many. Thanks Bill! Lots of fun, doing turns, loops, maitaining altitude and keeping a pattern. However, personally I guess I'm hooked on flying for real.
Also, Bill had his RC helicopter and it was really nice to see him hovering above the ground. He still has the hoola-hoop training thingy, but it is clear he has become much more skilled at manuevering his hover machine.
The plans for tomorrow are McCartney again, but this time at 8am till we decide to call it quits. I have several people who have confirmed that they intend to make it including a fellow with a ParaPlane (a trike with two solo 210s and two counter-rotating props).
Hope to see you out at the field!
Images
Benjamin in over his head.
Getting ready to tandem.
Warming up.
Hooking in.
Kiting the giant wing.
And off they go!
Final approach.
Touch down.
Putting the giant wing away.
Bill throttling up the monster tandem SkyCruiser with a Simonini engine.
Carting the equipment away.
Looking at the RC flying around.
David flying Scott's Epsilon Advance wing.
My old spark plugs with more than 100 hours on them.
