Summary and Images
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Mo writes:
Saturday Report David Sigier Training
Another great flying day. Winds were much less today, under 6 mph all day. The winds were light and variable til about 4 pm when the winds became a steady 3-4 mph from the NW. In fact, these were the steadiest winds I have ever flown in. Perfect glass. I could kite hands off!
I arrived around 1 pm, since I had a tough night fighting off this throat thing and didn't get much sleep. David and Dan were at McCartney at 8am. I understand Bill was there and got a chance to kite or fly one of David's Nervures Estive wings. I hear he really liked and am looking forward to his report on it. Bill had already left when I arrived.
Also, Scott M, Mike C (with his 5 year old son), Mike W (with his teenage son and his girlfriend) were there as well. Several onlookers stopped by as wellby just watching us fly around. In addition, Scott M. brought his PPC and gave tandem rides to a bunch of people including an elderly man that showed up from seeing us fly.
The PPG training was really professional as well today. David helped Scott with his harness, getting it fitted just right. Then they worked on kiting, but it was difficult with the light winds. At 4pm, as the winds picked up and steadied, David and Scott agreed to try a first solo flight with Scott's motor and a Nervures Estive 30 meter wing. David patiently explained what he wanted Scott to do during the flight and how to land in case of a radio out. David had a radio where Scott could hear him to coax and guide him tthrough the flight and landing. Scott's take-off was very interesting. David stood in front of Scott , holding his harness. He walked and talked him though his forward launch, with the wing steadied above him, power up, run, and take off. David spoke slowly and calmly into the radio the entire time with clear instructions like "Turn Left... a little more. Excellent." or "Try to keep the same altitude using your throttle. But be easy on the controls" and would tell Scott things like "Enjoy yourself" or "Look at the wing. Isn't it gorgeous?" or "Take some time to enjoy the sight of the mountains". Scott had four flights and perfect landings. What a great welcome to PPG!
Also, Mike C. showed up with his Apco Astra wing. We knew this was a very advanced wing (DHV 2-3) and it took David a bunch of tries to get it off the ground. David kept saying "One more time!" on every failed try. But he got it up with a lot of struggle and was off the ground. He took it to altitude and did a bunch of tests (stalls, tucks, big ears, turns, etc.) to check the performance and handling of the wing. David agreed: NOT a beginner wing.
I got in about 5 flights. It really helps to fly with such a great pilot since it helps me to push my limits with more agressive turns and precision handling. Also, it was really great for me to try all the different wings and motors. I really like the Miniplane: quiet, lots of thrust, little vibration, easy start, clutch drive, and very comfy harness both on the ground and in flight. In addition, I am really taking a liking to David's tandem motor, a Skycruiser with a powerful Simonini engine. That thing rockets me into the sky at a climb rate that is just astounding. Also, it is fun to do aggressive turns with this motor at power. Really gets thoses G's going like I have not felt before!
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 DK 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 Symphony is showing it's age.
Can't wait for tomorrow for more fun at McCartney.
Images
One of many attempts at Mike C's wing.
Scott preparing for his first solo.
Warming up.
Off and away he goes!
