@@flystiker Optimism gets you airtime ! I have had several occasions where I had to talk myself into flying ,despite the fact I figured it might be a sled run or at best an extended flight. In the end they turned out to be a much better days than I anticipated, leaving me happy with my decision to fly !
Pffft... I was there once, flying a Slingsby Swallow mid 70s in March. Climbed to over 12,000', my feet turning into ice bricks, the cloud closed up below. Worried about hitting something solid if I descended, headed NW for a while where my next view through the clouds revealed nothing but grey water. I did a 180 and made it to land in a field just south of Peterhead. But I did enjoy this video, Thanks!
I have a part share in a Swallow (in my pfp) and I couldn't imagine flying it for long enough to get to 12,000... They really aren't the most comfortable of glider 🤣
@@jamesbartlettt Surprised there are any left! 2 1/2 hours, epic wave but bitingly cold in that drafty cockpit wearing my scruffy student weekend clothes. At least I just happened to be carrying a barograph and claimed my Gold Height!
I presume you wait to retract the gear until the tow is complete in case you have to release the tow before it’s finished and find a landing spot in a hurry ?
You are correct, also to focus on the tow and not take your right hand off the stick to retract the gear as it could cause an upset. I think of ‘configuring the glider for flight’ once off the tow to make sure I am set up properly
It's always a great feeling when a crappy looking day turns out good !
We are such an optimistic crowd 👍
@@flystiker Optimism gets you airtime ! I have had several occasions where I had to talk myself into flying ,despite the fact I figured it might be
a sled run or at best an extended flight. In the end they turned out to be a much better days than I anticipated, leaving me happy with my decision to fly !
Pffft... I was there once, flying a Slingsby Swallow mid 70s in March. Climbed to over 12,000', my feet turning into ice bricks, the cloud closed up below. Worried about hitting something solid if I descended, headed NW for a while where my next view through the clouds revealed nothing but grey water. I did a 180 and made it to land in a field just south of Peterhead.
But I did enjoy this video, Thanks!
I have a part share in a Swallow (in my pfp) and I couldn't imagine flying it for long enough to get to 12,000... They really aren't the most comfortable of glider 🤣
@@jamesbartlettt Surprised there are any left! 2 1/2 hours, epic wave but bitingly cold in that drafty cockpit wearing my scruffy student weekend clothes. At least I just happened to be carrying a barograph and claimed my Gold Height!
Sounds like you have some great memories there! We still have great days at Aboyne, but in the competition we have to compete whatever the weather 👍
nice video, what glider type is it?
Thanks, it is a Ventus 3TS
I presume you wait to retract the gear until the tow is complete in case you have to release the tow before it’s finished and find a landing spot in a hurry ?
You are correct, also to focus on the tow and not take your right hand off the stick to retract the gear as it could cause an upset. I think of ‘configuring the glider for flight’ once off the tow to make sure I am set up properly
Pretty low ceilings.
Do you have to stay in VMC?
Generally yes, but there are some exemptions in the UK as the lift is better close to the clouds
Heavy left foot....
Yes, you are right, it is one of the advantages of video, I can see what needs to change, even if I didn’t spot it during the flight!
You really should put engines on those planes. They are very useful
Thanks Dan, I have a sustainer motor hidden in the fuselage to get me home…but only to be used when I cannot find any more lift!!😊