That was brilliant Ryan. This is exactly rhe kind of thing I'm incorporating in the simulation, to help pilots correlate soundings and barometric pressure with the character of the soaring experience. Clearly articulated, sussinct, and spot on.
...That was me...I crept up to NW launch 3 times during most blown-out portion of last Friday...about 3:30 to 5:45pm...and strong winds were mostly crossing from WSW some SSW and occasional (but still crossing) west cycles. That morning, I noted the 'big picture' of that great big Low-pressure system centered hundreds of miles almost due north, driving the stronger winds, augmented by Highs to the south and west; also noted how much extra wind there was around Albany area, VT, NH, etc. I chatted with wire crew, well aware I could and did have a long but educational wait for mellow-enough air for my single-surface, large, lightly-loaded wings of my Falcon 195. I feel bit badly that I squandered some time among each of the crew, all (much more) experienced pilots than me. After 15 minutes, I withdrew from launch with their help, removed harness, waited in wind shadows a little while, hooked back in, ventured to launch 2nd time, watched very consistently strong and crossing wind some more minutes, again unhooked, and after 30 more minutes, saw another HG starting to penetrate well forward of launch after being 'parked' or even drifting tiny bit backward well above our heads. Seeing that, just the larger and more numerous cloud shadows as a collection of cumies formed for about 90 minutes before all dissipating, influenced my decision to suit up once more, move to NW launch, and await a decent cycle. Air was much straighter in, velocity diminished a bit, and I safely took off, steadily climbing and finding, as anticipated, smooth air once aloft and well clear of launch. I ventured back no more than about 250 feet above launch (and that was when I was 600-plus feet above it), adapting my flight plan to the sustained robust winds...no 'benching up' further back, and staying way in front of the long ridge's crest. I 'boxed' launch for a while, cruising in wide circle a bit beyond the periphery of pilots, winds, and vehicles, then headed north and landed after 45 minutes in the mellow LZ.
I meant to mention it in the first take but left my notebook home and just winged it in one quick take… watched it later and was like aw crap that’s a big deal piece of the puzzle to leave off. Thanks for watching!
Oh Yes, Ryan is very highly talented and experienced with only with years of soaring but also with deep, keen, accurate insights into weather & winds ranging from comparatively "little" Ellenville area to the big planet-girdling picture!
...I probably am at least partly responsible for (some of) those gray hairs...looking like I was going to launch into such strong winds...and is partly probably why I have not gray hair, but white hair. yipe.
That was brilliant Ryan. This is exactly rhe kind of thing I'm incorporating in the simulation, to help pilots correlate soundings and barometric pressure with the character of the soaring experience. Clearly articulated, sussinct, and spot on.
Thank you so much Tom!
...That was me...I crept up to NW launch 3 times during most blown-out portion of last Friday...about 3:30 to 5:45pm...and strong winds were mostly crossing from WSW some SSW and occasional (but still crossing) west cycles. That morning, I noted the 'big picture' of that great big Low-pressure system centered hundreds of miles almost due north, driving the stronger winds, augmented by Highs to the south and west; also noted how much extra wind there was around Albany area, VT, NH, etc. I chatted with wire crew, well aware I could and did have a long but educational wait for mellow-enough air for my single-surface, large, lightly-loaded wings of my Falcon 195. I feel bit badly that I squandered some time among each of the crew, all (much more) experienced pilots than me. After 15 minutes, I withdrew from launch with their help, removed harness, waited in wind shadows a little while, hooked back in, ventured to launch 2nd time, watched very consistently strong and crossing wind some more minutes, again unhooked, and after 30 more minutes, saw another HG starting to penetrate well forward of launch after being 'parked' or even drifting tiny bit backward well above our heads. Seeing that, just the larger and more numerous cloud shadows as a collection of cumies formed for about 90 minutes before all dissipating, influenced my decision to suit up once more, move to NW launch, and await a decent cycle. Air was much straighter in, velocity diminished a bit, and I safely took off, steadily climbing and finding, as anticipated, smooth air once aloft and well clear of launch. I ventured back no more than about 250 feet above launch (and that was when I was 600-plus feet above it), adapting my flight plan to the sustained robust winds...no 'benching up' further back, and staying way in front of the long ridge's crest. I 'boxed' launch for a while, cruising in wide circle a bit beyond the periphery of pilots, winds, and vehicles, then headed north and landed after 45 minutes in the mellow LZ.
I learned alot as a new (but older) HG pilot. Really useful. thanks
Really great explanation and presentation. Just what pilots need to know.
Thanks Steve! Means a lot from you
Really good explanation on this 👍🏼
Great video! I totally have been overlooking the barometric pressure when I do my own forecasting. Thanks for the information and the video!!
I was just about to add a comment about high pressure glass-off and you beat me to it! Nice video.
I meant to mention it in the first take but left my notebook home and just winged it in one quick take… watched it later and was like aw crap that’s a big deal piece of the puzzle to leave off.
Thanks for watching!
Has anyone done an analysis of xcontest distances vs standard pressure using a historical weather api?
Great video, thanks!
Good video. Thanks!
Nice job.... :- D
Oh Yes, Ryan is very highly talented and experienced with only with years of soaring but also with deep, keen, accurate insights into weather & winds ranging from comparatively "little" Ellenville area to the big planet-girdling picture!
Fantastic video. Thanks so much. The gray chest hair, though, is a bad look.... I would suggest laser removal.
Lol :D That is microphone!
...I probably am at least partly responsible for (some of) those gray hairs...looking like I was going to launch into such strong winds...and is partly probably why I have not gray hair, but white hair. yipe.
@@jwm239 😄