Yorkshire puddings

Hangers take over the car park at the morning briefing

photo Justin Needham

Briefing on the hill in sunshine in Yorkshire!!!!!

Photo Ted Claggett

Gliders sunbathing waiting for the "off"

photo Ted Claggett

Gliders "stacking up" in wave over Wether Fell, the tiny dot on the right is a fourth glider to give some idea of the hieght (around 7,500 and still climbing)

photo Justin Needham

Dave Matthews parked up in the wave way above the cumulus and so so smooth

photo Justin Needham

Launch at Nappa Scar was fun and required some attention

Photo Jenny Buck

Well not quite but we did see some. The bank holiday saw us in The Yorkshire Dales for the second round of the British Open Hang Gliding Series (BOS) where the weather was uncharateristicly fine. It started on the Friday when we headed to Tailbridge a nice site on the edge of the Dales with an easy take off and top landing area. Plenty of flying went on but no one managed to activate the task and with low damp cloud approaching we called it a day before the window closed .

However Saturday was better and with sunshine forecast and the wind due to veer a little we headed back to tailbridge where Pete Coad (meet Director) set a nice little XC vis a turn point to Barnard Castle some 40K away. Things were a little challenging with pilots getting away in several groups or on their own. The pack went down at around 14k alongside the main road whilst a few of us managed to "hole" up on a small ridge just short of them. Shedsy managed to sneak away and did a brave flight across the moor to land at 25k or so whilst i took what hieght I had befor ethe rain came and overflew the masses to land just past them at 16k. A fun day with plenty of smiling faces saw me in 3rd.

Sunday was a super looking day and based on a forecast for the wind to come on later at Wether Fell that's where we went. By the time the window opened on the 81k task to Wombleton it was well off to the south making conditions less then ideal. taking the opportunity for some sunbathing I rested whilst the masses took off and beat around in the choppy air. opening my eyes revealed gliders starting to climb so after an hour in the sun i launched to join them in what had now plainly become wave conditions. By the time i reached 4000' Asl the high boys were at 6000' and by the time I got to 7,500 they were at 8,500. How high we would have gone i don't know because as the last start had long gone and we had delayed long enough just to enjoy the experience looking down on the cumulus we did eventually pull out of it to head off towards goal. a cracking flight followed with a mixture of wave bar hopping to start with followed by thermal flight to finish including a stunning climb out off Sutton Bank right in front of the tourists saw 14 of us arrive in Goal. One of my best days flying in the UK ever just amazing, you should have been there.......

Monday saw the wind forecast for a light southerly veering SW so we headed up Nappa Scar a cracking ridge with a cliff type launch. The walk up gave us some well needed exercise and on arrival at the top it was far from light. Pete set another 81k task north under what looked like a cracking sky. By the time the window was due to open it was very breezy and turbulent at launch so it was decided to delay until further notice. More sunbathing ensued but finally things did moderate and off we went with a few exciting launches, but everyone did manage to get away in the end. Thermals were pretty good at launch and pretty soon gaggles of gliders were up at base and heading off on track. Things 20k downwind were not so good with the sky in decay and soon after that pilots were decking it in large numbers at and around the 25k mark. I managed to sneak by under a blue sky and slide onto a small ridge (slope) where i found a weak thermal which lifted me just high enough onto the moor to allow a short glide on track to a track to give me the winning distance for the day of 34.8k, still enough.

Tuesday was blown out so after Prize giving we headed home early under a cracking sky but it remained breezy all the way. Final results can be found here http://bhgc.wikidot.com/ and were pretty good for the Wills Wing Boys with then taking 3 of the top 4 places, well done guys.

Some "interesting" film footage of the event can be found here http://www.film41.co.uk/F41/00-BOS_Videos.html

Girly day

Rebbecca S gets some airtime in

Rebbecca having fun

Pilot X makes the most of the conditions

Bill N gets his feet off the ground but are they actually attached to his legs??

We started in the field where despite the forecast things were already on the breezy side which was fine for the hangers but restricted the Para's to ground handling only. Pilot x and Rebbecca S (Exeter) were both along for some hang Gliding and it wasn't long before they were towing across the field. Whilst Rebbecca practised her landings having already completed most of her training "up country2 over the last 5 years Pilot x moved off the tethers and onto "free flight". By lunch time conditions were picking up so we decided to head to the hills for some tethering in the ridge lift.

At Perranporth it was ideal and soon both girls were enjoying plenty of airtime "soaring" in the lift at take off and really getting to grips with it. In fact they made it look so easy that Bill N gave it a go and had a fun time looking remarkably smooth and relaxed, what will he do next.....

Hangers and hopers

It was a delayed start in the tow field where Caroline P (Looe) was along for a Taster Day on a Hang Glider joined by Pilot X. They both did well with the basic ground work and were quickly on to hand tows by lunch time. Mick Ford joined us in the early afternoon to continue his CPC on the Hang Glider having last flown back in February. Caroline and X were soon moon walking across the field on the end of the tow line and both got into low level flights experiencing the thrill of getting a Hang Glider into the air. They both did really well looking nice and relaxed in the air and performing some good landings.
Mick got back into the swing of things without much hassle and looked smooth after a few high flights and even managed to get his spot landings sorted.
Steve m and Sam A played with Paragliders on the ground but it was always a bit on the breezy side for them .
Rain finally stopped play by 18.30 so hopefully it will be dry tomorrow so we can dry the kit out.

If at first you don't succeed try and try again (and again)

It was a glorious day when we arrived in the field with blue sky and light winds. Whilst Luke H got his paramotor kit ready Anna L and Nicola (both from London) started their Taster days on the Paraglider. Mike S (Exeter) who passed with us back in October 2007 came along for some refreshing having not done any since then and Dave L was also up for some having just picked up his new Ozone Mojo 3 which he got to grips with by doing some ground work.

The girls worked well through the morning and just before lunch were trying out forward launches and hand tows. raj turned up for a Tandem flight and watched proceeding whilst we waited for the wind to back to the NE. I took Lukes Paramotor up for a check out/demonstration flight after which he got into it to try his first go under power. Things proved a little challenging although each attempt was better than the one before so we stopped for lunch and a rest.

The afternoon saw the wind pick up a bit and conditions get"strange" with turbulent air making even ground handling tricky. Off to the East we could see a large amount of "wave" clouds so possibly they were influencing things, Kaz and Bill headed off to Carbis Bay to check things out there for a plan B option. A quick tow up on the paraglider confirmed it was top end and not suitable for further training which was backed up by Nicola doing a fine impersonation of a snail, you had to be there to appreciate it.

With good news from Carbis we packed up and headed there where we arrived equipped with a Tandem Hang Glider and Tandem Paraglider. We had a top few hours with Nicola getting a super tandem flight on the Hang Glider fully appreciating the experience and the views and as the wind eased again Anna and Raj both getting in flights on the Paraglider having a fun time playing with the lift and flying with the seagulls. Bill Kaz and Adam W all got some Paragliding in what has to be described as variable conditions.

A hard work day but it worked out good in the end with big smiles all round lets hope the next one is easier.

Village People

Steve J wings level ready for take off
Mission acomplished the "Humbug" (Stubby) is airborne

Phippsy gets some exercise but still manages to chat as he chases Steve on the tether

On finals, undercarriage down and looking good

Back in the field after a short break it was a chilled day with the Hangers. Steve J (Oakhampton) was along for a Taster Day and had a great time moving from zero to hero by the end of the day. he put in a total of seven! flights with the last one being untethered and looked nice and smooth throughout. Ex student Kieth S came along for some experience flights and to work on his landings doing a fine job after well over a year of not towing. In conversation it turned out that Steve and Kieth live in the same village and only a few hundred yards apart, small world....

It was actually a very good XC sky with a good direction heading right up the county but alas it was work work work all day, still there will be others.

Dragons and Demons

The Bank Holiday (1st-5th) saw us in wales for the first round of the British Open Hang Gliding Series. can't say it was my best effort despite placing 3rd on the first day and lying in 7th on the second my flying was off the ball. A poor decision on landing (actually more like an indecision) saw me arrive less than perfectly on day two resulting in an unflyable glider. However, all was not lost and Al J (Bristol) kindly brought me his Sport 2 155 which needed test flying on the Sunday. I had grest fun flying it and did a very nice 25k XC over the Welsh countryside which just confirmed what a great first glider it is.

Good to see lots of flying friends and lots of Hang Gliders together, roll on the next round.

Tony gets a go

Tony T looking happy with his new wing (so do I)
Tony flies high on his first soaring flight on the Green Meany

Flyby showing off the Mylar sail

Debrief and big smiles after a good top landing

Derek G ready for the off

A couple of Puppets go flying

Derek enjoys a birds eye view

With a good forecast it was off to Perranporth where it was a glorious day. Bill n was first off on his new Buzz Z and looked very smooth despite the light conditions, nice colours Bill. After a quick test fly on Tony T's Falcon Green Meany it was his go..... Unfortunately the breeze was on the drop and with a poor first beat it was an extended flight to the beach, still no worries it gave me a chance to fly his glider back up and what fun it is!

The Sky filled with Paragliders and it got a little busy for a time but i managed to find a slot to pop the Falcon in on top where we waited for the breeze to pick up. Bit by bit it did and soon Tony was ready for the off. This time no problems and he was soon soaring up and down the cliffs getting smoother with each beat. 20 minutes later he made his first top landing approach but was just a little high so performed a nice flyby. the next one was on the nail and he landed sweetly with a big grin, well done Tony.

Derek G (Austrailia) came up with me for a couple of fun flights on the Tandem Paraglider and we had fun playing with the gentle thermals and chasing the birds (feathered ones)

A cracking day with plenty out enjoying the sunshine.

Shiny Green Meany

Despite a showery forecast we headed out to Perranporth in the evening to meet up with Tony T (Brighton) to deliver and test fly his new Wills Wing Falcon 3 170. Dodging the showers I managed to sneak in several flights and what a lovely piece of kit it is not only in its flying but in its build quality. Performance is amazingly good bringing the "Sky floater" class a leap for ward whilst maintaining the light roll and pitch inputs needed to make flying fun.With its "Bright" Green leading edge and Mylar sail it is very noticeable and looks stunning in the air, trust me you will not miss it. With a Spring high tide we decided it unwise to set Tony off just in case so hopefully tomorrow. May find some pictures later

A Day to Play at Vault Bay

We had a fun day playing at Vault where it was good fun on the Paragliders. Nigel E was first there and soon joined by Kaz and myself. We all had fun in the plentiful lift messing with the low clouds and practising our flying. By Midday several others arrived including Ray D, Dean F, Rick W and Laurence O all ex students to enjoy the flying.

Abigail G (Australia) came out and had a super flight on the Tandem cruising the cliffs with the birds and staring at the "sun bather" on the beach!!!! A nice landing rounded of a cracking flight, she's up for the Hang Glider next time out.

Steve D (another ex student) turned up mid afternoon and wasted no time in getting in the air and he was still whistling when we left. a very nice day....

Getting a Good Grounding

It was off to the field where the forecast was for a light SW breeze. By the time we arrived it was already a bit stronger than forecast so we held the winching and played ground handling. Ian and Ed B (Newton Abbott) were along to start their EPC courses and with Ian having already been on a Taster Day with us and Ed having watched things moved on pretty quickly. Despite the "challenging" conditions with plenty of thermal around they both did really well and were soon moving the canopies around the field in reverse looking good.

Lunchtime saw me test conditions on the Paraglider as a Tandem customer had arrived however one flight was enough to confirm it was at the top end and rough as I have known it on the tow line so we knocked Tandems on the head.

Ian and Ed did some theory before getting out there again and putting in some more ground work now flicking from reverse to forward and back again. Their progress was remarkable and in conditions that many more experienced pilots would struggle with these guys were handling well. we rounded off the day with some good hand towing to get them into the air which was fun and they both took their EPC Exams and passing so setting them up nicely for their next day with us. Despite no flying they learned an awful lot which will form the basis of their flying careers, you can never do enough ground handling ......

A Day off, nearly.....

Rick W (blue wing) finishes off his hill conversion and mixes it with Nigel E

Well it was going to be but then the wind filled in from the west so it was off to Perranporth to hopefully complete Rick W's hill conversion. After a bit of a wait and a top to bottom whilst the wind sorted itself out it got good and Rick was off. He had a great flight mixing it with the other pilots before coming in for a nice top landing. The rest of the afternoon was taken up playing with other peoples gliders and even Kaz sneaked a go on Micheld Rush 2 and very impressed she was. A nice afternoon and great to see Rick up there and flying as a fully qualified CPC

More Sun More Fun and a Burger in a Bun

The boys get some useful ground work in, blues and green

Michel K comes in for a landing on the Paramotor

A man in love ..............................

Dave L comes in afetr the last tow of the day to worry the sheep

It was slightly later start in the field as we allowed for a late stay as it was the Open evening for the KHPA memebrs. Mike D put in some more ground work before strapping the Paramotor to his back and practicing with it doing remarkably well. Next we started it up and he put in three super ground runs with aborted take offs showing that he is ready for the big one. Unfortunately he had an early afternoon appointment which meant he had to leave early, still ready for the next good day when we should see him up and away.

After changing the cage and propeller back to the 115 size (more suitable for the smaller pilot) Michel K did a first class reverse launch on the Paramotor to enjoy a lovely 20 minute flight before putting in an equally good landing to move him into his CPC Paramotor course.

Then it was off to get the winch running and with yours truly at the controls Dave L (qualified yesterday started 15th march), Rick W Steve M and Adam W all put in some nice tows to give me some well needed practice, thanks guys.....

A short break saw Michel put in another flight on the Paramotor this time with a forward launch which whilst not as neat as his reverse he sorted out well and set off for another stunning flight cruising around at 2000' enjoying the views before once again putting in a lovely landing, he's getting there.

By now the proper winchmen had turned up and took over to demonstrate the system to those KHPA members who turned up for the evening to have a look. Has to be said not many arrived but those who did seemed happy enough and who wouldn't be on such a lovely evening with flying going on and a BBQ to boot. Dave and Adam used the lines getting the best tows of the day with some evening lift passing through. Another happy day in the tow filed.

Smashing day in the field

A 09.00 start in the field saw the Paramotor guys assemble to get the leg work in before the tow students arrived. having gone through the basics, introduction to the unit and start up procedures next thing was ground running with the unit. First was Mike D who cracked us up with his efforts but did ok realising just how different it is, next was Luke H who did a fine job looking pretty sweet but then he had done it on a previous Taster day. Michel K gave it his best shot with his little legs giving their all before Tim J took over, getting a little over zealous he wound in resulting in one ex propeller but no other damage, it happens.

Next we got the tow boys going with Sam A and Dave L finishing off their CPC tasks by performing Asymmetrics in both directions before putting in a couple of relaxing flights before lunch. Luke also popped in a couple of high flights so putting in the final flying tasks before getting into the Paramotor.

Lunch time saw Sam and Dave complete their CPC exams which they both passed so becoming full qualified on the tow meaning that they could play as independent pilots through the afternoon which they did along with Kieth W.

Sarah and Sam both enjoyed some Tandem flights in glorious sunshine looking happy with the experience.

then it was back with the Paramotor boys getting them ground handling with the unit on their backs, another ball game. By the end of the day Michel K was ready for the off and had a super flight on the Paramotor flying for 15 minutes up to 1500' before coming in and performing as super landing.

A perfect end to a busy day which included two more CPC ratings, well done guys. Sorry no pictures. Well done too to ex paraglider student Dougal M on his first XC of over 22k the first of many I think...

Tim pulls five girls before mid day!!

gail gets things going with a flurry

Sam looking happy after a good one

Katy (1) with a laugh to remeber heads back to earth

Katy (2) tries to stay airborne by flapping

A cracking way to celebrate a Hen Party

Emma the organiser gets her go

Fun all round, nice one girls, have fun

An early start saw us rigged and ready with the lines tested before 10.00am when a Hen Party of five from St Ives arrived for Tandem flights. The bride to be Gail had no idea what had been arranged for her and came complete with fairy frock. It was a great fun morning the girls really making the most of it with a mixture of screams and laughter echoing around the field. As the morning progressed and the day warmed up things got a bit thermic and the latter flights included some nice thermalling to extend the flights as well as giving some good height for the wing overs. By mid day they were all sorted and left for Plymouth in high spirits with the bride to be declaring her companions as "the best friends in the world" for arranging it, good luck Plymouth!!

Dave L was back for some flying on the tow line and had a cracking afternoon despite a couple of wind shifts putting in a total of 17 flights taking him within a day of his CPC rating having completed all the flying tasks bar Asymmetrics, nice one.

Mike D put in some useful ground handling in readiness for his conversion onto the Paramotor which is the way he now wants to go hopefully starting tomorrow.

Thanks to Bill N for his help in checking the leg straps and riding the bike, Oh yes, and it was lovely and sunny, who mentioned a horse??

A day at the seaside

Mick h gets ready for tandem flight whilst Phippsy checks him for BO
Bill N "looking after" Ray D

Jane M and Dean F sharing the blue

Big discussion on Rick W's technique as he flies his first soaring flight

Happy days

Bill N turns in for a landing

What a glorious day it was at Vault Bay where we arrived early 10.00am on a forecast which showed the wind dropping as the day went on. Tony P. Bill N and Kaz P led the way getting in plenty of flying before anyone else got in the air. Next I was off on the Tandem with Mick H (Bodmin) on board and we had a super flight mixing it with the others, various birds of prey and the seagulls whilst enjoying the views and colours of the sea. Mick's a bit of an artist so the flight gave him a bit of a different perspective on things which hopefully will come out in some of the many pictures he snapped off with his camera.

Jane M (Tavistock) had now arrived for a bit of a recap day and confidence building session having not flown much since learning abroad and having never really ridge soared an top landed. Jane had a cracking day picking up a few tips on the way and getting firmly into hill flying in the UK by putting a couple of hours under her belt over 4 flights and looking very smooth and confident about it too.

With more pilots turning up it was good to see newly hill qualified Ray D taking to the air with the help of Bill N and getting his first taste of Vault Bay. He did a super flight mixing with the rest before popping in a nice top landing, well done Ray and well done Bill, good to see coaching at work.

Back on the Tandem Kathryn C (Lifton Devon) came along for a flight as her 21st Birthday present and thoroughly enjoyed it as we cruised the cliffs and soared with there Buzzards at very close quarters, some above and some below, superb. With the lift dropping off a little we had to bide our time before landing back on top for a tippy toed landing and big smiles.

Rick W (London) who qualified on the tow last year was back from his travels and up for his first hill flight in the UK. He did an amazing job once he got going and quickly settled into ridge soaring as his control inputs smoothed out. Pretty soon he was up there with the best of them which encouraged more pilots to take off so giving a good experience of flying with numbers. A nice set up saw him carry out a neat top landing (his first) which was soon followed by a second flight with similar results.

Dean F also got his first crack at Vault and vowed to return sometime. Nick G and Steve D had some nice flying although can't say I heard Steve singing today.....

A busy day with a good number of pilots out (10) many of whom had learnt with us over the past year or so (7) all of whom did us proud. By late afternoon the wind dropped as promised (in fact light enought hat even Michel had to walk back to his car) so it was time to pack up and leave. looks light for the next few days so we are off to the tow field......maybe back at Vault later in the week

Flown out at Vault Bay

The "guys" get ready whilst Graham K tests the air

Kaz P takes off one one of many

Graham K chills out. it really is that flyable

The two Steves enjoy flying together in uncrowded skies

Michel K looking happy as ever

Graham K looks up at the Tandem whislt trying the Rush 2

The forecast was for a SSE with a moderate breeze so we headed to Vault Bay equiped with Paragliders (solo and tandem) tandem Hang Glider and fishing rod just in case. Need not have worried as on arrival Graham K (Penzance) was already in the air on his Paraglider. It was a super day with as much flying as you wanted in perfect conditions. Steve D (Camelford) who learnt with us late last year could be heard singing and whistling his way through the sky enjoying every minute of it. Steve M (Tresillian) who only passed his hill conversion on Friday had an amazing time racking up not only plenty of airtime but also flights as he practised his take offs and landings gaining him lots of valuable experience. The more experienced pilots included Kaz P, Graham K, Michel K and myself just had a great time flying high playing with cloud suck, chasing seagulls and ground skimming whilst sweetening up our landing approaches.

Kaz and myself put in a fun 30 minutes on the Tandem to get some photo's and generally mess about.

Graham K took up the Rush 2 for a couple of test flights and was suitably impressed resulting in the statement "bl**dy beautiful" whilst Michel gave the quote of the day which was "poor quality rubbers" , don't ask what it was about................ A cracking day with great flying in super company and only 5 pilots out there.

Easter Bunnies have fun in the sun

Nigel D starts his take off run

Nigel comes in for a good landing with the sheep

Robin D tows up into the blue yonder

Robin turns into land with the convergence cloud behind

Coady, a man at work

What an amazingly quiet day on the tow field, almost relaxed. Nigel D (Bude) was along for a recap day on the Hang Glider after a long lay off and had a super day getting back into it. After a few low and slow flights to get relaxed he was off to the top of the line for high flights an circuits. his flying improved through the day a did his landings and his confidence. By time of close he had put away 14 flights all with good stand up landings, nice one.

Robin M (Newton Abbott)turned up mid afternoon and had a good time towing up on his Paraglider and playing with the elusive thermals to complete his Tow endorsement /CPC rating assessment putting in 11 flights. he rounded off with the CPC exam which highlighted a few holes in the theory side which we filled in making it a well worth exercise as well as picking up some useful ground handling tips .

Geoff H (Honiton) had another super days flying on his Paramotor declaring himself "flown out" by mid afternoon. A super Easter all round, day off Monday

Boys and new toys

It was back to the filed for a good day with plenty going on. Andy T from the Devon and Somerset Condors was along and took control of the winch for the morning to be assessed for his senior tow coach rating and did a fine job looking after the set up whilst some pilots enjoyed some nice thermalling.

Ian and John S (London) were along for a Taster day and Robin M for a Tow conversion/assessment (to get him into the "system") and regulars Sam A and Michael D out to continue their training.

The taster day boys did an excellent job through the morning working their way through till lunchtime when they were ready for some hanbd tows whilst the others practised gronud work looking better and better. After lunch things got moving and it wasn't long before Ian, John and Robin got their first goes on the winch. By the end of the day Ian and John had put away 4 flights each with each one getting better and higher than the previous. Robin quickly slotted into towing and was onto high flights in no time putting away 7 flights before we finished up.

Michael and Sam both did well moving deep into their CPC's Sam stayed on into the evening and rounded off his 9 flights with Big ears putting him spitting distance of completion.

Tell was down with his gorgeous new Wills Wing U2 Hang Glider which he kindly let me test fly first and what a delight it is why more pilots don't fly these is beyond me, put a huge smile on my face, thank you Tell. Oh and he seemed pretty happy too.

Geoff H was out on his Paramotor enjoying the Cornish scenery making it all look very easy and controlled. Another super day, thanks to Bill N for his help and to Robin for fixing the puncture on the bike......