Puffing at Perran

Adrian A's Wallace impression

Alan H flies high in the only good soaring slot of the day

Alan H looking pretty pleased with himself

Carolyn B "soaring" on tethers and always smiling

Gliders and Aliens

It was always going to be a Hangy day at Perran with a fresh NW breeze forecast and there were plenty of hopefuls there for ridge soaring and hill conversions.

As the mist cleared we arrived and got rigging as the wind filled in. By the time gliders were ready it was breezy enough so the good old Mars was pressed into service with some tethering. After a demo by Alan H (Bideford) we put Carolyn B (Lincon) and Adrian A (Gloucester) through their paces. Conditions were good and they both began to get a good feel for the glider with extended flights in conditions very different from the tow field.

A lull in conditions saw Alan H take advantage of the slot and pop in a very nice soaring flight his first in nearly 20 years before coming in for a good top landing as the wind picked up again.

Boy did it pick up keeping us all grounded except for the guys on tethers who had a ball with conditions now such that they could "soar" for pretty much as long as they wanted giving them plenty of time to sort out all sorts of things. Trev H (Paignton) and Paul C (Plymouth) took advantage of the Mars to pop in some tethering themselves to keep their hands in.

As the wind picked up to over 40mph at the front we called it a day and headed home in a wind blown state. A bit frustrating for the guys hoping to complete their hill conversions but still a fun one and very sociable with several up country pilots making new friends.

Shikira "Hips don't lie"

Adi heads off up the line nice and straight

Dave does his nodding dog to keep it straight

Paul looks chuffed with himself during a fun day out

Big Ray auditions as a male model

Big ray takes the last tow of the day

Days don't get much nicer than this with wall to wall sunshine and a perfect teaching sea breeze across the field.

With two taster days paragliders on and three Hangies it was a nicely busy day without being too busy, nice. Paul S (Wiltshire) and Dave M (Falmouth) both got to grips with the basics of Paragliding through the morning whilst Dan L (Truro), Adrian A (Gloucster) and Carolyn B (Lincon) played with the Hangies.

Dan had a good time getting back into flying having not flown for 9 months since gaining his CPC and was quickly on the case as he converted to a chest release and popped in plenty of high flights in the classic conditions.

Adrian A changed onto the Mars and tackled his final EPC tasks which finally came together just after lunch to see him suddenly become a pilot not a passenger! With his airspeed, roll control and hip movement sorted (thanks to Shikira) he made great progress and rounded off his day with a couple of super high flights as good as they come. The completion of his EPC exam gave him his EPC, well done.

Carolyn B also having had a long break carried out some recap flights and again made steady progress moving into release flights by the end of play and looking smoother with each one.

With the ground work done Paul and Dave came over to the winch and were soon heading up the line for their first flights. They both survived the first one so were back for more with each successive flight getting a bit higher. By the end of the day they were getting up to 60' in the air and releasing the line finish off a cracking day.

Big Ray also popped in and after a bit of ground work got on the line to have some super flying and even a bit of "thermalling" showing us that he has not forgotten it and vowing to get out again soon.

Thanks to all on the field for such a fun day and well done to all

Vindy Vault and Ving Mirrors

Kev S flies high to complete his hill conversion

The Tandem comes into land after a super flight Gary

S back on the ground and looking like he had a good time

The gang enjoy the sun behind a paraglider wall

Michel pleased to be back down safetly whilst Steve J enjoys it on his hangy

It was a breezy enough day at Vault bay keeping the Paragliders in the bags, well almost all of them ....... Still the hangies had a good time and whilst we had to pick and choose our time as the wind peaked then eased again there was some great flying to be had with 800'of ridge lift around.

After a few demo flights to suss conditions we got Kev S (Yeovil) into the air for his third soaring flight and he had a fine time in what were bouncy enough conditions dealing with them well before popping in for a nice top landing and his normal calm grin. Big Gray was out making the most of it and had some stunning flying looking very relaxed on his Sport 2 and getting himself tuned in for the up and coming comp's.

Gary S (Looe) came along for a Tandem flight and had a cracker with plenty of lift giving us space to play and him plenty of time to fly the glider. He really enjoyed the flight and was amazed at how subtle flying a hang glider can be.

Steve J (Oakhampton) got back on the horse after a long break and put in a couple of super flights to get his confidence back, good to see that big smile again Steve :)

Kev completed his hill conversion with another good flight as conditions got nicer towards the end of the day so going from zero to hero in just 5 weekends and a total of 9 days, nice one.

Kieth S (Oakhampton) also got in on the act having a fun time so giving Steve J a good flying partner for times to come. Yes it was Michel on the Paraglider proving if you want it enough you can do it, just....

Ohh yes does anyone have Pampas grass in their front garden???? or a spare wing mirror for a renault ?

Taking it easy

Chris comes in for a landing

sharing a joke with Adi at launch

Adi's best side

Bill on his new wing

Happy chappies at the end of the day

It took a while for the mist to clear giving us time to catch Chris B (Plymouth) up on his EPC theory before heading to the field at midday. Timing was spot on and as the clag lifted the sun came through and the breeze was perfect.

We got towing by just before one and the demo flight showed conditions as nice and lifty. Chris was soon up and away moving into his CPC tasks as well as enjoying some super flying and stunning views as the clouds came and went. Adi C (Illogan) joined in the fun and quickly rattled off his remaining CPC flights so becoming qualified on the tow and ready for the hill, well done Adi.

Mark (Bedfordshire) dropped by with his Paramotor for some practice and certainly got some resulting in a quick flight around the field but still needs a bit more.

Bill got his new Rush 3 out of the bag and after a ground handling session took it in the air for the first time on the tow and made a cracking job of it landing with a Big Bill Grin on his face, I think he is happy.

By the end of the day Chris had moved over half way through his flights with a total of 12 more flights to his credit and Adis's towing had improved imensely giving him higher tows .

Bill finally took to my hints and I sneaked in two flights on his Rush 3 to find out just what a nice glider it is, a worthy replacement for the Rush 2 ? You bet :)

Rushinns

PC plays with the all new Rush 3

The dance begins

everything crossed

brace yourself

Pete

A beautiful Sunny day and a day "off" from flying with some paperwork to catch up some maintenance to do and most importantly some new gliders to receive.

They arrived mid afternoon and within minutes Pete C was around to pick up his new Rush 3 to get it out and try ground handling it as the breeze was a bit much for flying.

On return from a very nice ride on our old "Bonnie" Kaz and myself dropped by Godrevy to see how he was getting on and try it for myself. Big smiles all round...... Coadys leg work has to be seen to be believed, he can nearly do the splits!

Chuffed at Chapel

Kev S launches for his first soaring flight

Kec flies high above Wheal Coates

Mavy starts her tandem flight

Tim J comes into land

After a rough night due to tooth ache due to ignoring fillings that fell out a long time ago it was nice to be greeted by a day that showed a lot of promise for flying.

Chapel Porth was the selected site and we made a quick start to catch both the wind and the tide. On arrival things were looking good with the wind ok for both hangers and Paragliders so Whilst Kev S (Yeovil) rigged the Hanger Adi c Illogan) got the Paraglider out. After a hill brief and site brief the tide was suitably far out to give a good beach and the eind had freshened a little making it more of a Hangy day than Para.

A demo' flight showed Kev the ropes then it was his turn to have a go at his first soaring flight. A little nervously he stood at the front then made a perfect take off into super lift and was smoothly up and away in a few paces. With a little encouragement he was soon a couple of hundred feet up and looking very smooth and relaxed. After settling in he explored the speed range of the glider and popped in a few 360's before coming in and putting in a super top landing to look very pleased with himself.

A short break and debrief and Kev was off again for his second flight making just as good a job and having a ball as his confidence grew. Again a good top landing saw him back on Terra firma after a good 30 minutes and convincing him it was not just luck!

Next off was Kieth S as we converted him onto a new glider which was quite a big step up from his old one. Kieth did a fine job and actually made it look pretty smooth although he found the much lighter and less stable glider more taxing than his old one but i am sure he will settle into it quickly. His top landing was acceptable and after his second flight it was better as he got used to the extra glide.

Then it was onto the Tandem for a flight up with Mavy (Exeter) who had a fine time doing something she had long wanted to experience. Conditions were near perfect and we cruised the cliffs alongside other gliders and Mavy spotted what was more than likely a basking Shark cruising the surf line down below. A BIG breakfast began to get the better of her after a while so we dropped in for a nice top landing to let it settle!

Kaz fancied a jolly too so up we went again and had a great time playing with the low cloud that started to form and flying with Tim and Michel (on his Paraglider just) in what must be one of the best playgrounds on the planet.

Great to see a good crowd of hangies out having fun and lots of happy pilots. Well done to Kev on his first soaring flights and just 4 weeks from starting with us (total of seven days so far), lets hope its good next weekend so we can get him Hill qualified as well.

Tasting session

Paul T gets set to go for is taster day flights

paul gets the hang of it nice and straight and even got his legs crossed!

Kev S gets ready under a good sky and nice Calypso

The point of aviation as Kev sets off

Michel works the lift as the guys watch

With an interesting forecast we decided on heading to the tow field with hangers and putting the Paragliders on hold as the wind was forecast on the breezy side for them.

On arrival I thought we had made a big mistake leaving the Paragliders out as conditions were perfect for both. Still decision made so we cracked on with Paul T (Torquay) who was along for a Taster day on the Hang Glider. Paul did well with the ground work picking up the glider like he had done it before and soon getting to grips with basic ground runs and harness work.

Whilst Kev S (Yeovil) rigged the Calypso Paul finished off his hand tows before lunch and got the toe brief out of the way. By lunchtime the decision not have the Paragliders was vindicated as the breeze filled in and the thermic activity picked up :).

Paul set off on his first flights on the tethers and despite a shaky start soon began to relax and work with the glider looking smoother with each flight. Kev and Michel K (Falmouth) both now qualified on the tow to CPC then got on the line to out in some experience tows and had a great time as we towed through the gate up under some lovely looking clouds. Whilst Kev took the honours for glider control and smooth flying despite the thermals Michel took it for working the lift with his previous paragliding experience showing through.

Paul hoped back on the line for a final couple of tows to round off his Taster day in fine style with some very nice flying making it a good day all round.

Perfect practice for Kev and Michel for the hill which may well be tomorrow......

Jim's Day Out

Happy Jim at the end of his Taster day

It was an "easy" day in the field with only one taster day on and that was Jim S (Newquay) who was keen to try out Hang Glidng for his 53rd Birthday having already gone sky diving and power flying for his previous ones.

We took the day easy working through the ground based tasks in a relaxed pace and having a good laugh along the way. Conditions were super wind wise although there was always the threat of some dampness. Early afternoon saw gray M turn up to drive the winch and set out the tram lines. By the time we were ready to go the dampness arrived but only a little and pretty soon Jim was on his first flight on the hangy.

He did a fine job and by his third flight was looking good which was just as well as one of his boys, Rob, and his better half had turned up to watch. Rain stopped play for half an hour then with the skies clearing we gave him another couple of tows just to make sure the good one had not just been luck!

In fairness it wasn't and by the end of his day Jim had grasped the basics. Will he be back ? I suspect so.

Smooth Bob and Cool Shad

Smoth Bob finished off his hill conversion

Babes on the hill

Newly qualified Bob packs away watched by nearly as newly qualified Shaun and Paul

Michel tries out the Delta backwards

Decision decisions, that was the first problem but in the end we decided to head to the hill at Vault and as it turned out it was the right thing to do as the wind in west Cornwall got pretty breezy. At Vault however things were different with just a moderate breeze ideal for the Paragliders who were already flying on our arrival.

Bob H (Oakhampton) was already rigged and ready to hopefully complete his hill conversion and he did it in fine style with a couple of super flights looking like a relaxed pilot and nice and smooth, gone are those sudden brake inputs and rushed inflation's, nice. With two good flights and top landings and another hours airtime he was a happy bunny so please keep an eye out for him and help him through his next few hours.

Whilst the Paragliders floated up and down Shad C (London) and Trev H (Paignton) rigged the hangies and waited for things to improve a little. By mid afternoon the skies cleared a bit as some of the Paras headed home and the lift increased and the tide went out. So after a quick demo flight Shad gave it a go on the Calypso and had a nice soaring flight settling into it well before popping the glider back on top on good style.

Trev was next but a little overenthusiastic take off technique saw him back on the ground sooner than he wished, upright 1 airtime 0. Still only not that bad and more experience under his belt. Shad went up again to test the air for Trev who was up for another go but conditions proved less lifty and Shad did a cool job bringing the calypso back in on top much to his credit.

A nice day during which i managed to get some more flying in on the Delta and even Michel gave it a go, ask him what he thinks :) Super to fly with lots of ex students some more newly ex than others and nice to see Dave L with family out.

At Cloudbase

Grant launches at the start of his taster day flights

At cloudbase on his first day, can't be bad!

grant showing how to keep it square to the tow line, nice

Gorillas in the mist

The day looked good and with yesterdays "progressers" ready to roll we made an early start even allowing for the "hour". On arrival the wind was light and variable so whilst Grant M (Plymouth) started his Taster day on the Paraglider the rest rigged and chatted. By the time they were ready it was still not settled so we took the opportunity for some CPC theory and grant made the most of what little breeze there was.

By mid morning things were looking better with a light NNE breeze and sunshine and a bit of low cloud. However a quick study of the cloud showed it heading 180 degrees to the surface wind and as it was only 5-800 feet up the likelihood of an interesting wind shear kept us on the ground for a bit more theory and ground work.

Lunchtime saw it all sort out and we got set to tow. Heading up the line on the Paraglider for a test flight saw me quickly disappear into the rapidly forming even lower cloud for an early release. By the time I was back at launch we were all at cloudbase and the winch had disappeared from view. Flying was on hold but ground handling kept us busy with Adi, James and Grant making the most of it whilst the hangies talked hangy stuff and even Tot stayed awake, mainly due to Red Bull I suspect.

However, patience is a virtue and by late afternoon the clag lifted just enough for us to get Grant going on his taster day flights and what a fine job he did showing his natural ability for the sport.

A frustrating day in many ways but with 3 CPC exams passed (James, Kev and Tom) and a very happy Grant on his Taster Day all was not lost :)

Progressors

Kev watches as Tom does a recap flight

James W gets going on his first tow

Tom d looks pretty happy after his first high flights

Another good day in the field saw lots of progress by all who were there along with lots of fun and good humour.

Although very light winds were forecast we did actually have a fairly steady breeze although it did move about a bit giving a couple of winch relocation's. Kev S (Yeovil) got the ball rolling on the Hang Glider as he played catch up with Michel to complete his CPC flying tasks. He had a great day and by the end had completed all his tasks and finished off by just having fun flights around the field whilst avoiding cloudbase.

Tom D (Stratford on Avon) was back also on a hanger to start his CPC having completed his EPC last year (6 months ago) and quickly got back into it after a few tows before heading to the top of the line for high flights and finishing off with basebar conversions and big smiles. Tom's dad Tot (long time hangy pilot) was also along to keep an eye on us but fell asleep!

On the Paragliders Adi C (Illogan) had a top day moving through speedbar and into instability tasks commenting " cant see the sense in making a perfectly good wing collapse on purpose", he does have a point! Still he did well both in his tasks and in his towing which came together nicely through the day.

James W (Wadebridge) joined us for an assessment day having learnt abroad and had a great day learning to tow and showing us what he could do. he did really well cracking towing and moving into high flights by mid afternoon then carrying on to get half way through his tow endorsement by the end of play.

The team of Bill Kaz and Cpt Kev did a fine job keeping things moving making sure we made the best of the day and everyone is nicely set up for tomorrow fingers crossed.

Quote of the day How shall we find out if the cloud is too low? " send a Paraglider up" from young hang glider pilot.......

Fabulous Friday

Chris B gets set to go

The hangy boys checking hanies

Chris gets going

Steve D appears from the sun

Michel looking ploeased (again) after his first flight on the Calypso

What a super day. we did not "hit" the field until midday as we waited for the wind to ease back but when we did our timing was spot on and things went like clockwork.

Whilst the guys rigged Coady set the winch and we were up and running before 13.00 with Michel K (Falmouth) leading the way. In classic conditions the tows were smooth yet the air lifty making for some super training. Adrain A (Gloucester) joined in alongside Michel on another hanger and Shad C (Surrey) was down having qualified with us last year for some experience flying on another hanger.

On the paragliding front Chris B (Plymouth) came along after a long break and quickly got back into the swing rattling off his EPC tasks and finishing the day with 2 super high flights to give him a huge smile and a very worthwhile day.

Steve Dredge also took the opportunity to get a few tows in after not towing since he qualified a couple of years ago and soon found his feet getting set for thoswe thermic days!

Michel also did well finishing off his CPC tasks including slow flight appreciation and stalls before converting onto the calypso so becoming Tow qualified in 6 days training and over just 3 weeks. Another few days of experience tows and he will off to the hills so watch out!

Adrian found the going a little harder after another longish break in his training but despite some interesting flight paths proved he can turn a hang Glider when he needs to!

Shad showed a little rustiness but soon settled in popping in the high flights and looking good by the end of play.

Nice to see Adi C drop by on his way home from work to check out what was going on, sorry you missed it Adi but hopefully the weekend will make up for it...

Trying Tuesday

With a good forecast we headed to the field in high spirits and on arrival things were good. Setting up in the "bird seed " field we got going pretty quick with Michel K (Falmouth) and Adi C (Illogan) getting onto the line early. They both put in the tows in what became fairly bouncy conditions as the thermals kicked in and the wind picked up.

Michel did well sorting out his basebar conversions and prone flying whilst Adi concentrated on his nodding dog and made his first attempts at speed bar proving just how flexible he really is!

Meanwhile Graham L (Reading) who was along for a Taster day on the Paraglider put in the ground work with Kaz and Bill and discovered the "power" of the Paraglider.

Just after lunch the low cloud rolled in and the wind picked up putting a hold on flying and giving Michel and Adi the chance to do their theory CPC with Kaz before sitting their exams. They both passed and as conditions remained the same we had plenty of time for a good debrief session to boot.

With it still damp and breezy we knocked it on the head early. Malin L who had also come down with his Paramotor came by to check out and pick up some kit making it a useful trip. Lets hope the sunshine returns soon.

Hangers on in the field

Michel takes off for his first high flight

and comes back down again in a pefect set up for landing

Rob and Steve rig up the good old Condor

Kev gets set on the "new" Calypso complete with chest release

It was a perfect training breeze in the field for the hangers and with 3 on the go we made the best of it.

With a consistent light to moderate SW breeze things were easy and no moving around the field was necessary, lovely.

Michel K (Falmouth) got the ball rolling as he finished off his EPC flying tasks having cracked the "secret" of the right airspeed and body movement making his turns co ordinated and efficient. By just after lunch he was off to the top of the line as he started on his CPC tasks and by the end of the day with more flights under his belt was looking good and even landing by the sock on his feet, nice one.

Rob S (Truro) returned after a bit of a break and spent the day getting back into it. he worked hard over his 12 tows but still a little more work is needed to get those turns sweet so hopefully next time out he will crack it and be off to the top.

Kev S (Yeovil) came down for the day and had another cracking time moving well into his CPC tasks completing prone conversion, 180's, spot landings as well as converting to the chest release and the Calypso over a total of 13 flights making the long drive well worth while.

Adi (C) popped out for the afternoon to practice his ground handling on the Parglider and worked hard losing a few pounds along the way i think.

Nice to see the Hangies making good progress and with a bit of luck and the right weather we should see them sorted in the next few weeks and ready for the summer fun.