I was unfortunately looking at the wave from university, but Roy Wilson was again looking at it from the cockpit of his Ventus...for all 563km of it.
Which puts him top of the leader board in the national ladder. John Williams did two laps of a 500km (IN ONE DAY!!!) boosting him to 3rd overall.
Yesterday I was at 14000ft, and it was nice to see a lot of the visiting pilots enjoying the good wave also. It would seem that everyone so far has had good weeks.
17 October 2008
New Solo...
After only 29 training flights, Lauren Stammers did it, with a greaser of a landing. Well done.
23 September 2008
Update...
I am at uni now, and this is the first time I have found the world wide web in a while...
The weekend was pretty good as far as I could gather. Saturday had very strange conditions...after being stuck in the most horrendous turbulence I have ever experienced for an hour or so, I got fed up and landed. Upon looking at the 214, there was a massive shift in direction and speed of the wind, which was probably causing this. Many folk suffered the same, but those who got towed towards Ballater/Mount Keen got away without a bump! However, for those of us in the Logie Coldstone area, it was a different matter. Weathering it out, led to nice climbs and stunning views. The best I saw was just under 15knots on the averager! That was shortly followed by about the same in sink!
The visitors are now making their way to Aboyne, so hopefully they will enjoy nice wave...we are owed about a years worth
The weekend was pretty good as far as I could gather. Saturday had very strange conditions...after being stuck in the most horrendous turbulence I have ever experienced for an hour or so, I got fed up and landed. Upon looking at the 214, there was a massive shift in direction and speed of the wind, which was probably causing this. Many folk suffered the same, but those who got towed towards Ballater/Mount Keen got away without a bump! However, for those of us in the Logie Coldstone area, it was a different matter. Weathering it out, led to nice climbs and stunning views. The best I saw was just under 15knots on the averager! That was shortly followed by about the same in sink!
The visitors are now making their way to Aboyne, so hopefully they will enjoy nice wave...we are owed about a years worth
08 September 2008
UK Mountain Soaring Champs
Well, its all over.
We enjoyed 5 comp days, and for a change it was all thermal!
Day 1:
We all launched and it soon became clear that the first turnpoint was being rained on badly. We headed down the valley, but when I saw everyone getting VERY low, tucked tail and ran for home. Only one person got around the TP, John Williams, who won the day - with a whole 30 points.
Day 2:
A much better looking day, but with showers still lingering. After a good start, I headed deep into the first sector at Glenfiddich Lodge. The run in was fairly good, and before long I had zoomed along a sea-breeze front into the second sector at Turriff. At this point I looked down track and saw a very uninspiring sky. Rather than head down track in hope, I decided to retrace my steps in soarable-ish air. This detour almost went into the Spey valley, but I came down at Tomintoul. Just enough to win the day.
Day 3:
After a great start, we all headed quite far into the first sector. However, I went racing off with a bit too much enthusiasm, and was soon looking for a climb near Huntly. Robert Tait came down there, and I met Stuart Naylor in R1 at the same height (1000ft approx!) but luckily found a climb to cloudbase. I headed back towards the Tarland bowl, but having flown through a rain shower I lost a lot of height and ended up in Strathdon. 2 mins after landing, Bens dad rocked up so I had lunch with them while waiting for John! Very civilised. Dave Latimer stormed the day, and gave hope to the little ships!
Day 4:
Not my finest performance. After a death glide across a big blue gap, I ended up extremely low near Strathdon. I luckily climbed away, and nicked the sector at Heughhead. I followed a nice cloudstreet down the Dee valley, but again had to cross a gap at Braemar. Unfortunately, the Cirrus just didnt have the legs. I should have been more patient, and waiting for the right time to move, but I ended up in a nice field...third in three days. Very disappointing, as I knew I could have done better. I had to spend a couple minutes in the cockpit just cooling down... Phil King became the next day winner, getting around the task with quite a few others.
Day 5:
Final racing day. The day started gloomy, but by mid day had bubbled up nicely to provide us with a launch. It was an AAT, but I just wanted to get round. Reaching Corgarf, I was low...and below ridge height. Working a little thermal got me to cloudbase and around the TP. I then headed to a cloudstreet along with R1, and we had a storming run down, at an average of 150kph! The street ended 8km from the TP, and after turning back into the 25knot wind I was losing out. Again, I was at ridge height...and with not much to spare, got back into ridge lift. Not wanting to maneuver close to the ground, I carried on down the street, slowly picking up height. R1 was a great help, and after 1 hour 40 I crossed the finish line. Under time, but home. And enough for a joint day win with John Williams.
We enjoyed 5 comp days, and for a change it was all thermal!
Day 1:
We all launched and it soon became clear that the first turnpoint was being rained on badly. We headed down the valley, but when I saw everyone getting VERY low, tucked tail and ran for home. Only one person got around the TP, John Williams, who won the day - with a whole 30 points.
Day 2:
A much better looking day, but with showers still lingering. After a good start, I headed deep into the first sector at Glenfiddich Lodge. The run in was fairly good, and before long I had zoomed along a sea-breeze front into the second sector at Turriff. At this point I looked down track and saw a very uninspiring sky. Rather than head down track in hope, I decided to retrace my steps in soarable-ish air. This detour almost went into the Spey valley, but I came down at Tomintoul. Just enough to win the day.
Day 3:
After a great start, we all headed quite far into the first sector. However, I went racing off with a bit too much enthusiasm, and was soon looking for a climb near Huntly. Robert Tait came down there, and I met Stuart Naylor in R1 at the same height (1000ft approx!) but luckily found a climb to cloudbase. I headed back towards the Tarland bowl, but having flown through a rain shower I lost a lot of height and ended up in Strathdon. 2 mins after landing, Bens dad rocked up so I had lunch with them while waiting for John! Very civilised. Dave Latimer stormed the day, and gave hope to the little ships!
Day 4:
Not my finest performance. After a death glide across a big blue gap, I ended up extremely low near Strathdon. I luckily climbed away, and nicked the sector at Heughhead. I followed a nice cloudstreet down the Dee valley, but again had to cross a gap at Braemar. Unfortunately, the Cirrus just didnt have the legs. I should have been more patient, and waiting for the right time to move, but I ended up in a nice field...third in three days. Very disappointing, as I knew I could have done better. I had to spend a couple minutes in the cockpit just cooling down... Phil King became the next day winner, getting around the task with quite a few others.
Day 5:
Final racing day. The day started gloomy, but by mid day had bubbled up nicely to provide us with a launch. It was an AAT, but I just wanted to get round. Reaching Corgarf, I was low...and below ridge height. Working a little thermal got me to cloudbase and around the TP. I then headed to a cloudstreet along with R1, and we had a storming run down, at an average of 150kph! The street ended 8km from the TP, and after turning back into the 25knot wind I was losing out. Again, I was at ridge height...and with not much to spare, got back into ridge lift. Not wanting to maneuver close to the ground, I carried on down the street, slowly picking up height. R1 was a great help, and after 1 hour 40 I crossed the finish line. Under time, but home. And enough for a joint day win with John Williams.
31 August 2008
28 August 2008
Todays SatPic
Lots of folk up in the wave today, in excess of 18000ft. Congrats to Jamie Thompson, a visitor from Camphill who decided to skip Silver and go straight for Gold height.
Last heard Roy half way round his 500 milkrun. Looking at the ladder, John Williams has yet again proved what Scotland has to offer - a 500km OUT AND RETURN at 109kph.
25 August 2008
13 August 2008
Watch this space...
More to come, including....
Video of Alex in a donut eating competition.
Video of Alex snoring in the sun, while finishers from a task week are screaming overhead
Details of Alex eating dog food - prank joke by yours truly. Oh how we laughed.
And more things that Alex doesnt want publicised.
Video of Alex in a donut eating competition.
Video of Alex snoring in the sun, while finishers from a task week are screaming overhead
Details of Alex eating dog food - prank joke by yours truly. Oh how we laughed.
And more things that Alex doesnt want publicised.
End of Juniors...
Well, it was a fun two weeks, though more of a "how much money can you spend" comp. I though that last year was bad, but this was taking the michael.
On the final Friday, we did get another comp day - though no-one completed the task. Having taken a re-light, I set off on task. It was a matter of taking every climb as far as it would go and gliding out in hope! There were some long and lonely glides. I decided to do the entire flight myself, with people invariably following me - EXTREMELY irritating, but I still belived this was going to be a finishing task, and you dont get prizes for gaggle flying. As we got to the first turn point, the top cover came in and killed everything. It was survival mode, and I took a weak climb for 300ft. It was enough to get to within 2km of the second turn, but I just couldnt risk stretching it any further, and came down in a field of 7 gliders.
Annoyingly, Tom and Alex did go that 2km further, scoring them about 8 more points! Until of course, Tom got a 65 point penalty for starting too high...
Overall, it was a rubbish comp, but the usual juniors banter made it fun. Fingers crossed for the Mountain Soaring...
On the final Friday, we did get another comp day - though no-one completed the task. Having taken a re-light, I set off on task. It was a matter of taking every climb as far as it would go and gliding out in hope! There were some long and lonely glides. I decided to do the entire flight myself, with people invariably following me - EXTREMELY irritating, but I still belived this was going to be a finishing task, and you dont get prizes for gaggle flying. As we got to the first turn point, the top cover came in and killed everything. It was survival mode, and I took a weak climb for 300ft. It was enough to get to within 2km of the second turn, but I just couldnt risk stretching it any further, and came down in a field of 7 gliders.
Annoyingly, Tom and Alex did go that 2km further, scoring them about 8 more points! Until of course, Tom got a 65 point penalty for starting too high...
Overall, it was a rubbish comp, but the usual juniors banter made it fun. Fingers crossed for the Mountain Soaring...
02 August 2008
Juniors Day 1....
Mixed results... It started with rain and wind, and ended with sunshine and wind. The thermals were tricky, and there were a lot of land backs. I struggled around in the start sector, but after returning to the bad air to make a start, it was hopeless, and I couldnt get away. Alex had the same problem.
Tom however, who was very drunk last night and missed briefing...made it around 2 turnpoints! Good lad.
There were only a few finishers, with very few people actually making a start.
Tom however, who was very drunk last night and missed briefing...made it around 2 turnpoints! Good lad.
There were only a few finishers, with very few people actually making a start.
29 July 2008
JUNIORS...practice week update
10 hour drive down wasnt too bad in the scorching heat, and we even had enough energy to rig the gliders and our tents that afternoon...
On Sunday we flew (Alex longer than any of us, which he is very proud about - we are letting him take this small victory, so he doesnt feel as rubbish when I thrash him in the REAL competition.)
Yesterday, Matt and Alex flew as I was a bit ill....
....and not long after they landed, that is when the storm hit. I have never seen such a black looking sky, and it was a race to put the gliders in the boxes, peg mine to the ground and run for cover. It didnt work, as we got soaked, our two expensive Argos Gazeebos went AWOL - wrapping themselves around some trees - and someones trailer swung into Matts. It just seems to be the luck of the Juniors, to attract the worst conditions in Britain!
On Sunday we flew (Alex longer than any of us, which he is very proud about - we are letting him take this small victory, so he doesnt feel as rubbish when I thrash him in the REAL competition.)
Yesterday, Matt and Alex flew as I was a bit ill....
....and not long after they landed, that is when the storm hit. I have never seen such a black looking sky, and it was a race to put the gliders in the boxes, peg mine to the ground and run for cover. It didnt work, as we got soaked, our two expensive Argos Gazeebos went AWOL - wrapping themselves around some trees - and someones trailer swung into Matts. It just seems to be the luck of the Juniors, to attract the worst conditions in Britain!
24 July 2008
Last few days....
SUNSHINE
The soaring has been tricky....yesterday was OK, with tricky, but strong thermals. Gill had her first flight in the Discus woop.
Today, the wave looked stonking all day, but it was high. Roy took at 4100ft aerotow, and is still up there. Last heard heading towards Fort William at 15000ft
Ben and I went flying...briefly... as we plummeted from Cambus O'May bridge, for a splash landing
Alex, Tom and I are heading off to the Juniors this weekend, so I will keep you updated on how much I am beating them. :-)
The soaring has been tricky....yesterday was OK, with tricky, but strong thermals. Gill had her first flight in the Discus woop.
Today, the wave looked stonking all day, but it was high. Roy took at 4100ft aerotow, and is still up there. Last heard heading towards Fort William at 15000ft
Ben and I went flying...briefly... as we plummeted from Cambus O'May bridge, for a splash landing
Alex, Tom and I are heading off to the Juniors this weekend, so I will keep you updated on how much I am beating them. :-)
19 July 2008
16 July 2008
14 July 2008
Me hooning around in an LS8 in Spain...hot, weak and blue [warning - this video is boring]
If you have never flown an LS8, add it to the list of things to do before you die. Absolutely superb.
The Paparazzi capture one of our instructors
**Approx 3am, and out cold. Driving was difficult, as each time I turned a corner, 17stone of scotlands finest flopped to the other side of the car**
13 July 2008
Sunday Antics
How to ground out a Vectra.
Taking EASA and Alans requests seriously...electrical tape trigraph22 June 2008
The Last Couple of Weekends...
Ok well me and Jim have done our BI training course, Tom Crawford did his NavEx, and there were a few thermals kicking around.... when is the weather going to get decent?!
I successfully half destroyed the Discus trailer, but dont worry its pretty much fixed...
And we have succeeded in using the BBQ (rain and shine, night and day) for 6 weekends in a row.....cant be all bad. Can we get a DGC club Co-op card?
I successfully half destroyed the Discus trailer, but dont worry its pretty much fixed...
And we have succeeded in using the BBQ (rain and shine, night and day) for 6 weekends in a row.....cant be all bad. Can we get a DGC club Co-op card?
08 June 2008
Sunday 8th
A day with a bit of everything - wave in the morning, thermals all day, and a convergence in the afternoon!
Murdo did his NavEx too, congrats.
Murdo did his NavEx too, congrats.
07 June 2008
At the Peak of Sporting Physique
Unidentified Aboyne/Drumshade pilot, known only as "Lord Lexington"
One of my better photos...
Taken as John Williams crossed the line at speed....
copyright CHARLIE JORDAN 2008
Scottish Interclub League
Deeside took the gongs, after a cracking weekend with strange things called "thermals". I made a hash of it and landed out, but at least someone joined me so I didnt feel too bad!
Next interclub is at Feshiebridge. Even if you are not a competitive pilot...come along, or enter as a novice! It is a great way to improve your flying in general, with tasks set for your abilities.
Next interclub is at Feshiebridge. Even if you are not a competitive pilot...come along, or enter as a novice! It is a great way to improve your flying in general, with tasks set for your abilities.
04 April 2008
Sorry!
Apolgies for the distinct lack of updating...though to be fair, there hasnt been a whole lot to write about.
Until Wednesday, when Roy pulled yet another one out the bag, and completed the first UK 500km flight of 2008, at 113kph.
The weather is finally (dare I say it) starting to show signs of improvement, so hopefully there will be much more to report on in the near future.
In the mean time, I'm writing this at Gatwick airport, on my way to Spain for a week of nice Spanish soaring :-) See you when I get back
Until Wednesday, when Roy pulled yet another one out the bag, and completed the first UK 500km flight of 2008, at 113kph.
The weather is finally (dare I say it) starting to show signs of improvement, so hopefully there will be much more to report on in the near future.
In the mean time, I'm writing this at Gatwick airport, on my way to Spain for a week of nice Spanish soaring :-) See you when I get back
08 February 2008
Weekend Weather...
The outlook is fairly settled with a bit of cloud, and potential for some drizzly patches. But it should be mainly dry, Sunday looking the better day.
Monday could be interesting....high pressure moving in from the East and no fronts on the board...i hate employment.
Anyways, see you tomorrow...
Monday could be interesting....high pressure moving in from the East and no fronts on the board...i hate employment.
Anyways, see you tomorrow...
27 January 2008
At the weekend...
Needless to say, Saturday wasnt much cop.
Today however, was apparently a bit more sporting. Whilst Roy psyched himself up for flying, we all marvelled at the 32knots gusts coming through...
The launch looked fine, but apparently it was a bit bumpy up there (I reckon hes going soft in his old age...) Yet again he went further than anyone else - just short of Callander and up to Kinloss.
Weather for tomorrow...conflicting forecasts, but I think it could be OK. But then, I dont care...'cause I will be at work...
Today however, was apparently a bit more sporting. Whilst Roy psyched himself up for flying, we all marvelled at the 32knots gusts coming through...
The launch looked fine, but apparently it was a bit bumpy up there (I reckon hes going soft in his old age...) Yet again he went further than anyone else - just short of Callander and up to Kinloss.
Weather for tomorrow...conflicting forecasts, but I think it could be OK. But then, I dont care...'cause I will be at work...
24 January 2008
18 January 2008
Weekend Weather
http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?id=1018
Too tired to make any suggestions....big sunshine symbol and 17mph westerly - my high tech forecast - perhaps there will be some wave :)
Too tired to make any suggestions....big sunshine symbol and 17mph westerly - my high tech forecast - perhaps there will be some wave :)
13 January 2008
Aboyne Juniors...
Maitland ^^^
Me ^^^
Tom ^^^
Just to remind us there are days when even Alex can get round a task
At the weekend...
...you didnt miss much.
There was some flying on Saturday, including Roy W and Lynn FD having a tour of the Ski slopes in the Robin. Apparently they were all quite busy - but its good to know that its not only glider pilots who were having sledge rides yesterday...
Mike W made an appearence which was good to see, and I stuck myself to my glider. Fitting upholstery is the ultimate way to ruin a cockpit in one sitting.
There was some flying on Saturday, including Roy W and Lynn FD having a tour of the Ski slopes in the Robin. Apparently they were all quite busy - but its good to know that its not only glider pilots who were having sledge rides yesterday...
Mike W made an appearence which was good to see, and I stuck myself to my glider. Fitting upholstery is the ultimate way to ruin a cockpit in one sitting.
11 January 2008
Weekend Weather...
Friday again, so here is the weather outlook...
Saturday will start with sunny spells, but cloud is moving in through the day. The wind will be gentle westerly-ish...
Sunday will see more wind but also more cloud and outbreaks of rain/sleet.
Both days will be cold.
Saturday looking the nicer day, whether it is soarable though...
DISCLAIMER - I AM USELESS AT PREDICTING THE WEATHER, SO DONT BLAME ME BLAME THE METOFFICE...
Saturday will start with sunny spells, but cloud is moving in through the day. The wind will be gentle westerly-ish...
Sunday will see more wind but also more cloud and outbreaks of rain/sleet.
Both days will be cold.
Saturday looking the nicer day, whether it is soarable though...
DISCLAIMER - I AM USELESS AT PREDICTING THE WEATHER, SO DONT BLAME ME BLAME THE METOFFICE...
06 January 2008
Stunning start to the year
First flying day of the year, and a great way to kick it off. Toni got her Silver height. Garry did 4.25 hours...just not quite 5...and me and Alex raced a Ventus in a K7... :-)Also, my great runway clearing ventures yesterday resulted in a runway covered with ice... you just cant win.
05 January 2008
Bruce's Exploits
JUST TO CHEER YOU UP, while we are sitting in the cold and wet...
Bruce Cooper has been racking up the kilometers down under, completing an impressive:
1 x 1000km
1 x 900km
5 x 800km
6 x 700km
2 x 600km
8 x 500km
2 x 400km
3 x 300km
1 x 200km
In the period between 23/11/07 to 05/01/08. Nice one...!
Yes, you all owe me a drink
I single handedly cleared a whole 30m-ish of the runway! Someone elses turn to hurt their back now04 January 2008
Weekend Weather
Forecast taken from BBC and Met Office...but hopefully this website can start to have some wave predictions. If anyone sees a good day coming, this is the place to say.
"Some bright and sunny spells, with occasional showers, falling as snow on higher ground. Winds light to moderate SW"
Chaz's soaring prediction...Lets hope we have lots of milk for tea :-) But Sunday looking the better day?
DISCLAIMER - I AM USELESS AT FORECASTING THE WEATHER, SO DONT BLAME ME, BLAME THE METOFFICE
"Some bright and sunny spells, with occasional showers, falling as snow on higher ground. Winds light to moderate SW"
Chaz's soaring prediction...Lets hope we have lots of milk for tea :-) But Sunday looking the better day?
DISCLAIMER - I AM USELESS AT FORECASTING THE WEATHER, SO DONT BLAME ME, BLAME THE METOFFICE
03 January 2008
Welcome...
The whole idea of this website is to provide information, photos, stories....etc. about the Deeside Gliding Club.
If you want anything posted, just let me know...!
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