Its been a long break since last years flying season and a lot has happened. My flying season ended last year in Mid-August and since then I've gotten married in November, enjoyed the holidays and brought in the New Year. Its time to knock the rust off and rejoin my compadres in the air and what a better way to do it then with a new glider!
Last year was a frustrating flying season, as I was spending more time on the ground and less in the air. The weather was definately not cooperative and I had less free time available for flying due to wedding planning and demands at work & at home. The result was less proficiency with my Talon 150 which resulted in many less than stellar landings and 1 or 2 broken down tubes. I also realized that with less than stellar skills, my fun factor was diminishing as the flights were becoming more work and attention to detail than just enjoying the ride. My confidence was also lacking which kept me from flying the Talon in the mountains, where the LZ's aren't as plentiful. Suzie & I discussed the options and we decided that maybe it was time to step back in performance to get the fun back in my flying. The Talon was shelved and the quest began...
I demo'd the Discus and the U2 and immediately fell in love with the U2. As this would be the first glider I bought new from the factory, I decided that I wanted a custom designed U2. Working with Highland Aerosports and bouncing ideas nightly off of Suzie (I thank her for her patience), we finally settled on the Bat Symbol design. We submitted it to Wills Wing and months passed and finally my baby was waiting for me at Highland. Nature was being a Mother and the weekends were either blown out or rained out.
Finally, with the Nor'Easter looming within 12 hours, the Weather Gods held off the winds & rain and allowed a flight this past weekend. As I neared the Bay Bridge on Saturday, April 14th 2007, blue sky started to peak thru the clouds. As I pulled into Highland's parking lot, blue sky was abundant and pilots were already in the air. Setting up the glider and carrying it over to the flight line, it was quickly apparent how much lighter this glider is than my Talon. I hardly broke a sweat. It towed very easily, although it was a bumpy day and my towing skills were rusty from my long winters break. A short Extendo was all I could muster, but it landed with ease and I felt very confident and comfortable with the control.
All in all, it was a blessing that the weather held for as long as it did. Carlos & Mark got a couple of flights each and the rain didn't hit until the drive home. 2007 flying has started early for me and hopefully much will be accomplished this year!
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by BatmanU2
C
Last year was a frustrating flying season, as I was spending more time on the ground and less in the air. The weather was definately not cooperative and I had less free time available for flying due to wedding planning and demands at work & at home. The result was less proficiency with my Talon 150 which resulted in many less than stellar landings and 1 or 2 broken down tubes. I also realized that with less than stellar skills, my fun factor was diminishing as the flights were becoming more work and attention to detail than just enjoying the ride. My confidence was also lacking which kept me from flying the Talon in the mountains, where the LZ's aren't as plentiful. Suzie & I discussed the options and we decided that maybe it was time to step back in performance to get the fun back in my flying. The Talon was shelved and the quest began...
I demo'd the Discus and the U2 and immediately fell in love with the U2. As this would be the first glider I bought new from the factory, I decided that I wanted a custom designed U2. Working with Highland Aerosports and bouncing ideas nightly off of Suzie (I thank her for her patience), we finally settled on the Bat Symbol design. We submitted it to Wills Wing and months passed and finally my baby was waiting for me at Highland. Nature was being a Mother and the weekends were either blown out or rained out.
Finally, with the Nor'Easter looming within 12 hours, the Weather Gods held off the winds & rain and allowed a flight this past weekend. As I neared the Bay Bridge on Saturday, April 14th 2007, blue sky started to peak thru the clouds. As I pulled into Highland's parking lot, blue sky was abundant and pilots were already in the air. Setting up the glider and carrying it over to the flight line, it was quickly apparent how much lighter this glider is than my Talon. I hardly broke a sweat. It towed very easily, although it was a bumpy day and my towing skills were rusty from my long winters break. A short Extendo was all I could muster, but it landed with ease and I felt very confident and comfortable with the control.
All in all, it was a blessing that the weather held for as long as it did. Carlos & Mark got a couple of flights each and the rain didn't hit until the drive home. 2007 flying has started early for me and hopefully much will be accomplished this year!
More Pics:
by BatmanU2
C
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