Cliffside Flight Report for Saturday

[Dave Cantrell]

The flying conditions turned out to be much better than forecasted,
which just lives up to the anecdote; you won't know if you don't go.
Dan, Douglas, and I was on launch by 1:30pm, winds were approx 12mph,
ENE. Cloud base varied, it was 1500' (AGL) up against the S. facing
hills, 2500' less than 1/4 mile away from the hill. By 2pm it was
mostly clear skys.

Approx. elleven gliders were flying today, mostly ridge soaring with
the highest alt too 1800' (I think Andrea (ffisch) made that). In
regards to the lapse rate forecast MM5 appears to have been correct,
idicating mild thermal activity. If I had to guess the thermal index
(TI) I would say a -3, where a more ideal TI would be -8. The mild
thermal lift was primarily between 3-4pm.


With a temperature of 39-41deg. pilots flew much longer durations
before toplanding compared to the times whe the temp was 25deg. A few
of us top landed and took a break just because we were getting boared
ridge soaring.

Daniel from Norway, climbed the S. hills, up to the towers and
launched his speed glider. He was down the hill in approx1-2 minutes,
a very fast glide.

Glass-off happened about 4pm, with much smoother air and consistent
winds, We flew till 5pm, at which time the air was getting colder,
visibility was getting less so we all decided to call it a day.

I took lots of video today, Douglas took a lot of pictures so there
should be a link to view these in the near future.

Until next time, fly high fly safe,

Dave

[fisch]

Great way to start a season. As much airtime as everybody wanted. Lift was
broken up but it was there. I got lucky and took one bubble to 1500' or
so(got to check my vario). Really good to see lots of smiles. Nice day.
f.