Paul's first flight
Today was a very eventful day. Four new students
began ground school in the morning, including Anne - Andre's better
half.
Imad, Bob, Phil and Chris turned up and there were
plenty of interested onlookers too. It actually looked more like a fly in, with
about ten vehicles at the site. The afternoon provided varied wind conditions
with constant thermal cycles bringing ever changing wind strength. This made
practicing reverse inflations a bit tricky but everyone made very good progress.
By the end of the afternoon everyone had managed some good inflations. Imad was
keen to get back in the air, after a seven month gap. He was almost airborn, but
sat into his harness too soon. A second attempt saw a busted prop blade. He was
frustrated about not getting up but I am sure we will soon see him buzzing
around the beach!
Phil Clark had a mixed day. All was going well, he
made some excellent take offs and was enjoying nice smooth evening air. The sun
was low in the sky the air was perfectly still; great ppg conditions. Phil
decided to go for one last flight. He was revving his engine when all of a
sudden there was a very sickening thud. The prop shaft had sheared and his
entire prop came off!!!
Needless to say this could have been very bad news
for anyone near the machine. Luckily noone was hurt as everyone had been obeying
the safety precaution of standing away from the plane of the propeller. After
retrieving some trophy fragments from the field Phil packed up his machine and
called it a day. He was gutted. Hard luck Phil. Noone likes to see that, but we
should all be thankful that noone got hurt.
Paul made very good progrees with the kiting and
was determined to try out power on the first day. Andre was happy that he was
progressing fast enough and sure enough just as the sun was setting in the
distance Paul managed his first very successful take off and landing. see the video here
More fun to be had tomorrow.....
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