Powered Paragliding Ontario - Powered Paragliding Story - Awesome thermal flight at Bieda's

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Awesome thermal flight at Bieda's - March 9, 2004

Excellent weather today. I call Bob who recently started his course as he wanted to come and watch. I was worrying about the state of the field at Bieda's but it was perfect. Just tad soft but not wet at all. I said hi to Henry who was joking "Nice jump suit boy... is it your wife's?" I did not bother to explain that this is totally awesome, breathable, superman, monkey butler flight suit and I am very very proud of it... I just laughed, shook his hand and went to set up. Bob was helping so it did not take long to get ready.

Again, note my new flight suit from Sky Paragliders. Nice eh? Now I need good paragliding boots.

Glider is stretched out. Gentle breeze just enough for reverse. I warm up the RR...

..inflate, turn and off I go...

Bob is taking pictures...

Climbed to 1200 ft AGL. Hands cold, so back down for gloves.

It is thermally so lets not forget to bring up vario as well...

Landing approach...

.... and soft landing.

I gave Bob the opportunity to ask questions and once all his inquiries were answered he left.

I have packed GPS, vario, gloves, Mini Disc player and camera and got ready. Short run and I was in the air again...

I started to climb...oh...me like how my suit matches my glider. Pretty!

Bunch of silos that caught my attention.

Yap, I definitely need new boots...

I have enjoyed the tight and sharp thermals for about 45 min with the highest rate of climb at 17 ft/sec and highest climb, straight to the cloud base at 3800 ft AGL. Thermaling is definitely easier with this DHV 2 glider but you have to keep your eyes on it all the time. I was readjusting my vario at one point and not holding my brake lines and as I exited relatively strong thermal Brontes surged to approximately 75 degrees ahead of me. I am definitely not used to this from Lift gliders. Yikes! For sure more agile wing, certainly not suited for beginners. On the other hand, centering the thermals was a piece of cake and the glide ratio is unbelievable. I also like the higher trim and accelerated speed.

Great flight. Can not wait to get out again. Since the field conditions at Bieda's are suitable for flying and training I am officially announcing the start of the season 2004. Those of you who would like to resume training please email.

A hosi zadny nahaty baby si na ty padaky netahejte nebo to spatne dopadne.

Andre