http://www.morphfx.co.uk Recent updates to the website. Wed, 15 May 2013 21:20:00 GMT http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary.php?date=12May013 It didn't take very long before being blown back over the launch area and after one 360, I was directly over the Mendlesham Hangar. I decided to squeeze one additional tight 360 to drop down into a position to land close to launch. As I exited the 360 I transitioned to the uprights, but, as observed by Keith on the ground, I missed the right upright and my 360 continued for a little longer than I had envisaged. The effects of this were further exasperated by the strength of the wind.... 12May2013 Wed, 8 May 2013 18:32:00 GMT http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary.php?date=2May013 As I flew over the firing range below, I heard the crack of gun fire and prayed that no one would be tempted at taking a few pot shots at me! It was at that point my vario beeped. It was almost 8pm and I'd found a little thermal. Trying my luck I began orbiting. It was weak, but I was definitely flying in some slowly rising air. After 5 360's I'd gained 100 feet before I lost it. It was now time to glide back to the airfield... 2May2013 Sat, 20 Apr 2013 18:00:00 GMT http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary.php?date=2April2013 It's been a while since I've enjoyed a sled ride! The expected perfect conditions did not materialise; or I should have arrived an hour or so earlier (looking at those established high above), so with my glider rigged and it likely to sea breeze, I grabbed an opportunity to squeeze a top to bottom in... 20Apr2013 Wed, 10 Apr 2013 20:00:00 GMT http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary.php?date=29March2013 After scratching around at ridge height I was able to gain height for a top landing, however, Swanborough is always full of surprises! As I turned to set-up my landing approach I knew I was high, so headed over the back a little further than normal to compensate for this. With the accelerated air flow across the top of Swanborough, I very quickly cleared the top landing field and was now over the field behind it... 10Mar2013 Tue, 15 Mar 2013 20:00:00 GMT http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary.php?date=15March2013 In October 2011 a tragic accident happened during aerotow training resulting in the death of a young woman. In a subsequent investigation, the school was found not to be complying with some aspects of the BHPA technical manual. Over the following year, Mark Dale from the BHPA, began reviewing Aerotow operations across the whole of the UK and in early 2013, published new guidelines... 15Mar2013 Tue, 5 Mar 2013 13:00:00 GMT http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary.php?date=1March2013 As I approached Bo Peep I could see a tandem hang glider in the air and concluded this was Luke showing some paraglider pilots what hang gliding was all about. The experience was probably hampered by the fact that it was drizzling, not as the weather forecast had predicted... 5Mar2013 Sun, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary.php?date=11November2012 I'd only made it to Suffolk once this year and I was eager for one last trip there to see the team before the year ended. The forecast for Sunday was looking perfect with a light westerly wind blowing straight down the runway. My first shock of the day was the increase in the Dartford Crossing toll; it was now £2, a 50p increase on last time! Fortunately, I found some spare change in the glove box as I approached the toll barrier!... Sat, 29 Sep 2012 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary.php?date=29September2012 Since last weekend I'd been watching the weather like a hawk! From Tuesday it was looking like Saturday was going to be a great day for the Dyke but as the weekend approached, the winds were backing more to a westerly and the strength was easing. This translates to a small area of lift in front of the pub and the possibility of shared airspace between hang gliders and paragliders; and for those that know the Dyke, not a great mix... Sat, 22 Sep 2012 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary.php?date=22September2012 From Thursday I'd been watching the forecast and Saturday was shaping up to be a potential Swanborough day. Sure enough, Saturday came and permission had been obtained to fly Swanborough. I arrived around 10am and started to rig my hang glider. John B was out with the South Downs Hang Gliding school. It was good to see so many fledgling pilots readying their gliders, some of which were determined to do their first soaring flights..... Sat, 08 Sep 2012 23:00:00 +0000 http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary.php?date=8September2012 It was time to return to the aerotow fields of East Sussex again. Summer was making a last minute comeback and pretty most of the active aerotow pilots were out. A few were completing their aerotow training and others simply blowing off the cobwebs.... http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary.php?date=22July2012 Arriving bright and early, I was keen to help set-up the airfield. Arriving at the top field, the grass was well over a foot long and an attempt to mow only flattened it down. I personally didn't fancy being towed head first through this at 20 mph so wasn't keen to fly with the field in this state. Fortunately, the next field to the north was short and after a short conversation with the farmer, we set-up there... http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary.php?date=22May2012 After the lovely but windy flying from yesterday, I opted to take the afternoon off from work for another session at the Devil's Dyke. I arrived around 2 pm and already there was a buzz of activity with everyone readying gliders and making the most of the conditions. It was good to see Andy H again readying his hang glider - perhaps he hasn't been converted to the floppy cause permanently? http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary.php?date=21May2012 The top landing field was the place to be if you were a cow and the grass was certainly greener here. Unfortunately on my first top landing I overshot. As I skimmed across the ground, I realised that I had not slalomed a hang glider before and after negotiating the first two cows, a third appeared right in front of me. With eye to eye contact I wondered who would flinch first? Just as I considered running along the cow's back, it flinched and literally leapt out of my way. With the cow successfully negotiated, I was free to fly away from the ridge for a second landing attempt.... http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary.php?entry=1334962800 Arriving at the airfield at 10am, the wind was blowing perfectly down the runway. Most of the gliders were rigged and the final bits of the winch set-up were being put into place. I quickly unloaded and rigged my glider then attended the competition brief. There was a spot landing competition and an all out XC. No notable NOTAM's but the weather was the one to watch. By 10:30 am, the sky already looked like it was going to over develop... http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary.php?entry=1334358000 My first (and probably last) soaring flights at Swanborough, East Sussex. http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary.php?entry=1333148400 A lovely afternoon soaring above Bo Peep, East Sussex. http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary.php?entry=1327708800 After a long lay off I'm back in the air again. http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary20110521.php It was certainly a long time due! Visiting the Suffolk Winch site on the 21 May 2011 with the sky looking very promising I was hopefull for another cross country flight. Armed with my airmap, GPS, mobile phone and video camera I was ready! By my third tow of the day I connected with a thermal and embarked on my 13.4 km XC. http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary20110429.php I know what I was doing during the royal wedding - but where was everyone else? Two wonderful flights at Bo Peep but one takeoff that I would prefer not to repeat again! http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary20110425.php My first flights from Firle in East Sussex - a busy day with friends some Suffolk visiting the crowded Southern Sites. Also a change to mount the camera on the keel for some different angles to view from! http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary20110423.php Spring thermals in Mendlesham Suffolk and Jim starts his Winch Endorsement. http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary20110305.php A scratchy day rewarded with thermals in East Sussex. http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary20110212.php After 3 months with my feet on the ground I'm back flying at Mendlesham, Suffolk! http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary20101101.php A week after starting my aerotow endorsment I'm back at Flylight to complete the course. A day with some frustrations and, Where's Will? http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary20101025.php Finally, a window in the weather and Will and myself head to Flylight at Sywell Airfield to start our hang glider Aerotow training! http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary20100926.php More flying at the Devil's Dyke but not the best conditions! http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary20100925.php A fantastic day at the Devil's Dyke, setting some new personal bests and worsts! http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary20100918.php Despite the flying forecast for hang gliding at Mendlesham, the sky over developed and the day became a series of winch ups and glides back to earth. http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary20100904.php A hang gliding trip to South West Wales with the Suffolk Coastal Floaters to fly some of their sites! The rain didn't stop us! http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary20100816.php The perfect end to the day, evening soaring at the Devil's Dyke as the sun sets. http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/video.php?id=%282010.07.03%29MendleshamSummerComp Video account of the Suffolk Coastal Floaters Hang Gliding Club's Summer Competition. http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/pilot-exam/pilot-exam.php Try the new interactive hang gliding pilot exam! http://www.morphfx.co.uk/archives/castleGoodrich.php Goodrich Castle visited. http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary20100515.php Soaring the Long Mynd in Shropshire. http://www.morphfx.co.uk/gallery/lakes2010.php A week exploring England's Lake District. http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary20100418.php Another XC? A great days flying with the Suffolk Coastal Floaters Hang Gliding Club. http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary20100417.php Light wind takeoffs and landings at Mendlesham. http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary20100314.php A new personal best achieved at the Devil's Dyke and realy great to see so many hangies on the hill. http://www.morphfx.co.uk/hang-gliding/diary20100307.php My first trip in 2010 to the airfield in Suffolk to do some hang glider winching!