Hang Gliding Diary
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- 18 Jun 2017
A Very Hot Day!
Is Aerotowing a dying art of hang gliding? The Southern Aerotow Group
has struggled over the last two years to gain momentum, in part due to
an aging tug fraught with problems, a not so ideal flying site and
diminishing numbers attending the infrequent flying days. Nationwide I
learned of the demise of the Notts Aerotow Club and Flylight (where I
had gained my Tow endorsement) ceasing aerotow training. When John
Birchall published intent for Aerotowing for the 18 June and with
myself becoming increasingly frustrated not being able to get out to
fly, I signed up. I was rusty, having not aerotowed in over 2 years;
not current and having not aerotowed my Wills Wing U2 and had never
aerotowed with the Aeros Myth harness. There were lots of new variables
for consideration that I would make known to the coach on the day.
I arrived at Plumpton nice and early although I hadn't realised the
London to Brighton bike ride was in progress. My early set-off and
arrival at the aerotow field meant the road closures didn't really hold
me up.
I wasn't first to arrive; Steve Marnier had already begun to open up
when everyone else began to arrive (John Birchall, Jody, Paul Leary,
Nigel then later in the day Ozzy and Johnny Carr). To say it was hot
was an understatement. By mid-morning conditions were light Southerly
winds with wispy cumulus clouds forming and by mid-afternoon, the wind
had developed into a gentle sea breeze.
Steve Marnier gave a full briefing followed by the commencement of
towing operations. I was nervous and following advice from Paul Leary,
decided to take one of the early tows to get it over and done with. I
was assisted into the launch trolley and when all checks had been
completed and with the VG setting on the glider set to one third, I
started my tow. As my glider left the trolley it immediately began to
turn off-line towards the right. I over corrected and a yaw oscillation
developed. Once well clear of the ground, the amplitude and severity of
the oscillation was reduced, but at 1,000 feet, after hitting some
rough air, the oscillations began again and when I observed the tug
dive and turn slightly to the right while I was headed off to the left,
I released. The sound of rushing air then ceased and with the tug
headed back to launch I became more relaxed and began to seek out
rising air to prolong my flight after my premature release.
Rigging Gliders
Rigging gliders at Plumpton.
18 Jun 2017
I found a weak climb over Ditchling Beacon and slowly 360'd and
climbed a further 400ft. Below, the London to Brighton cycle event was
well underway and the sound of the supporters propagated up to my
position. I continued to explore lift, circling above the crowds below
but slowly sank downward. When I was 600ft above the ground I decided
to head back to the launch field. To the west of the launch field is a
small dry valley which I flew over as I commenced my downwind leg. At
300ft above take-off a small thermal that must have rolled up this
valley, popped off the ground into the air. I was able to exploit this
for 5 to 6 360's and climbed 150-200ft in it before I lost it.
Thereafter, I returned to the field and did an up-hill landing on the
side of this valley which left me with a short but very hot walk back
up the hill to launch.
After I had cooled down and re-hydrated (did I say it was hot?); I
assisted a few others to launch then procrastinated if I would fly
again. My earlier yaw oscillations had unnerved me! By 3pm the sea
breeze was established and I decided this would be perfect conditions
for a second tow. Thermal activity was now supressed by the sea air so
a tow would be in smooth air, perfect for me to hone those rusty
skills!
By 3:30pm I was once again positioned on the launch trolley. Earlier
I had discussed VG settings with Paul Leary and Ozzie, so for this
flight, I set the VG to two thirds; Paul's view was this would dampen
my roll inputs and possibly help suppress those dreaded yaw
oscillations from developing.
My Glider
My glider at the Plumpton Aerotow Field with the Amex Stadium and Brighton Uni in the background.
18 Jun 2017
The tow commenced well and I popped off the trolley with ease. I
pulled the bar in and swooped down a little faster than I expected and
positioned myself behind the tug while it built up enough airspeed to
leave the ground. I was once again aware that a slight yaw oscillation
had developed but with some more refined control inputs, a very
understanding tug pilot and my knees forward, I was able to control the
oscillation and the glider settled into a smooth tow.
The air was perfectly smooth and the tow up seemed to go on forever
(Nigel later confirmed he was climbing at a reduced rate to give me the
best chance of getting up). I welcomed the cooler air associated with
the higher altitude and with my concentration completely on the tug, I
became a little disorientated. The air had also become hazy so I had
concluded I was getting pretty high. Nigel waved me off and I released
safely. A quick glance at my vario confirmed I had reached 2,094ft
above take-off.
I hadn't expected to find any rising air, but again over Ditchling
Beacon, I found myself not climbing but able to maintain my height (the
air rose at the same rate I sank). I gently 360'd in this air before I
slowly lost this weak lift and returned to the airfield where I
successfully landed. I was happy with that; I still need to practice
the art of aerotowing, but that was a good place to leave it for the
day.
Is aerotowing a dying art? Possibly - it does not appear to attract
the number of pilots it probably needs to be sustained. In my opinion
it would be a real shame if it were lost! A hang glider pilot on the
South Downs has limited flying options for certain wind directions or
is put-off from flying due to crowds flying the local sites. Aerotowing
provides a viable alternative, but does need the support and commitment
of many others to make it happen; perhaps this is why there are
difficulties compared to the solitary nature of a hang glider pilot
flying our local hills. Going forwards, I am committed to this
discipline of this awesome sport!
Flight Details
Flight Type | Aerotow Launch |
Glider | Wills Wing U2 160 |
Site | Plumpton Aerotow |
Launch Date/Time | 18 Jun 2017 / 11:45 |
Height Gain | 1200ft |
Flight Duration | 0h 17m |
Comments | South 2-3 mph; Started a yaw oscillation; got it under control a few times before it developed again. Released early when getting out of shape when the tug dived the right. Managed some gentle climbs in thermals and landed ok. |
Flight Type | Aerotow Launch |
Glider | Wills Wing U2 160 |
Site | Plumpton Aerotow |
Launch Date/Time | 18 Jun 2017 / 15:30 |
Height Gain | 2094ft |
Flight Duration | 0h 22m |
Comments | Sea breeze well established (S 5-10 mph); tried a tow with 2/3 VG on and knees forward on tow. Much less yaw oscillation and a full tow to release point. |
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