First Flight at Bates

February 8, 2009

Got way behind on these posts... Here's a brief catch-up.

I met John at the Alternator LZ. Cloudbase was too low. We drove over to Parma Park--considering an Elminator launch. But the wind in the LZ did not look good. Nor did it look like it would be soarable. John made a few calls. Local pilots were indicating that Bates was working. I'd never flown bates before, but it's a coastal ridge at Rincon Point--a well known surfing spot.

When we arrived, there was one PG in the air and three HGs setting up. Winds were in the high teens--coming straight in from the ocean. The launch is a steep bluff-like launch, not unlike Funston. By the time I had my glider off the truck, it was too strong for PGs. Perfect for us. There were some grounded PG pilots and friends of the other HG pilots to give John and I wire assist on launch. (much appreciated!)


Coastal Soaring at Bates from henderthing on Vimeo.

John launched first, then me. There was plenty of lift. By the time I launched it was coming in a little cross with the ridge--so making my way north was a bit upwind, while flying south was fast. The other HG pilots got way up and left on an XC flight to Ventura. John and I just played around on the ridge. The scenery is great there. There were a number of other aircraft that flew within a mile or two of us: 3 helicopters flying south over the ocean, and an L39 training jet, flying very low and fast over the water... It was also amusing flying over the train a few minutes before landing.

Nice flight. Smooth conditions. Easy landing on the beach...

Airtime: 56 minutes