Microlighters

I had the privilege of flying with my mate JetRanger down in Cape Town this weekend. What a fantastic experience, I have forgotten how cool it is to cruise down the coast line just above the waves waving at all the people on the beach.

Wheels up at Fisantekraal , we climbed up to 2000ft en-route to Delta 200. Cruising along at 85mph – 90mph with not a care in the world other than watching out for other traffic, I started to get that “life is good feeling”. We routed just east of Morning Star and made a mental note to stop in on our return leg. The weather was absolutely fantastic with some broken clouds at 2500 ft but other that that what a day for flying!!!. I was having soooo much fun in this amazing machine that when I looked again we were crossing into Delta 200.

Crossing into Delta 200 we started to descend over Melkbos , once we were at the big blue stuff it was a hard right turn and the coastline fun started. Unfortunately it is winter so the view on the beach was a little less heart-stopping than summer would be. Never the less - what a magnificent coastline.

We then turned around and routed down to Blouberg and then back inland to Morning Star. Arriving at Morning Star we joined on a left hand circuit (sorry Peter) just as Peter Wolf was taking off in his Challenger but soon corrected and went around to join on a right hand circuit. What a runway to negotiate, trees everywhere, come in high to leave yourself options and dive in through the turbulence for a touchdown. This is no problem for a gyro but you microlight boys must be very skilled with BIG BRASS BALLS. A great testament to the flying skills of the locals. Safely on the ground we got chatting to CLU-Less and Mark and were very impressed with the friendliness of the guys there. All too soon it was back on the runway and climbing out to 2000ft for routing back to Fisantekraal. It really was great to meet guys from the microlighters forum face to face and now be able to put a face to the nickname. You guys have great facilities even if getting into the runway is somewhat challenging.

Thanks to Peter (CLU-less) for his help with some water and coolant and the friendly conversation. You have a stunning aerie and it is great to meet guys who love to fly and are proud of their planes. I will definitely be back for some coastal flying, next time I will bring my own amazing machine and my softness (otherwise my “authority to fly” will be revoked)

Sorry about the quality of the pics !! taken on a video cam.

Glad you enjoyed it mate but I would kak myself so low over the waves.

Eagle1, it was tremendous to have you visit. Your enthusiasm for Gyro's is remarkable and I share your sentiments for these fantastic machines. Pity the weather didnt really play along although I do feel that we accomplished our mission. I've attached a few pics just to remind you what its like on a good day.

Agent, at a few feet above the waves I keep it to about 90mph which will allow significant climb (to pick a landing spot before the speed bleeds off) in the event of an engine out. I also make sure that there is reasonable unpopulated beach around. Another point is that a very small percentage of flying time is done like this thereby also reducing the risk. Finally, should the unthinkable happen and I have to dump it in the sea, I would apply the same method as taught in helicopters. Open the left/right door, flare as if landing zero roll on the water, upon touching down, bank hard left/right (opposite to opened door) so the rotor hits the water and stops. This should give occupants enough time to exit the machine before it sinks. The ability to tread water or swim at this point will. of course, be most useful. My softness pinched a life jacket from one of the airlines but I am never that far offshore that it will be required so I have elected not to stow it under the seat. I also dont think that I have ever had a 'non-swimmer' aboard.

Eagle1, get your machine in the air bru! You and your softness have an open invitation to come fly with us in the fairest Cape again, anytime! We had a fantastic time. Thanks.

more Cape Town pics

Sounds fantastic!

Excellent - Thanks for sharing

Looks like you had quite a flight

D

The Agent wrote:Glad you enjoyed it mate but I would kak myself so low over the waves.

We had some mud on the wheels that we were trying to wash off!! no just kidding it was not that low - had to zoom in a little to create that perception. Having said that Jetranger demonstrated an engine out to me - cut power pull back on the cyclic and that aerie cimbs to a safe altitude in a blink - now you have options to land on this endless beach.

Mud? This is not the Vaal dam! I have to wash the rotors due to salt buildup every few days. When really 'down on the deck, my GPS shows about 4ft. I have actually seen it show -3ft (minus 3ft) at low tide! I tend to watch the back wheels to be sure we dont clip a wave. Dangerous I know and not recommended under any circumstances since the gyroscopic precession will put us in the drink if we do hit.

Dude Im trying to cover for you - work with me.

Cover for me?? There is no height restriction over water (or am I conveniently mistaken?)

Perhaps I should cover for you ... remember the babe in the Alphen that came on to you?

(tteeeehheeee)


For those of you that dont know Eagle1, he is a good looking boy!

Happily married but good looking none the less!

PS: thats according to my 'softness' and not my opinion at all!

Thanx for the pics Jetranger. :D :D

Nice to see some gyro action in the Cape and on the forum.

I reeeaally envy you guys flying at the coast.

Keep it coming.

Sounds like you chaps are having loads of fun...we have no gyro's in our neck of the woods.....

Hi Eagle1,
It was great meeting you and Jetranger at Morning Star you guys have great looking flying machines. It was a pleasure to be able to help you.
I had a great day on Sat - Flew for 2hrs in my Trike - Did a quick circuit in a Piper Cherokee - and spent an hour learning to fly Richards Bushbaby. Wow Morning star has its moments besides the hectic landings.
Look forward to seeing you next time. :D :D :D

PS: If you look at Pic 026 i'm the handsome one on the right