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records tumble

Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2008 8:37 pm
by lamercyfly
Hi Folk.

Just a short note to share with you the achievements of the Hang Glider pilots who are on the Summer Camp I planned this year.

We are based in Postmasburg.

On our first day, 5th December, all the pilots landed around Klerksdorp. Their average distance in a straight line was 390km.

On our second flying day, 7th December, all pilots competed a tri angle flight. This was a new SA record for all 3 pilots. The distance achieved was 300km in a tri angle, with all 3 gliders arriving overhead Postmasburg at 6.45pm after a flight of 7 1/2 hours. Route was Postmasburg, Douglas, Prieska and back to Postmasburg.

The 3rd day was difficult, with pilots only averaging 330km each, and being terribly tossed around by Cb's and gust fronts. They all landed around Colesburg.

Today, the 4th day, I towed 4 pilots aloft, starting at 11am. A hard day. Hard, tight thermals. 3 line breaks during tow. Me grabbing at tubes to hold steady :lol: . Last pilot released 12h15.. a late start... But amazing flights.

The retrieve driver has just called me, and given me the following:

1. Stefan, in a standard class 1 HG, landed in Reddersburg, OFS. straight line distance 335km
2. Gunther, also in a standard class 1 HG, landed on a farm N/E or Rouxville. Straight line of 430km. Will be a new SA record when verified.
3. Toni, in a class 5 HG called ATOS, landed some-where between Lady Grey and Elliot in the Eastern Cape. His straight line flight of approx 540km. Also a new SA and possibly world record. Will verify these distances off their GPS's tomorrow. Toni will get to swim the duck pond at our B&B tomorrow... will post a few photos in a day or two.

Only expecting them home in the early hours of the morning.

South Africa......the new home of Big Skies.....

Re: records tumble

Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2008 9:39 pm
by Wargames
All I can say is WOW!!

540km :shock: :shock:

(^^) (^^)

Re: records tumble

Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2008 9:41 pm
by German
(^^) (^^) (^^) (^^)

Re: records tumble

Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2008 10:28 pm
by John Boucher
I had the pleasure of meeting David in Postmasburg on Monday and witnessed the launches on Tuesday. vhpy

Have a pic or two... will also post!

Awesome to see these HG's and the launch.... :shock:

Re: records tumble

Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2008 9:31 am
by John Boucher
As promised....

Re: records tumble

Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2008 9:34 am
by John Boucher
Some more of in flight and launching of the gliders.....

Re: records tumble

Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2008 10:11 am
by lamercyfly
Hey John...

..Thanks. Did'nt notice you taking pic's :lol:

Give me call today...... I did not save your number..

Cheers.

Re: records tumble

Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2008 10:12 am
by zucac
Thoes H G look good :lol: but my hart still lies with TUG xxx
WELL DONE GUYS
Hay Dave how about some photos (!!)

Brett

Re: records tumble

Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2008 7:08 pm
by kloot piloot
(^^) Brilliant flying. 540km - no engine ! (^^)

Re: records tumble

Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2008 7:45 pm
by kloot piloot
And a 1138km with sailplane at Gariep ! Seems to be cooking all over !

Paraglider, Neville, 500km plus. (^^) (^^) World record ?

Re: records tumble

Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:09 pm
by kloot piloot
Any further news up there :?: ?

Re: records tumble

Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 11:16 pm
by lamercyfly
Hey Kloot, how you doin'?

Yeah, yesterday Toni flew a new South African class 5 Hang Glider record of 365km out and return.

Today Gunther did another tri angle flight, this time only 271km (his record of 299.76 from day 2 still the best tri angle to date in SA, and pretty darn close to the world record)

Tomorrow, if the prediction stays, we are trying for distance flights. The standard class 1 HGliders are going for 500km and the Class 5's are going for 600km. But ja, anything can happen........ If anything worthwhile, I will post.

I still have not posted any pictures, cause 'Bad Nav' posted a couple which pretty much wrap up what happens on the ground.

But I have another 1 or 2 in -flight pictures that the glider pilots took which I will try to post in a day or two.

But Aish!, these 11.30am thermals are giving me a run for my money in the Dragon fly. Some times, after I have released and I am trying to get down quickly to get the next glider, even on idle, with my nose in a 45degree dive I am still maintaining altitude. Normally I am decending at 1 800fpm in that attitude!!! My seat belt is so tight now I can hardly breather :lol:

Cheers.