Bottom Landings

Flight 1

My luck with the wind and weather wasn't in my favour. By the time I had rigged my Calyspo and checked it over the sky was looking grey and after making my way to the launch area, the wind had dropped and it was now obvious that this would be a sled ride. I was able to launch without event, although it needed a good solid run down the hill before the glider lifted me off the ground.

After I had completed my first beat I felt moisture in the air, then when I reversed my turn in the bowl area, the drizzle began. I had already dropped to just below ridge height and with the rain now started I headed for the bottom landing. With the onset of rain, the other hang glider pilot in the air with me, had the same thought. Together we headed to the bottom landing. I was slightly higher so followed the flight path set by the lower hang glider. We both successfully bottom landed without event, albeit, in the rain!

Flight 2

By the time I had recovered my glider and kit back to the top of the Devil's Dyke, the sky was still overcast but there was no sign of rain. The wind had also increased in strength and had veered to a northerly direction. I decided to give it another go and rigged my glider hopeful of a better flight.

I launched and was quickly established in the air. Others we exploring the Truleigh Ridge but I was contempt with just bimbling around in the main bowl and the ridge as far along as the Pylons (but not further). It was much easier staying up than my previous flight and I easily climbed to 400 feet+ above takeoff. As my flight progressed it was evident that the wind had increased in strength and with that, the air had become rougher! After 2 failed attempts at top landing (I probably didn't fly back far enough, but confess to being very nervous of doing so considering the conditions), I decided on the safer option of another bottom landing.

After packing up my glider for a second time in the bottom landing field, I decided to call it a day and headed home.