richard-gardner
001
A 2-Up Lesson in X-C
Classroom:Lake Annecy and surroundings
Date:14th April, 2009
Course:Intro. to X-C and thermalling 101
Instructor/pilot:Irwyn Jehu (M. X-C with Hons.)
Pupil:Richard Gardner
Glider:Gradient Bi- Golden (Tandem)
Site/launch:Plan Fait, Lake Annecy
Syllabus:Climbing out, touching base, transition glides, low saves, route plans, sources of lift, swearing in welsh, keeping warm, in-flight banter, etc.
A tandem flight for the passenger is just a joy-ride, right?
Well, not necessarily… With the right pilot it can also be a very instructive experience for anyone wanting to ‘leave the hill’ but not having the skill/confidence to make the break. During a six-day stay at Maison du Moulin in the company of a sociable and eclectic SHGC group camping nearby (Matt and Gill, Hoppy, Rick, Smurf, Owen and Millie, Chris, Glen and Joachim) during which I flew on four out of six days, Irwyn Jehu also gave me the benefit of a masterclass in the techniques and thought-processes of going X-country for the first time. It wasn’t only an unforgettable flying lesson from a pro, it was a lifetime highpoint for me. Coming to Annecy with just over 10 hours post CP airtime, the first few days’ flying had boosted my confidence in thermic conditions with flights at Marlens, Col de la Forclaz, Plan Fait and later the Entrevernes cliffs. By the end of the week I had almost doubled my airtime. On one of the flights from Plan Fait, I was able to gain enough height to fly out across the lake and make the transition to the foot of the Roc des Boeufs, although I found no lift there to continue the flight. When Owen and Irwyn both suggested a tandem flight the next day, I jumped at the chance, and took up my host’s offer enthusiastically.
Arriving at Plan Fait the following afternoon after hearing a very good weather forecast, pre-flight nerves were steadied by double-checking gear and observing the conditions, which looked promising.
001
A 2-Up Lesson in X-C
Classroom:Lake Annecy and surroundings
Date:14th April, 2009
Course:Intro. to X-C and thermalling 101
Instructor/pilot:Irwyn Jehu (M. X-C with Hons.)
Pupil:Richard Gardner
Glider:Gradient Bi- Golden (Tandem)
Site/launch:Plan Fait, Lake Annecy
Syllabus:Climbing out, touching base, transition glides, low saves, route plans, sources of lift, swearing in welsh, keeping warm, in-flight banter, etc.
A tandem flight for the passenger is just a joy-ride, right?
Well, not necessarily… With the right pilot it can also be a very instructive experience for anyone wanting to ‘leave the hill’ but not having the skill/confidence to make the break. During a six-day stay at Maison du Moulin in the company of a sociable and eclectic SHGC group camping nearby (Matt and Gill, Hoppy, Rick, Smurf, Owen and Millie, Chris, Glen and Joachim) during which I flew on four out of six days, Irwyn Jehu also gave me the benefit of a masterclass in the techniques and thought-processes of going X-country for the first time. It wasn’t only an unforgettable flying lesson from a pro, it was a lifetime highpoint for me. Coming to Annecy with just over 10 hours post CP airtime, the first few days’ flying had boosted my confidence in thermic conditions with flights at Marlens, Col de la Forclaz, Plan Fait and later the Entrevernes cliffs. By the end of the week I had almost doubled my airtime. On one of the flights from Plan Fait, I was able to gain enough height to fly out across the lake and make the transition to the foot of the Roc des Boeufs, although I found no lift there to continue the flight. When Owen and Irwyn both suggested a tandem flight the next day, I jumped at the chance, and took up my host’s offer enthusiastically.
Arriving at Plan Fait the following afternoon after hearing a very good weather forecast, pre-flight nerves were steadied by double-checking gear and observing the conditions, which looked promising.