Index to weather maps

Hangola December 31, 2000

Bob Gillisse, Eddie Miller and I flew Smithsburg today.

Winds were slightly cross from the west, ranging from 15 to 20 but occasionally gusting much higher. Temps were coldddd!. Bacil Dickert and his Friend Tom (H2) and Marc Fink were there placing windsocks across the hill when I arrived at noon. 90 minutes later Bacil left (planning to return 1/1/1), proclaiming the conditions too strong and rowdy. Tom also left soon afterward. Marc also chose not to fly, leaving at about 2pm towards White Tail ski area.

Shortly after Bacil left, Bob arrived, set up and flew first on his Sport 167. He managed a few passes and choose to land side-hill rather than hike all the way back up. His second flight was shorter, with rowdier air and many sink-holes. He decided to call it a day and offered me his glider.

I accepted Bob's offer and flew next, launching in 25 mph. I was impressed with the strength of the gusts and my lack of control authority. My flight was short, but very memorable (I'll remember not to fly Smithsburg in strong gusty conditions). Anyway, it was a good test of my reflexes. I went back up, but decided to 'bag it' when the winds gusted in excess to 40mph.

Eddie flew a bit later, with an impressive gain of 75-100 ft. and a 360 degree turn to stay over the top. In spite of the challenging conditions, Eddie had the flight of the day, soaring for at least five minutes. I heard he did even better yesterday on 12/30.

'Spark

(Hoping to fly High Rock on 01/01/01)

Went to Smithsburg at around 12 noon. Marc Fink, Tom Fugini, and Eddie Miller's cousin Shane were there, with Shane RCing a glider at the top of the hill. Conditions were very strong, 15 to 25 MPH at the top with gusts to 35 and 40 MPH, as registered on the Hall ASI. Allen Sparks showed with his and Bob Gillesse's glider. Eddie Miller showed and went straight to RCing his glider at the top. Decided at 1:15P to bail, pulled up all the windsocks and headed home. Looks like a better day tomorrow (less wind). Hope some folks have better luck.

Part II
The conditions at Smithsburg in the afternoon apparently backed off enough to where Eddie Miller, Bob Gillesse, and Allen Sparks were able to get in flights. Eddie was able to have two nice soaring flights, even getting high enough on one to do a 360 with very little downwind drift. Bob Gillesse had a few flights, each with some passes along the ridge. Eddie reported the air was quite smooth out away from the top of the hill, and not blowing too strong, about 15 MPH. He was even tempted to go XC on his higher flight, gazing over the back of the hill. Another 100' of altitude would have convinced him to make the run downwind. Whatta pilot!!!

Bacil

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This page last updated January 1, 2001