Model confidence

 I've mentioned before that around 3 years ago I decided to commit to flying in whatever conditions I was daft enough to go out in and the slope that was available, since then I have been receiving looks of bewilderment on slopes from Beer to the Wrecker.

  Flying in the kind of strong winds that we have had lately with the moldies I have means that you know that you're going to be going fast. I've come to the realisation that what you need and develop is a confidence in your model.  I know that it is more than strong enough but it's the model's handling and behavior that you really need to trust.

  This weekend I flew the Saker and then Wyvern models.  Both screaming around the sky whilst my face was blown around like a spaniel leaning out of a car window.  Not sure Slope dog enjoyed it too much!

Storm flying blast

 You know that you really do have an aviation problem when you're driving to the slope around fallen trees and water logged roads.  Slope dog decided to hide behind the car to shelter from the 60mph winds.

  The smaller span of the wyvern and falcons make ground handling and launching much easier than the 3 Saker.  Screaming around the sky was made more of a buzz as I struggled to stand up against the conditions.

 That forgiving platform that the Falcon and Wyverns have are really put to the test in these conditions.  Carrying your speed and energy through the flight at these speeds is different to the usual challenges of flying, but so much fun.  Knowing and trusting your toy is essential and so much fun!

Enjoying the new model and snapflap

   It’s been a few weeks since I started flying the new lighter Wyvern.  It’s taken me this long to get a few winter sessions in with the new model giving me the time to understand what effect the changes have had.  Flying on inland slopes and the variability of conditions that this gives, it’s easy for any changes to be over whelmed by variability in the conditions.

  I’ve flown the new Wyvern back to back with my ‘stock’ version that I have just about settled on a set-up.  It’s taken a good while for me to understand the model and get closer to best performance from it- this is more to do with my failings than the model. The Wyvern is the first model I have flown that I have set up to have the snapflap coming in and maxing out so early in the elevator stick.  Effectively flying the Wyvern with 2 sections for the turn and the straights. 

  The lighter layup has been a nice step forward I lighter air- not surprisingly.  The new tail has delivered a much crisper elevator response that makes me feel like I have better feedback.  Whilst some of this is because of the overall weight, I have test the new version, ballasted up the old weight and there is a noticeable development in performance.

  This is very much as you’d expect from loosing weight at the tips.  Quite nice to see that it works in practise though.  Both models have responded really well to the new snapflap set up- again nice to have proof that the aerodynamic theory seems to be working in practise.

New lay up testing

   After screaming around the mynd last week, this Saturday I had the chance to maiden my newly completed Wyvern. The new lay up spec has brought the weight of the Wyvern down to 2150g.

  I was lucky enough to launch into some good air and with the wyvern's set up quite well known the new Wyvern felt well set and as a result- fast.  

  Just a happy day flying with a model that shows so clearly where the lift is.
 

Mynd with mates

 My last trip to the mynd for the year was greated with building conditions to enjoy and some top company to enjoy it with.  It was great to see Mark Southall flying for the first time in a long time.

 As the air became smoother and straighter on the slope I was faced with the spoilt choice of Saker or Wyvern to fly. 

Both could take off as the air came on. I'd forgotten just how easy it is to fly the Saker and get such good performance. The bigger wing and more mass gave it the advantage in some mixed air. Days like this are more about a great time in a beautiful place. I do worry that we might have sparked Mark's racing flame again- someone else to beat me

Welsh open gathering

 So good to spend the day on the ice-cream slope today. Some great patches of air came through regularly.  The regular showers gave plenty of time for catching up with mates.

 I can't call it practise but it was great fun.

Back end development and an old favourite

   A major part of what I enjoy about flying is contributing to a model's development and understanding.

  Over the past few weeks we have been developing the new wyvern tail. The first test pieces came back this week and after a couple of evenings work I had the excuse I needed to get out.

  It's a gradual process to assess a change. Adding on to an already good model, the marginal gains becomes smaller and can be swamped by launching into good or poor air. First signs are good.

 Working with JP in recent years has shown how putting the time in to really understand a model pays dividends. I'm not going to claim to have revolutionised the sport after 1 evening out.

 The parts I needed to get my falcon back in the air have also arrived and she's ready to go. I produce models that I enjoy flying and the falcon is a model I love flying