Audrey's First Solo!

Click image for more pics!Finally, the weather cooperates

Our fall flying season has been one of the least memorable on record thus far and Audrey's solo high flights have suffered as a result.

Today, however, was one of those special days where everything just fell into place.

We arrived at the LZ to find James and Cal ready and willing so up to launch we went. There was a steady 7-10kph wind coming in at West launch and an obvious inversion layer only a couple hundred feet over the valley floor, as indicated by some wispy clouds.

Cal stepped up first and reverse-launched smoothly on his second attempt, gaining somewhat as he turned south. James went next for his first launch from West, controlling his glider well as he followed Cal into the autumn air.

Then it was Audrey's turn. After going through all of her checks, she was ready to go and she executed a strong forward launch on her first attempt, getting airborne and seated in her harness within moments.

I followed quickly afterwards and found the air to be super smooth and buoyant. I applied full speed bar and quickly caught up and passed her, giving radio instructions as needed.

The low level clouds had thickened by this point, obscuring the LZ somewhat, so I instructed Audrey to follow me to a clear vantage to the west. Here we were able to do some height loss turns, gradually losing enough height to glide back to the LZ under the cloud layer.

I then spiraled down and guided Audrey in on her landing approach.
She touched down perfectly and was beaming for the rest of the day. Congratulations Audrey!