Spring Tandems

Duncan locals, Tristan, Karey, and Brad fly Prevost!

After the weather didn't cooperate last fall, Tristan stayed in touch and today was finally the day. It turned out to be a classic spring flying day with sharp-edged thermals and associated lift and sink. PMac went first from Middle followed by Pierre and although there was left to be had, they were both down on the deck after 15 minutes or so.

I launched first with Tristan from Main and the air was definitely spicy. Tristan was a great tandem passenger and we flew for about 30 minutes before putting down in the LZ. Paul, Charlie, and Cornell flew next and were able to work the thermals with varying success - each clocking more than an hour of airtime with Charlie actually flying XC to the north, getting up at Mount Brenton and eventually landing at Transfer Beach in Ladysmith (not for the faint of heart).

Here's Charlie's tracklog:

Unfortunately for Greg and Maurice, the day's conditions were not suitable for beginners but they learned a lot by being 'sponges'.

Before Rick launched tandem with Karey, Natalie went solo from middle, launching just as a strong thermal was coming through. It lifted her up 100 feet or so which added to the excitement for Karey!

This was Natalie's first mountain flight of the season and she decided to just fly straight out to the LZ and she maintained or gained the entire way. The conditions in the landing zone were buoyant, switching from east to south and back again. Natalie was patient and did a great job, landing after more than 10 minutes of running the tree line.

Karey launched well with Rick and enjoyed her tandem flight. We won't be surprised if we see her again!

Visiting Italian pilot Giovanni had his first Vancouver Island flight and did well considering the conditions (and his lack of a radio!).

On the last run, I went first on tandem with Brad, launching during a rare lull in the wind and flying south. Part way out, we hooked into a strong thermal and quickly cored our way up to 3500 feet, taking in a view that has to be experienced to be understood. All Brad could say was, "Wow."

PMac and Pierre each had a second flight and spent almost as much time on their landing approach as on the previous part of their flights. Rick was last to land after taking the new Swing Astral 6 for its virgin mountain flight - putting it through its paces. He wasn't happy to part with it after landing!

Great day everyone!