Tuesday 12 November 2013

Rain Rain go Away

...and take the wind with you

The run of miserable flying weather continues with a southern cyclonic cell now shipping in cold wind and soaking rains.

I had hoped that the run of breezy weather would have abated for at least a few hours to allow a quick flight. Having obsessively observed the tree-tops for signs of slackening wind on the weekend, I dashed down to the field late Saturday afternoon to take advantage of a drop in the wind.

Arriving at the field I noticed some occasional gusting in the trees but decided it was still calm enough to get the Walrus up for a bit of exercise. Very shortly afterwards, when the economical cruise speed left the Walrus stationary against headwinds, I had cause to reconsider my bravado. A few bumpy circuits later, including a full-power emergency climb to avoid a tree, I'd had enough and decided to bring the plane back in.

Coming in on approach the wing kicked violently and I suddenly realised that things could go horribly wrong very quickly and that, if I managed to get the craft down in one piece, I would have done well.

Fortunately, as the plane descended so the strength of the gusts eased, and I eventually could bring the plane in to kiss the grass in tranquil touchdown...

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