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Newbie
Apr 30, 2009 8:09:49 GMT -8
Post by eddiep on Apr 30, 2009 8:09:49 GMT -8
Hey guys,
I'm essentially a new prospective member of your glider club. I've been involved in aviation for about 20 years professionally, I am into all things flying and am looking forward to going back to basics by leaving the engine at the tow. I'm in South Reno so I'm half way between your club and the Minden flight schools.
Can you guy point me in the right direction as far and getting ready to become a fellow Nevada Soaring guy?
I've been building RC gliders since I was 8 and know a little about thermals, ridge lift, and how to use a rudder (!). But I know this will be a fun challenge. I'm ready to learn from the masters and have some fun.
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Newbie
May 3, 2009 7:53:38 GMT -8
Post by Skimmer on May 3, 2009 7:53:38 GMT -8
Ed, It was great talking to you on the phone the other day and we look forward to you coming out towards the end of May and hooking into some massive thermals. For those of you that don't know Ed, he is a master RC builder, excellent RC pilot and ATP pilot. Ed has been hanging around the RC club, that I am a member of, called Sierra Silent Soarers for quiet a few years. He has produced many highly detailed scale aircraft as well as scratch built home designs. The detail and craftsmanship that Ed puts into his aircraft will take your breath away. He has also spent many hours ridge soaring and working thermals with his gliders, so full scale will be a breeze for Ed. Welcome aboard Ed. You have found the best flying club and site with the best conditions in all of Nevada and possibly California. Pete "Skimmer" Casti.
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Newbie
May 5, 2009 23:01:30 GMT -8
Post by eddiep on May 5, 2009 23:01:30 GMT -8
Pete, thanks my friend you are far too gracious and I look forward to joining ranks with you all. I've wanted to fly sailplanes for many years, it's about time! I'll check in with you in a little over a week and see how the schedule looks for ya.
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Newbie
May 7, 2009 7:06:41 GMT -8
Post by Skimmer on May 7, 2009 7:06:41 GMT -8
Sounds like a plan. Skimmer
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Newbie
May 11, 2009 8:22:48 GMT -8
Post by eddiep on May 11, 2009 8:22:48 GMT -8
Hi Pete, I'll give you a call on Wed or Thurs. I'm still overseas right now but I'll be back in a couple days. Latest checkride done, good for another six months of peace and quet (and ability to fly airplanes with fewer engines!) Does your schedule look like you might have an opening or two for next week?
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Newbie
May 11, 2009 22:03:47 GMT -8
Post by Skimmer on May 11, 2009 22:03:47 GMT -8
I should have a few openings next week. Air sailing has been a hot bed of activity lately. The soaring weather is here and many members have brought their gliders out for the season.
Give me a call or email when you get back and we'll set something up.
Skimmer.
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Newbie
Jun 4, 2009 8:45:55 GMT -8
Post by eddiep on Jun 4, 2009 8:45:55 GMT -8
Hey guys, just wanted to thank everyone out there at Air Sailing for several great days of flying. I've met several of you briefly over the two times I've been out to fly and I am impressed at your friendliness to newbies, and the obvious passion you all have for soaring. I look forward to more flying and joining the club as soon as I solo.
I just have to share with you all a cool experience I had yesterday. Skimmer was dutifully watching over me as we were thermaling in some very weak lift north of the field and over Winemucca Ranch road, struggling to make an hour long flight in the semi stable air mass at the time. We then spotted a Red tail Hawk in the lift below us by about 100 feet. We both (the bird and our glider) worked the lift but the Hawk was more of a "natural" I suppose and soon met up with us. I was straining my neck to look back over my shoulder while flying at min sink in the turn, to see him tuck in behind us in a classic WWII max performance air to air engagement. He was the Zero, we were the TBD Devestator. No chance, we were toast!! But alas he was merciful, albeit slightly curious, to soon break off our six. He pulled above us while keeping his head tilted, peering at us in the cockpit before climbing above us in effortless efficiency.
That was one of the coolest aviation experiences I've had yet! Thanks to Skimmer for his outstanding guidance, Tristan for some great pattern, rope break and high tows, and to several other guys I'm trying to remember name wise who helped us have a great time. I look forward to returning the good will down the line.
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Newbie
Jun 6, 2009 11:14:52 GMT -8
Post by feather on Jun 6, 2009 11:14:52 GMT -8
hI Newbie! Glad you had so much fun!Soaring with hawks buzzerds eagles is quite a comon sight as we all enjoy as well! Enjoy ! Feather
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Newbie
Jun 7, 2009 5:41:43 GMT -8
Post by eddiep on Jun 7, 2009 5:41:43 GMT -8
Hey Feather, thanks! I look forward to more of that for sure. Some gaggle flying like I was able to do on the first day out is another thing I look forward to as well. I hope the weather shapes up for a great week of Thermal Camp for you guys. At least there is a fighting chance according to some of the WX charts.
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Newbie
Jun 13, 2009 21:17:55 GMT -8
Post by eddiep on Jun 13, 2009 21:17:55 GMT -8
Well, I did a few solo flights on Friday! Most fun I've had in an airplane in years! Special thanks to Skimmer for his fine airmanship and guidance as my CFIG. He's a true aviator at heart, an old soul rich in flying instinct and intuition, who knows the air well. Thanks to everyone else too, even you guys who tricked me into getting a pale of water dumped on me
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Newbie
Jun 14, 2009 20:27:11 GMT -8
Post by Skimmer on Jun 14, 2009 20:27:11 GMT -8
My pleasure. Great job on the solo. .5 hrs on the first and 1.5hrs on the second. We found it pretty funny that you were on your second solo flight calling out lift to all the experienced pilots scratching bellow you. ;D You are a real pilot. I look forward to handing you off to the flight examiner for your commercial check ride. Sorry you missed the Thermal camp BBQ later that night. We had a blast, great stories were told and Patricia cooked a wonderful steak dinner. We even talked about you and your 10,000' flight Skimmer
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