June 20 I declared a 300KM out and return. The start/finish was a church in West Boylston 3 miles from Sterling and the turnpoint at Woodstock VT. I had attempted and nearly completed the same task on a so-so day last year. This year was nearly a repeat. With all the rain in the days prior the ground was wet giving weak lift and low cloudbase early. Later there was more weak lift and large areas of sparse or no cumulus.
After struggling early I had a relatively good run from Mt. Monadnock to Springfield VT. The flight log verifies rates of climb around four knots for that stretch. Conditions were weak again from Springfield North to the turnpoint. After turning Woodstock at 3:50 PM the course line home looked very dead. I figured the wet river valley would end the flight so I went 30 or more degrees right of course and flew down the west side of the CT river. There were still some cumulus clouds to the west and as I progressed south they spread farther east. A few miles south of Bellows Falls VT I crossed the river to a growing cu on the east side. Continuing south I slid under a wisp of cu over the town of Athol 3 miles from Orange airport. That wisp firmed up as I climbed under it and finally after 6 PM I had 30:1 on my start/finish point with enough height at the end for a valid finish and landing at Sterling.
The hard fought flights with an uncertain outcome can be more satisfying than the easy runs on booming days. I think the most rewarding part of this flight was after landing I learned that several members had flown locally for a short time and then upon landing predicted my certain failure.
Mark Koepper
PW-5 3K
Took the 1-34 up for the first time on Saturday. What a joy to fly! Take off was a little different as it took a while for the down elevator to take effect. Lots like the 2-33 first time solo they don't tell you about. Once rolling and into the air it was apparent that this ship was different. Quiet, solid, and responsive. I felt like calling in to tell all that this ship was awesome! Best just fly the plane. As I reached for the release, my watch caught the safety belt release, and sure enough, I no longer had a seat belt or shoulder straps. Thank goodness for smooth air! Too dangerous to play with it on tow, I released and went into straight flight trying to fly with one hand and attempting to fasten the seat belt with the other. Got it! No shoulder harness but the seat belt was ok. After I got a little more comfortable, I figured I'd try to get the shoulder harness hooked up.Bad idea. Could not get the belt back on with one hand to save my soul. Ok, no problem, got 2.5K set the trim, use both hands. A different experience. I was satisfied just to get the belt back on. Found a nice thermal over the tar pit and climbed to 4,600. Played around there for awhile, went for some water from the camelback, low and behold the canopy was closed over the water tube. Best start working my way back and take this puppy down. Fortunately the rest of the flight was uneventful.
Took the 1-26 up to 3k at 4:30. A direct sled ride.
- Dick Ruel