[TVHGC Members] June TVHGC Club Meeting

	June TVHGC Club Meeting Paragliding: A sailplane pilot's perspective
24th May 2016	Volume 1, Number 4
In This Issue ·    Presentation – Nick Smith Please send in flying articles , photos, general flying information  to: http://www.social@tvhgc.co.uk	June Club Meeting & Social – the Swan Inn Wednesday June 1st – Pub opens 6.30pm Meeting 8pm until 10pm   Nick Smith – Paragliding: A sailplane pilot's perspective   Our May meeting was a great opportunity to have Chris Pittaway lead a discussion on clouds, and the thorny issue of cloud flying. The rest of the evening saw us wrestle with topics such as 'How to assess flying days' and 'Decent techniques – what people use and when'. This was a change from our usual programme as there was no audience, only participants. And dare I say, a great evening was had by all!   Our next meeting continues the theme of applying personal experience to the world of paragliding and hang gliding. We're delighted to have Nick Smith, our club Safety Officer, present on paragliding: a sailplane pilot's perspective His talk will look at paragliding performance, soaring techniques, XC strategy, club atmosphere and flying adventures from the perspective of a newcomer to the sport with half a lifetime of sailplane flying. It's good to understand other air users and as hang glider and paraglider performances gets ever better, there may be some lessons and techniques we can learn from our white-winged colleagues.     Our club meetings are opportunities to meet other club pilots, discuss current issues, learn a little something from the presenters, but most of all they're great nights to just kick back and enjoy great company. If you want to talk flying, . . .   Good food and refreshments are available at the Swan Inn from 6.30pm. See you there!

 

 

 

[TVHGC Members] Charity walk for Wilts Air Ambulance

Morning everyone,

My wife is taking part in a charity walk next month in aid of the Wiltshire Air Ambulance. It's a 52 (yes, 52) mile walk over the weekend, visiting most of the White Horses in Wiltshire. She's set herself a goal of £500 but I reckon we can really go to town and bust that target wide open. Please, please, please support her with even a small donation on the link below to what I think we all agree is a worthy cause.

Cheers,
Nick Smith

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sarah-SmithWHC 

[TVHGC Members] Chief Coach

Back in April, Nik Valiris announced that after many years as a committee member for TVHGC he would be standing down. Following another successful round of Pilot Study training, Nik is now handing over the reins of Chief Coach to our very own Chris Williams, who will continue with the role until the AGM at the end of the year.

I'm sure many of you will want to express their thanks to Nik for his hard work in shaping our club and making us better, sharper pilots. A big thank you goes out to Chris for stepping into the big mans shoes as well as continuing as Competitions Officer.

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[TVHGC Members] CANP posted for today

hello

Thames Valley Hang Gliding Club (TVHGC)Civil Aircraft Notification Procedure (CANP)Activity:

Hang Gliding

Location: 

SU101644 Milk Hill

Area of operation:2nm radius<=1000 feet aglDate and local time flying will start / finish:

19/05/2016

10:00

to 16:00

Expected number of gliders:>=5Contact telephone number:7713403205Point of contact at TVHGCcomps@tvhgc.co.uk 

>>>

We have processed your NOTAM request. It has been published as a WARNING only.

 

Your reference number is: H2419/16

>>>

cheers

Ben Wisbey

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[TVHGC Members] Fwd: tvhgc.co.uk: Introduction to Hang/paragliding for 1st Newbury Scouts w/e 25/26 June

1st Newbury Scouts have asked if we have any volunteers to head over to their summer camp near Combe, and give an overview of our equipment and sport.  If you would like to volunteer your time, reply to this email and I will co-ordinate a response.

(See email below)

Jon

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: tvhgc.co.uk <webmaster@tvhgc.co.uk>
Date: 16 May 2016 at 22:17
Subject: tvhgc.co.uk: Introduction to Hang/paragliding for 1st Newbury Scouts w/e 25/26 June
To: comms@tvhgc.co.uk




Dear Andy,

I'm sorry to approach you out of the blue.  I run a scout pack in Newbury and will be spending our scout camp this summer up on the north Hampshire Downs just around the corner from Combe Gibbet.  The Kirkby Estate are hopefully about to allow us to use their fields and I couldn't help but notice your signage up on the gibbet.

A big part of what we do is get kids outdoors and away from their screens!! We try to broaden their horizons.  To this end, we are currently organising some activities for them over the weekend camp.

I'm sure its very weather and time dependent (being volunteers we appreciate personal time commitments) but if you could find a small window of opportunity sometime between Friday 24th June and Sunday 26th June to drop in, perhaps introduce the scouts to your kit, maybe even give us a demonstration, that would be amazing.

I look forward to hearing from you in due course.

Regards,

Dominic

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[TVHGC Members] Fwd: TOP TIPS Turbulence

Some wise words from the Safety Office at Dunstable:

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Ian Hopcraft" <ijhopcraft@gmail.com>
Date: 17 May 2016 at 17:06:16 BST
To: DHPC@groupspaces.com
Subject: TOP TIPS Turbulence
Reply-To: ijhopcraft@gmail.com

TOP TIPS May 2016

Two paraglider pilots dealt with nasty collapses at Dunstable today due to turbulence (around 13:00hrs 17th May). Both pilots recovered to normal flight and landed safely. 

Anticipate more turbulence when the air is cold, the sunshine is hot and the wind is moderate to strong. This problem is often magnified between 11:00hrs - 16:00hrs when the day's thermals really start to mix the air up. The cloud tops will often have a shredded appearance instead of a neat, well defined 'cauliflower' form.

• Look for signs of difficulties ground handling, collapsing wings and reports from recently landed pilots of "rough air".

• Measure the wind speeds or pester those who are measuring it. Use this information as well as the forecast wind speeds to inform your decision whether to: go XC/climb in thermals/ridge soar/wait/go home/or in extreme cases even return to work. 

• Low flying (take offs, ridge soaring, landings) when it is thermic are extremely hazardous, especially for low airtime pilots who have not yet done any 360's or thermal climbs because collapses closer to the ground give little time for recovery. New pilots are advised to avoid the middle of the day in such conditions.

• Feel the air - is it smooth(ish) or are you having to control pitch, role and yaw a lot more than is normal? This can be felt on the ground before you take off.

• Keeping a little more break on during gusting winds allows more control of pitch movements. 

• Practice weight shifting until it becomes instinctive.

• When caught in turbulence and dealing with collapse/s steer a safe course by looking where you want to go... and you will go towards safety.

• Sufficient altitude gives you time to think and react appropriately.

Ian Hopcraft. DHPC Safety Officer

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[TVHGC Members] CANP

Thames Valley Hang Gliding Club (TVHGC)
Civil Aircraft Notification Procedure (CANP)
Activity:	Paragliding
Location:	SU362623 Combe Gibbet
Area of operation:	2nm radius	<=1000 feet agl
Date and time flying will start / finish:	16/05/2016	10:00	to 16:00
Expected number of gliders:	>=5
Contact telephone number:	07941084101
Point of contact at TVHGC	comps@tvhgc.co.uk

 

NB.  Fellow TVHGC members:  email address updated, as directed in Skywings May 2016

[TVHGC Members] TVHGC May Newsletter

	TVHGC – Read all about it!
1st May 2016	Volume 1, Number 3
In This Issue ·    The Star Wars Day Club Meeting – Clouds ·    An article for everyone – Getting Back to the Hill featuring Combe Gibbet ·    What you missed last month! ·    A Pilot's Tale from BCC Day	May Club Meeting & Social – the Swan Inn Wednesday May 4th – 8 until 10pm (Star Wars Day) Following on from some excellent presentations from Marc Asquith and Nancy and Carlo, this month's plan is to have something aimed at learning and discussion. The plan is for a kind of 'round table' session, giving everyone the opportunity to discuss several key topics.   The main topic will be the sky in which we play, with a focus on understanding clouds. For this session we'll be joined by Chris Pittaway, a veteran military and GA pilot, who writes part of the CAA examination. He will kick off with a brief presentation before we settle into the Q&A.   If time allows, we'll also touch on thermal sources and triggers and goal setting.   In light of some rather prickly weather of late this promises to be a great opportunity gain some insight and know what signs to look for, whether it be to maximize the day or decide to stay on the ground!   Come along – All are welcome! Getting Back to the Hill – Combe Gibbet (CG)   Going XC is challenging, but sometimes the worry about how to get back can often be the deterrent that stops us taking those first steps. As promised, we're starting our 'Getting back to the hill' article with Combe Gibbet, probably one of the best flying sites in southern England. Our site at Gallows Down, just outside Inkpen, has a grisly past captured in the 1940's film 'The Black Legend' that tells the tale of how George Broomham & Dorothy Newham, the only two people executed on Combe, had themselves been found guilty of the murder of George's wife and son. But enough of that. More recently CG has recently seen several good days, and a few late evenings for those lucky enough to get away. Here are a few tips you can ponder before you 'up, up and away!'   Decide on a destination before take-off - Sharing your destination and the possibility of flying with others can significantly reduce the level of stress felt before going XC. This also allows you to position retrieve vehicles, or decide on the nearest station. As an added bonus to helps when checking maps and airspace. Four Marks, Petersfield and Whitchurch are popular destinations!   Identify buses, trains, taxis - Store key numbers. If you make it to Andover bear in mind that taxis from Andover stn will usually be around £25 (£2 per mile at 13 miles). Not too bad when shared with 2 or 3 others. If you go further it's worth buying a rail card (about £30). You save a 1/3 of your rail fares so worth considering. Although stations such as Kintbury may be closer to the hill, it's often more difficult to get a taxi, and this may mean higher charges.   Join the local retrieve group – XC Retrieve, Telegram or even Facebook are great ways to link up with others who may be close to you after a XC. This will also alert others of your location should you need advice on getting back.   Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking is a legitimate form of transport within the UK, but only on highways where pedestrians are allowed. This is not an option for everyone as there are concerns for both driver and hitcher alike with regard to safety. For those willing to give it a go a tip would be to have a placard / notice stating you are a pilot or indicating your destination. Be prepared for a long wait as few drivers are willing to take the risk. Last Month's Presentation - Nancy & Carlo For those of you who were unable to attend the talk by Nancy and Carlo, the 2015 XC league men's and lady's champion, here are some of the highlights: •      Commentary from Nancy and Carlo on how they enjoyed their flying and happen to come top of the XC League (Nancy on an EN B, and Carlo on an EN C) •      Tips on equipment, planning, goal setting •      Q&A analysis of key flights •      As well as some amazing photos!   Their achievement can not, and should not be underestimated. They were both top in a year that saw the most number of pilots enter flights (310), with the highest number of flights (2116), covering the greatest distance in any one season since records began (100,015km).   Those of us that were there enjoyed a great evening!   Tales from Sunday 17th April – BCC Day (Picture courtesy Alex Jovy) Following on from the above article, 'CG – Getting Back to the Hill', a tale of one flight from Combe on that extraordinary day. The history books will record the day as being the second biggest day in terms of league points scored, and even made the top 10 in terms of flights. (The editor's story – Mine!) The day on Combe was exactly as forecast with light NW and clear blue sky. The fact it was very cold is probably worth mentioning! Everything was set; 5 star RASP, BCC on Combe, and clouds popping by 10am. As the cycles started to come through the mass squadrons built quickly, but good climbs were limited. Kirsty was the early star, weaving her way through the crowd, and already at base and on the first leg of her triangle whilst most of us struggled. Hats off to the return of the sky goddess! Large gaggles started leaving around 11 ish. I managed to hold on to a slow climb out with an Omega XA and a few others. As we moved toward Andover, we hooked up with a lime green Gin and a white and green Rise, staying together using climbs of between 3 and 5mps until we reached Popham. After one more climb together we split up. As I approached Petersfield, the situation changed from clouds being far apart to very large areas of shade. For a while it looked like 'Last stop Petersfield', but as I crept over the ridge just before the town, I hit a 3 up which eventually got me to just over 3, 500ft. Pushing south to avoid airspace as it was too risky to go under, the lack of opportunity over shady ground meant it was a slow, but uninterrupted glide down to Cocking.

 

 

[TVHGC Members] Club Meeting Wednesday 4th May

May Club Meeting & Social – the Swan Inn, Inkpen

Wednesday May 4th – 8 until 10pm (Star Wars Day)

Following on from some excellent presentations from Marc Asquith and Nancy and Carlo, this month's plan is to have something aimed at learning and discussion. The plan is for a kind of 'round table' session, giving everyone the opportunity to discuss several key topics.

The main topic will be the sky in which we play, with a focus on understanding clouds. For this session we'll be joined by Chris Pittaway, a veteran military and GA pilot, who writes part of the CAA examination and knows a thing or two about clouds! He will kick off with a brief presentation before we settle into the Q&A.

If time allows, we'll also touch on thermal sources and triggers and goal setting.

In light of some rather prickly weather of late this promises to be a great opportunity gain some insight and reflect on what signs to look for, whether it be to maximize the day or decide to stay on the ground!

Come along - all are welcome!

Mike B
TVHGC Social Secretary

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