Another fairly "extreme" day in terms of wave lift. There was an unstable westerly airflow with perhaps a couple of weak fronts that flicked past during the day. Needless to say the conditions changed rapidly. We started early (for us!) because the AGM and dinner was on in the evening. John and Dan (friend of Wills) were first away in JW. The wind on the ground was picking up but the tow was pretty good and they released in smooth lift at about 4000'.
They were followed by Phil and Pete but by then the wind had got up further and the lift disappeared and both landed back after a struggle.
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| Waikaia Valley Southland from great heights |
It was 50kts up top was John reckons he spent half the flight with the airbrakes out trying to keep below FL130! They flew down the Waikaia a wee way and generally did flight training and sight-seeing for the 2 hour flight. Luckily by the time they landed the wind on the ground had moderated considerably.
Thanks again to Russell for more aerotowing in the rough, and to the other helpers on the day.
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