Flight Logs

Ireland’s First 500km Flight by Kevin Houlihan

My mother always claims that June 22nd is really the longest day. It certainly was for her in 1954 because on that day in that year I, her firstborn, arrived. I’m not sure if she has recovered yet. June 22nd this year was, for me, the longest day ever – in a glider.  I pedaled…

1-26 Championships Wrap-Up

No update for a few days, I know. I hate it when that happens, so here is the rest of the story. Thursday was, I think, the 5th attempt at Day 2. The morning meeting wasn’t very optimistic on the weather and Hutch called a 12:30 grid time. We decided to squeeze the annual 1-26…

It’s hard to say “no”

I confess that I am experiencing a new feeling: I tend to be stubborn. Yes, I am willful and I want to reach my goal; especially, when it is so close!  I’m also a real perfectionist, but not always in a positive way. I wanted to do my stuff again; however, I didn’t know that I shouldn’t have sat in…

My first solo — I’m stoked! [HD Video]

Cockpit set. Thumbs up. The super cub starts revving its engine. The slow start of the spinning wheel directly under me vibrates the entire cockpit as our beautiful club starts speeding past me. I only need a gentle touch and I am airborne, waiting for the tug to lift off as well. The rest is…

Is it impossible to fly 3 hours?

Is it impossible to fly 3 hours?  The diaries of a beginner woman pilot – mistakes and memories. I started soaring in 2013 and had my first solo in June. Looking back to this period in my life I was so happy that I reached my goal: I can fly a glider. Wow. But what…

My Most Memorable Flight

Memorable flights come in many packages. Some are memorable because they broke a record, others for beautiful scenery, still others were challenging due to the weather or interesting circumstances. By comparison, mine is memorable in spite of the usual criteria. It was not particularly fast, nor high, nor even unusually long. I can’t claim the typical…

DeQuincy

On April 8th I had another incredible downwind dash starting in Wellington, KS. On April 2nd I had noticed on the long term prognosis charts that the 8th had potential to be a good soaring day in the Midwest.

Updates on 4 May Payne-Tito Wave Flight

Jim and Dennis launched at sunrise from Minden. I’m in KY on a family visit, sorry for the delay. They have over 500 km with a long run between Hurlong and Lone Pine thus far. I will be blogging on the Soaring Café site for the rest of the day.