March 5 at Seminole – A Nugget’s View of the Seniors

Today turned out as forecast, light winds, fair to good lift and NO clouds… er shall I say BLUE?  I set up a modest task for myself that took me south toward Lakeland.  Aptly named I might add but then lakes are as plentiful as gliders during a national contest.  I did some experimenting with my PDA and Glide Navigator II and found that I did not know everything that I needed to.  Even though I had practiced using the TAT feature, I was confused on just how “moving the turn point” was indicated and just when the steering would shift to the next turn point.  Lesson, be sure you know how to operate your software AND practice with it.

My purpose for the flight was to acquaint myself with the area around Seminole Lake.  After Lakeland, I turned north toward Tilden Grove, which is near Disney World.  My next TP was called Tex Merritt.  After TM, I ventured out into an area west of Seminole called “Green Swamp”.  Another aptly named area and I got just what I expected SINK.  I saw a small grass fire and headed toward it hoping for some lift.  I climbed but not as much as I expected.  Later I talked with Frank Paynter and he said that one should SEE the flames from a distance to count on much lift from a ground fire; but if the fire is “good” the lift will be strong.

All said, it was a good introduction to flying in central Florida.  Four hours of fun;  I will take it every day I can.

John
BZ