March 9 at Seminole – A Nugget’s View of the Seniors

Today, Frank did not fly, opting instead to help another glider pilot solve a computer problem.  He is also still trying to find the answer to his electrical problem in his micro Castle.  That meant that I had to fend for myself in the skies over central Florida.

The XC skies forecast for the area was not exciting and there was a rain shower just before midday.  Wolf Elber, a fellow club member and friend helped me assemble and after we had lunch, launch “BZ”.  I towed up to 2500 ft, remembering my earlier flight when I got shot down because I did not connect with a thermal.  Today, I found a fair one and climbed to what was just 500 feet below cloud base at 3500 ft.

There were many towering cu about the area and as the day progressed got slightly higher to about 5000 ft in places.  My goal was to practice finding and climbing in weak thermals.  (remember yesterday I landed out because I could not again connect with a viable thermal.  Over the course of the next 2 and half hours, I explored clouds of various character, trying to gain a better working knowledge of what a good thermal looks like and where it might be hiding under a fairly large cloud.

I also managed to cover about 130 miles.  I had one really long run of about 22 miles without stopping for a thermal.  I was pleased with the flight, since I accomplished what I intended for the flight.  The flight was cut short because the weather began to close in and I opted to land before the rain.  Wolf and I made it to the clubhouse at Seminole Lake just before the rain began.  I am glad I came to fly in the Seniors; the veterans of this event continue to help this Nugget grasp some of the finer points of soaring and flying cross country.

If you come to the point where you are looking for more from the sport, give some serious thought of entering a nearby regional.  I believe that you will find a new dimension of this sport and will be challenged to acquire new skills and improve some of your techniques.

BZ