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TOPIC: Ahh.... thermals

Ahh.... thermals 10 years 8 months ago #87

  • GREG DOUGLAS
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Hi everyone. I got started in RC soaring in 1979. My brother and I really got into it, we joined the Rocky Mountain Soaring Ass'n in the Denver area, and flew all the monthly contests, rain or shine. Or, wind or snow (more likely). We even traveled S. to Colorado Spgs for a few of their contests.

I joined the LSF in 1981 or thereabouts. Because of all the monthly competitions, I completed Lev. I, II, and III fairly quickly. I completed all of the Level IV tasks, incl. the 2km goal and return, and the competition requirements. except the two 1-hour thermal flights. Although there were a few adequate slopes in the area, but they weren't usually flyable due to the prevailing winds.

Fast forward to 1985. Life happened. I got completely out of RC soaring, as regular chores and work got in the way.
Fast forward to 2005, 20 yrs since I had last flown anything. While perusing the LHS, I decided to buy a Hangar 9 Aspire EP. 2meter. It had an actual MOTOR in the nose!!! No more laying out winch lines or using an anemic high-start. I mounted a digital camera on the sailplane, and started getting into aerial photograpy. The LSF was no longer on my 'to-do' list, but I did think about it occasionally.

Fast forward to 2012. While sorting through a box of stuff in the basement, I found my LSF Level IV voucher. Hmmm... all complete except for those two 1 hr. thermals. I contacted the LSF to see if my membership from 30 yrs. ago was still valid. Lo and behold - It was!

So now, I've built a pure glider, built a high start, and am ready to go out and get those two 1 hr. thermals. Now living in NW Montana, the flying season is MUCH shorter than the front range of Colorado. Hopefully, I'll be able to bag them both this summer to finally attain Level IV. After that? Who knows. I just might start practicing for that 8 hr. Level V slope flight.
In the meantime, I'm enjoying soaring again, in its purest form, no electricity required (for launch).

Greg Douglas. LSF III, 4158.
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