Shane,

I'd like to go.

I'm torn between Miller and Box because the winds-aloft forecast at http://adds.aviationweather.noaa.gov/winds/ has it north-ish 10-15 at 6000 feet all day tomorrow, and stronger northwest at 9000 feet. I'd like to take another look at the forecast this evening and see what they're guessing at that time.

John

Shane,
I plan on flying on Sat.
Miller looks good, leave my place at 0800. A couple of other students will be going with me. They may fly as well.
I may have a couple of seats open, call if you would like a ride.
Meet in the LZ about 0915.

Eric
405-3814

The 9kft forecast is indicating west, but everything below that is E or NE at 9kts. Given the soundings plots for tomorrow, I'm thinking that we're not getting to 9kft tomorrow anyway.

It's a Miller day. It will probably be a challenge to stay in the air very long- but sometimes those days are a lot of fun. We don't need to leave early, as a noon launch time will probably be perfect.

I'm thinking of the PG for me tomorrow, unless the winds aloft get stronger. But, I can attach my HG rack for those mono-wingal folks.

I'm in. See you before 8 AM.

Morey,
Many of us have more than one wing!

The updated winds aloft forecast is looking fairly strong NNW tomorrow above 6,000'. The falcon is loaded on the car but I'm going to check the AM update before making a final flying decision.

Wow,
That's a freaky winds aloft forecast.

Right below launch level, 8kts from the east.
Right above launch level 20kts from the NNW

I guess that we hope that the mountain and thermal activity block the NW wind and we fly in the lee on the east side????

Despite the marginal forecast, a gaggle of pilots met in the Miller LZ (which is looking more and more like it may become a housing development in the not too distant futre) in an attempt to get some winter flight time. Eric came with Rick and Preston. Orrin and Shane came with veteran PG pilot Paul. And John, Randy, Morey and I completed the gathering. On launch the winds were pretty much as forecast - crossed from the NW with some occasional light cycles coming up the north ramp. Shane, Orrin, Eric, John and I elected to set up, while the rest of the contingent decided to monitor the conditions. Eric was off first, test flying his new Condor. He was followed by Shane, Orrin, and me. The flights were mostly extended sled runs with sink off the mountain and just traces of light lift over the foothills and LZ. Shane demonstrated that training hill time can translate into strong takeoff and landing skills, and showed the more experienced pilots how it should be done. The winds on launch subsequently went strong west, and everyone else headed down the hill while Eric, Rick and Preston headed to the Antelope hills to get in some training. Not a spectacular day, but the first southern Arizona flights of the New Year.

Fred,

where are the Antelope hills, I could use a little training time myself.

-Lantta
USHPA# 86150

Here's the training hill for SW, S directions:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&g ... &z=18&om=1

To go with Fred's flight report, I've posted some pictures of the day's flights in the Miller album at http://www.sahga.com/forum/album_cat.php?cat_id=3

Hey john thanks for the picture posts! it was nice to relive the day!