Mustangs Sat. Afternnon

Gunter · Post by **Gunter** » Sat Oct 23, 2004 7:48 am

Meeting Allen and Fred in the LZ at the Mustangs around 1:30 pm. Winds in the Sonoita Valley are projected out of the SW/WSW at 9-10 mph. (Sunday projections are aliitle bit stronger). Could be good.
Gunter

Ray-Sherry · Post by **Ray-Sherry** » Sat Oct 23, 2004 10:52 am

Looks like we'll be joining you today...even if it's just a watch and listen day.

See you at the LZ at 1:30. I'll call for better directions.

ray-sherry · Post by **ray-sherry** » Sat Oct 23, 2004 10:16 pm

Thanks again Gunter and Fred

We had a great time and learned a bunch...maybe next time the winds will be a little more cooperative for us newbies.

Allan · Post by **Allan** » Sun Oct 24, 2004 7:51 am

Just to give a little flying (observation) report on Saturday at Mustang. When we arrived at the LZ winds were right out of the south or even SE at 90 degrees cross, but we all hiked up any way. Soon after we arrived at launch it was straight in but honkin with Gunther's meter reporting gusts to 18 (?). Gunter was the only pilot willing to launch at first and he went straight up, reporting not too bumpy air and maintaining a hundred or more above launch most of the time. Soon the gustiness mellowed out slightly and Fred took off. Both of them boated around far in front and above the ridge for quite some time, at least one of them getting 1000 over I believe. Gunter was flying at least an hour and Fred nearly 2 hours till sunset. Sherry, Ray, and I played it safe and hiked down, as the winds at launch continued be quite strong until well after the time we would need to hike down before dark. Next time I'll bring a flashlight like Sherry and Ray did, as the wind died way down as we were hiking down and there was probably a mellow few minutes for a sled ride.

A special thanks to Fred and Gunter for generously imparting their wisdom to us "newbies".

Scott · Post by **Scott** » Sun Oct 24, 2004 8:20 am

Wow. Wisdom, prudence, good judgement. You guys are in the wrong sport.

Good call you guys. I'm impressed.

Gunter · Post by **Gunter** » Sun Oct 24, 2004 9:56 pm

Allen,
Thanks for the update. Sorry you didn't get to fly. Maybe next time. Keep looking at the message board. I fly frequently during the week and week ends, depending on weather. I usually post when I am considering going flying. Call me when you have a day off. As you mentioned, I do think you and Ray and Sherry could have launched for a sled ride just before sunset on Sat. But the correct thing to do is walk down and fly another day if you didn't feel comfortable in launching.
Till next time
Gunter

morey · Post by **morey** » Mon Oct 25, 2004 8:25 am

Flying right before sunset is often very nice. But, before you do...
understand Catabatic Flow.

Typically, late in the day, wind will still be coming in briskly on launch, while the cool air of the evening is moving in the opposite direction down the mountain. Wind in the LZ may be 180degrees from what you expect it to be, and there's generally a small turbulence layer 100-250 ft above the ground where the wind swaps direction.

Mustangs Sat. Afternnon

Saturday conditions and a Big Thanks!

Kudos