Places to fly

[snoopledorf]

So, we have taken the Zulu out a few times and have had a bunch of fun with it so far

Since we're learning, we've put the Zulu into the ground a few times. The plane has held together pretty well, all things considered. I've lam'd some parts of it that seemed to need some reinforcement. One thing that I haven't been able to bodge back together has been the rear carbon "receiving" spar that the wings slot into, which got torqued broke in a particularly bad crash. Is there a replacement that I could buy and cut? I'm not sure which size would fit best.

Also, what are some good spots and times to go out for flying this thing (if you're willing to share these trade secrets ) ? We've been going out at around 5pm for winds coming from the west at lower Burdell, and that's been pretty good so far.

 

[Wayne]

Yep - Afternoon is typically when the winds pickup. Some folks are out as early as lunch, but I usually try for around 3pm to sunset. This time of year, that gives a lot of time. For sites we have several, but the weather has been a bit off lately. Got to wait for the high pressure weather systems to start heading out on these hot spells. Catch it during a weather change and you will have a lot more wind.

As for sites - Many. I prefer Tic Point, some of the guys flew at Tic Point this last weekend and it sounds like it may have been better than Tic. Typically Tic will be the better of the two. but sometimes Tic has fog, or the wind direction is bad, etc. You just have to learn the sites and know what weather favors what sites. It is part of the challenge of slope.

 

[snoopledorf]

That's good to know re: sites and time.

Any advice regarding the broken wing spar by chance? Right now the solution I'm leaning towards is epoxying one of the strips I bought over it, but that doesn't seem as clean as replacing it with a similar piece.

 

[Wayne]

Can you share a picture of the damage area?

 

[snoopledorf]

Attached are the images.

 

[Wayne]

Ahh, you busted that one.. I think we stock that tube size.. Near the bottom of the list on this page:

Carbon Fiber Tubes One Meter Lengths

Available is a variety of diameters by 1 meter in length.

alofthobbies.com

If you can, bring it by the shop and we can make sure it will fit.

 

[PaulG]

Now that San Geronimo golf course is closed I have been thinking that may be a good place to check out to fly. Maybe the back nine to attract less attention. Anyone have any thoughts or tried it out yet?

 

[Wayne]

I looked it up on google maps, and it looks like it might have some good potential on those hills behind the course if the winds hit it well.

The little slope near my house is right behind an active golf course. Don't see many golders on it once the wind has picked up. But they wouldn't notice me anyhow, just slope gliders and I'm a ways away from them.

When flying a new location always remember that you are the new guy. Be respectful and polite if approached. You are an ambassador to the hobby at that point. I find that people rarely have issues with pure gliders.

 

[snoopledorf]

I'll have to stop by today or next Monday. For now I've been running some tape over it, but it still rotates too freely for my liking and I don't think I'll fly it like this.