Skyline Wave Soaring (part 1 of 2)

Unedited video from GoPro HD camera mounted to my instructor's head.

Training flight on 9 January 2010 at Skyline Soaring Club in Front Royal, VA.

Tow to 4,100 feet MSL, and climbing in wave to 12,500 feet before a long spiral descent to 3,000 feet, pattern entry, and landing.

Student pilot Robb Hohmann in the front seat, instructor and resident curmudgeon Jim Kellet in the rear.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Skyline
• Soaring
• Club
• Wave
• ASK-21
• Glider
• Sailplane
• KFRR
• Front
• Royal
• VA
• GoPro
• HD

[n7ton]

Robb,

Great video(s)! If you don't mind me asking, how many flights do you have under your belt? I ask because I am hearing the same critique about my towing abilities and my keeping on course and keeping my wings level.

However, I have not yet fully done a landing like you. I'm sure you're further along than I am. Furthermore, I fly in western Washington and there is no wave lift & the weather has been only allowing me to fly once a month on average... I'm jealous!

[therobbstory]

@n7ton This was my 23rd training flight since I began in mid-October. Towing for me was a critical issue until I spent a couple hours flying a computer simulator at an instructor's house (the guy who left the other comment on this video). That evening, something 'clicked' in my brain and now I can't remember the last time an instructor touched the controls on tow.

This video isn't one of my better aerotows. There was some turbulence and I wasn't 100% focused.

Good luck in your training!

[cr4shish]

how u feel? i think u feel to nice

[Polibmi]

No way! :D you were doing ridge flying during your 23rd flight... I have 2 training flights more and all I do is practicing circuits! :D dammit! :D

[KELLETTJAMES]

@pietbarber I'm 6', but the camera is ca. 7 cm north of my eyes. This was my second experiment with the angle - the first one was WAY too high - the camera never showed the panel when I glanced at it. This time I tried to tip the camera down to center what I see with my eyes, but I could probably improve that.

[n7ton]

@therobbstory Well, I just finished my 12th this weekend. Towing is still an issue with me. One flight I'll have a pretty good tow. The next flight, I am a complete spaz. However, I'm told that it will "click" with me in the future. I'm too hooked in this hobby to give up! Anyhow, I'm still jealous that you have some decent wave in your neck of the woods. Good luck with the rest of your pursuit in getting your licence!

[pietbarber]

Dang, curmudgeon, you're tall! My viewpoint never sees the towplane at the top of the arc of the canopy frame. Is the camera on the top of your hat, or lined up with your eye view?

It seems that the camera's focal length is different than the human eye. When I'm instructing, I can consistently see both wings emerging from both of the student's ears. Maybe the tow rope is longer this year than last year. :)

Boy that orange flight suit really reflects on the canopy!