Groundhog Day

I took my second lesson today, in windier conditions. We flew in the boundary air a bit, 10mph winds from north and south meeting near the airfield. Robert said that this was great training, as I didn't seem to have too much trouble controlling the ultralight. I certainly dig it.

It feels not unlike riding an upsidedown mountain bike. The ground feel is from above, as the wing catchs the air. Instead of just swinging your body and bike around the point of friction and center of gravity, I swing two bodies and a lawnmower engine relative to the wing. It feels like mountain biking, you let go and let it steer and just correct it before you lose control too long.

Robert, my instructor never seems concerned, and this disarms any fears I generate on reflecting on the dangers. After a handful of touchdowns, we returned to play around in the air. Flying doesn't feel dangerous. Moreso I get frustrated at being pushed around by unexpected wind. I practice relaxing, and quick consistent handling. It's wild fun to ride on the wind.

Still, near the end of the lesson, while looking at the wing, we went through some turbulence and I got airsick. I had to end the lesson 10 minutes early, or I woulda tossed my cookies up there. While I saw less terrain this time, I was certainly flying more, feeling strong winds from random directions, touching down a number of times, and actually flying the thing nearly the whole time. While I keep thinking of it being akin to mountain biking, it's very different to take your self and vehicle in any direction, immersed in the wind.

First Flight

Pics of tour of Peloncillo Mountains, Rodeo Valley, and Chiricahuas, Portal, and Cave Creek. Robert Combs teaching me expertly. In and out of Sky Gypsy field. Wonderful.