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Flying the Gyrn Tuesday 18th July 2006
Posted by Andrew Donnison at 2006-07-18 21:21

Went to the Gyrn this afternoon to find it 14Mph and almost smack on the hill, it was moving a little East every now and then. I flew for ten minutes and found it very thermic with 4m/s ups and bigger downs! It was quite bouncy in places with lots of areas in total sink, I suspect this was due to the hint of East. I top landed and sat it out as it started to pick up to 20+. Clive and Jamie from the NW Club joined us. Clive and I flew for about 20 mins when the wind direction turned pure east. Clive’s wing decided to treat him to a 60% collapse at which point we both decided to land. Clive slope landed and I went to the bottom. Two pilots were walking up the face to take off as I was heading for the landing field. Landing was exciting as it had started to blow at 15+ in the field as I landed in an easterly direction.

Three HG’s launched from the very top, two climbed out to 6,500 ato and headed of to Snowdon! The third bombed out in a field and had to go and retrieve them!

Pete Cook arrived just as I landed and realised it was east and decided not to go to take off but home instead. I said it had gone east and quite rough in places. Chris from Chester also joined us.

Went back up to launch to meet two pilots from Finland working over here and flying when they can. This was there first trip to the Gyrn. At 16:00 the wind came back on the hill, dropped to 15 Mph and he launched in to a perfect thermal and climbed out to 1000’ ato. After 30 minutes in the air he top landed next to his mate who was about to launch. They both launched and went straight to the bottom!

Chris and I launched almost together, I went to the bowl and worked my way up to about 600’ ato with Chris almost making it but opting to head to the landing field. You made the correct decision Chris, if you are not comfortable hugging the hillside to scratch your way to the top, always take the safe option by flying out and down. I noticed you still had some good height over the landing field.

I flew for 40 minutes in smooth air before it dropped off to nothing at 6pm and top landed and went home. Not a bad days flying really considering the high pressure system we are in.

No photos today but there will be a video of the final flight soon.

Fly Safe

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