No News is...

Well, between work, family, and practicing kiting my wing, I haven't had time to update the Blog.
There's been a lot of activity at Old Settler's Park. It's that time of year where the wind seems to always be there, but the guys have squeezed in a few flights, even if some of them were bumpy.

As for me, I'm getting closer. I have Tim to thank for helping me with my kiting. I've been getting out there every time I have a spare moment. My next step is kiting with the motor on my back and then I'm ready for the final training. I can't wait!!

Chris from Southern Skies came for a visit and impressed me with his skills.





Terry flying 'till the sun went down.



Brian after a windy flight.


Bruce



Jim "The King"

Alt was getting tossed around. Funny part was I thought he was goofing off!

Old Settler's Park

We had a good turnout on Sunday at the park. Alt, Brian, Jim, Terry and Bruce in a PPC were all flying. I only got a few pics and I've added a few from other days also.

Brian following the contrails.

Terry's wing evaporating.

Jim coming in for a landing.

Brian up close.

Brian doing spirals.

Brian's wing collapsing during a spiral.

Brian at sunset on Sunday.

Bruce flying is PPC.

Alt

Tim kiting behind my friend Jack's bike.

Brian

Alt

Terry coming back to land.

Low flying FedEx jet over the park. Keep your eyes open when you're up high!

Saturday at Bill's

Chris and I got up early Saturday and headed to Bill's place in Buda to meet him and Chip. We knew the winds would pick up later in the day, so we got an early start. We got in about an hour before it got bumpy, but that gave us time to get out my wing and practice kiting before it got too windy. It was a good, if not tiring, day!

Bill got off the ground first.



Bill posing for a shot with the sun!


Chip flying next to Chris and me.


Chip's still learning to fly and was having trouble keeping upright. I have faith he'll get it soon!!!












Some locals.


Chris's shadow.


Chris and Bill



Chip coming in close.




My parachute and Bill, Chip and Chris.



Chip, Bill, and Chris



Chris trying a forward launch.


Chip

No Flying for Me

I haven't had a chance to fly lately. I've been watching everyone else though! I'm selling my plane, should have it inspected and completely LSA legal in the next two weeks. For now, here's some photos I've taken recently.

Chris and the giant barbed-wire.

Hubert and Chris in formation.

Tim kiting his wing.

Tim kiting his other wing. My friend Jack's bike. My shadow.

A couple of pics of Tim flying off into the sunset.

FAR 103 Rant

I haven't had much of a chance to fly lately, hoping for a chance this weekend. I've finally got my plane registered and now I only have to get it inspected to be LSA compliant.

When checking out my competition, I've noticed a lot of people trying to mislead their buyers by saying their plane is an Ultralight. It's frustrating when your competitors lie, but that's not the worst part of it. If you buy a plane that's not registered by Jan 31, 2008, it can't be registered as a Light Sport Aircraft.

Some of these planes listed as ultralights are way too heavy, way too fast or even have more than 5 gallon gas tanks. Someone new to aviation might think it's legal to fly these planes without a license, only to face stiff fines.

I've also heard people talk about how they can cover up what's wrong with their planes to sell them. I'm not the nicest guy, but I don't want to kill someone either. How can your concience let you sell someone something that can cause their death.... Aviation used to be filled with good, honest people, and it still may be, but deadlines seem to make the crap float to the top.

That's my rant for today.... here's a general idea of part 103:

If powered:
(1) Weighs less than 254 pounds empty weight, excluding floats and safety devices which are intended for deployment in a potentially catastrophic situation;
(2) Has a fuel capacity not exceeding 5 U.S. gallons;
(3) Is not capable of more than 55 knots calibrated airspeed at full power in level flight; and (4) Has a power-off stall speed which does not exceed 24 knots calibrated airspeed.