Wednesday started out bad, Mark---a P2 student and I observed west winds from the lower launch. After explaining t0 him the hazards of attempting a flight, we walked down and sulked. West winds had not been part of the forecast for today. I went home to fix Randy's harness and eat lunch.
Niels came by to buy some books with the intention to fly. I told him about our earlier decent and warned him about west winds. As Niel's is a new P3 student I felt obligated to go with him to the hill and observe conditions. As we hiked up I pointed out every gust of west wind but the flow had reversed and was coming now from the east. I quized Niels on what he would do in flight if the winds reversed and I checked my Iphone for any sign of west winds: none.
Since it was 2:00 PM and midday thermals present, I warned him that it could be very active flying and suggested that I go first and then report back to him. In just 3 or 4 180's in front of launch I climbed 500' above launch and reported to him that I was experienced 600'/min lift. I suggested he wait for conditions to mellow.
Once Niels launched we flew around together discussing conditions over our radios. I warned him to stay well in front of the rotor behind the hill. If you do not have a push to talk system, let me suggest one. After I while I saw Niels heading towards Lyons and I excitedly followed him---that was my day's plan and to do it with a student would be more fun.
I hovered over Niels as he flew north suggesting a flight path. After a few miles, I saw Niels getting low so I flew above him and watched him land safely. I considered landing with him but I then though about the practical----how would we get back to our cars? I turned back south and headed to our cars. I was so high and lift so abundant that I had to pull big ears to land. I stuffed my wind in the truck and drove off to pickup Niels---what service I offer in my P3 program! I will add in XC flight retrieval part soon! Next month's Tow XC Clinic is included in the P3 program.

By Granger Banks