Generating my own wind

Managed to sign off forward launches from my remaining CP tasks today.

It had been misty on and off all day with next to no wind. I got a phone call late in the afternoon from my instructor asking if I fancied going out and running really fast with a wing behind me. Being a glutton for punishment I leapt at the chance to push along my training a bit.

At 300 feet tall these can be quite scary up close.

When we arrived at Big Collin most of the wind turbines on the west side of the hill were in mist. As it was a westerly wind we drove past some of the intimidating machines and walked some of the way up the gently sloping west side of the hill. The plan was to practice (and hopefully sign off) my forward launches. This requires me to get the wing laid out facing into what little wind there was (really only a few mph at most) then strapping in, facing into wind with the controls and the 'A' risers in my hands and running as fast as I can while guiding the canopy into position above my head.

I have done forward launches before but only a few, all of which hadn't given me too much trouble. I am pleased to say I managed 5 perfect (my instructors words not mine) forward launches. Although this sort of training is not all that exciting as you hardly leave the ground (see video) it is all good practice and I quite enjoyed myself doing it. Time spent practising is never wasted.

Roll on the better weather to finish of my remaining CP tasks which are:

• 2 more Top landings
• 2 more Slope/crosswind landings
• Flying with others 
• Having a good attitude to flying

Of course I need to complete these tasks to the instructors satisfaction, hopefully all in the same day.