Southern California Soaring Academy

At last, this is the week we’re finally going to see summer-like thermal conditions here in the high desert, with warming temps providing stronger lift to higher altitudes each day right on through the weedend.   And with light winds throughout, we can expect strengthening shearlines as well - even more so if a south wind picks up during late afternoon…

First, congratulations to Jim Lewis for getting his glider instructor rating this past Sunday (now the learning really begins)!   Meanwhile, Dennis Tito and Jim Payne have been logging mega miles back and forth along the big wave from our coastal mountains – when they’re not doing the same in the Sierra wave (nearly 7,000 kilometers in 5 flights).  Don’t tell anyone, but in strong west winds both waves often flow simultaneously.  Imagine connecting them and grabbing even more miles with half as many turnpoints…

It’s the time of year when you can expect thermal soaring every day at Crystal, unless it’s too windy (and if it is windy there’ll be more wave).   In fact, last week we had examples of both during the same day .  And now, as each day grows warmer our shearlines will begin to grow and gain force as well.

Last Saturday, Kevin Mather passed his private glider flight test using the hand rudder control in one of our new ASK-21s.   Kevin will be among several of our people at the Abilities Expo this weekend, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.   They’ll be in booth 359 (conveniently near the concessions facility), and easy enough to find – just look for the Blanik on static display…