How close is too close

Post by **colin keightley** » Mon Jun 16, 2014 9:23 pm

Just like most of the NHPC I was at model on Sunday but whilst everyone else was toddling off down the ridge i couldnt get away from takeoff, ive since found out im 6kg all up over the max of my glider.

Being stuck on the ridge i had to put up with the bloody models, i nearly went and had a word but wasnt sure if i was being too picky, so how close is too close

The first 2 pictures he was head on with me

Heres a video

http://www.aviabird.net/public/videos/models.wmv

brian day · Post by **brian day** » Tue Jun 17, 2014 8:59 am

The problem is, as a model flyer you have very blinkered vision, concentrating only on your bit of airspace, controlling your model and setting up for the next manoeuvre. Flying combat with them is extremely difficult, as at times you have to take your eye off your glider to see where the opponent is, then to look back and find yours in a very big sky!
Personally I think they were being pretty considerate and staying out of the sky for large amounts of time. They won't intentionally come any where near you, which isn't surprising when you think those models they were flying are worth well more than your paragliding kit and capable of travelling at speeds approaching 100mph.
I know an ex hang glider pilot who has recorded close to 200mph with his own design and built glider.

ron freeman · Post by **ron freeman** » Tue Jun 17, 2014 3:23 pm

North Yorks have a protocol and agreement with the model flyers and it seems to work well, I too fly models and going off Colins picture Colin is on the left of the ridge and the model flyers should be on the right ? or has this changed.

I have always gone over to the model flyers and introduced myself and pointed out that I will probably be flying over to Cringle so they can do there best to avoid.

Plenty of room up there with good communication.

Colin, quite a few times in the past when flying over to Cringle in weak lift I had landed on the path halfway up Cringle and walk around and took off again no problem, the Brucie bonus is.. no more models

Post by **colin keightley** » Tue Jun 17, 2014 8:10 pm

I wasn't even high enough to make the path ron

RonDon · Post by **RonDon** » Tue Jun 17, 2014 10:29 pm

Now theres a funny thing,Ron/F, I was down at Model today, lift all over. So before i took off I went across to speak to the modelers. Who were park in the middle of take off. and said Back when I was sites officer a long--long time ago we had agreement that they stayed to the,East ,looking north we to the west, there was lots of them about, they come from three different clubs, they all agreed to move over to the east, and did so.

I hope I have not stood on the toes of the current site officer, John Lewis who I might add,from all about think,John is doing a sterling job as site officer

PS. The Modelers I spoke to a long--long time ago, are now flying with there, Models. Along side,
Jonathan Livingston Seagull. It can not get better than that.