I knew the conditions were not ideal, but I was running out of time to get this done.  We sent up a helium balloon to test the winds and we could see that the upper winds starting at 500 feet were really strong.  The balloon was bouncing  around a lot showing us how turbulent it was.  The flight turned out to be the scariest flight I have ever had.  In all my years of flying, I have never flown in conditions so rough.  At times my ground speed was up to 110 km/hr, that is crazy fast!  The wing was all over the place.  It was very difficult to keep the glider under control due to the turbulence.  This flight is a true testament to how rock solid and stable reflex wings really are.  I would never want to fly these conditions on any other wing.  I flew the entire way on full speed bar with the trims all the way out and never a hint of a collapse.

I guess now it’s back to filling out more paperwork.  Thank again to Dennis Chapman, my official observer.  And thank-you to all of my sponsors.

Nirvana Paramotors

Dudek Paragliders

Jim Doyle, Pulse Star Spark Plugs

FlyStyle

Flymaster