News

Bob Hey's Happy Mail

On August 15, 2007 we had a youth member in the Sylacauga Soaring Society make a flight that may qualify for a state record. Eric Hey (21 years old) launched off the Merkel Airfield in a LP-15 Laister Nugget. He released from tow at 3'300' agl and thermaled to over 10,000' agl. The flight was recorded on a calibrated barograph and the trace shows the release and max altitude. We figure he had at least a 7,100' gain with his 10,100' agl flight. The previous record in the YOUTH category was Ira Phillips on Feb. 21, 1998. His absolute Altitude was 7,128 ft and Altitude Gain was 5,124 ft in the Standard Class.

1-12-08

We were able to get in a few flights on Saturday afternoon.

First up was Tim - providing a DEMO flight for Rebecca Allen from Rockford, AL. They made about a 20 minute flight in the L-13. Paul Golden flew the L-13 with myself in the back seat for about a 20 minute flight. Hal Brock and Ken Allen did two flights in the L-13.

Mack Clayton was set to go up in his L-33, however a flat tire in the Pawnee tailwheel delayed his possible tow and it was too late in the afternoon by the time we had the wheel fixed.

Thanks to Eric for providing the tows during the afternoon.

A few of us will be at Sylacauga on Sunday, if you wish to fly I recommend that you call 205-807-666 first, before you drive out to get flight conditions.

This next weekend we are planning our FIRST Safari. There is an interest in taking the SSS equipment off to Ashville for the afternoon. A couple of us want to explare the Mt. Cheaha area for possible wave.

Other news: Steve Bair and Steve Wallace make a recon flight in the Cessna. They are plotting possible landing site's surrounding the Sylacauga area for future XC flights.

Bob

12-29-07

Great afternoon at Sylacauga! Hal Brock made a few flights in the L-13 with Lloyd Probst. Hal was signed off by Lloyd to take his CFIG flight with Billy Singleton in the near future. Hal also knocked out all his required flights in the Pawnee and is now an official Tow Pilot for the SSS. Job well done - Hal!

Steve Wallace flew the L-13 and also helped with the tows. Mack Clayton was at the flield and helped with the launches.

Jeff with J.M. Video Productions spent the afternoon filming some video shots. We got airborne in the L-13 for some air to air video. Jeff is interested in helping us put together a training video later in the new year. We need to put our ideas on paper - sort of a story board - Jeff will film and edit the production. I need your idea's to do it right. You can see some of Jeff's work on: www.shootfirstvideo.com

There is a short video on the SSS on his web site.

If the weather is any good on Sunday we will be flying - call me first before you make the drive to Sylacauga for last minute updates.

Everyone - please have a safe and Happy New Year!

Bob