Pacoima Dam - Landing Video

JD · Post by JD » Sun Dec 07, 2008 7:19 am

This is a cross post for anyone interested in watching a live landing at the base of the dam. More details here, if interested: http://www.shga.com/forum/phpBB2/viewto ... c&start=22

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZEtPm2oTP0[/youtube] Use the Link to open the video in another window and select High Quality for a clearer version.

Cheers, Jonathan

stebbins · Post by **stebbins** » Sun Dec 07, 2008 2:31 pm

Thanks for the post. I'm not sure I'd land a topless glider in there any more, with the obstructions, but a Falcon should be straightforward.

By the way, Hungary Joe told me that a right hand approach is much better there. I'm inclined to agree. (I've landed there at least 5 times over the years, and perhaps as many as ten. And done it in gliders from a Falcon to a Ram-Air.) In any case, IF you make a right-hand approach, be very careful about the wires. (Less of an issue in a Falcon, because you'll be going downwind higher than if you were flying an intermediate glider. Still, I prefer to be away from the lines instead of right up against them.

Thanks again for the video.

JD · Post by JD » Sun Dec 07, 2008 3:18 pm

stebbins wrote:Thanks for the post. I'm not sure I'd land a topless glider in there any more, with the obstructions, but a Falcon should be straightforward.

By the way, Hungary Joe told me that a right hand approach is much better there. I'm inclined to agree..............

Hi George - I am inclined to agree with the right-hand approach for a faster glider than a Falcon. There's less chance of hitting a wire, pole, tree or canyon wall on downwind leg. It didn't come out on the sound track but I was openly debating whether to land left or right and made my choice during my last revolution during setup. Here are two heavily cropped pictures I took of the dam LZ from over Towers. You can see Ken's Falcon both set up and broken down some ten minutes later. If anyone want to mark up these photos, be my guest. Cheers, Jonathan

stebbins · Post by **stebbins** » Mon Dec 08, 2008 12:44 pm

Ah. All I could hear on the video was the "I'm inclined to do a left hand approach" or words to that effect. The rest of it was lost in the wind noise.

Personally, if there is no reason to land left or right, I try and remember (not always successfully) to do a right hand approach. We get lots of left hand practice at Kagel and Crestline, so any chance to do the other is good. On the other hand, if there is no strong reason to chose left or right, but it looks like a difficult approach, I'll go left. No sense increasing the risk - I'm clearly more practiced at left.

I hope to come out and Falconate with you guys soon.

JD · Post by JD » Mon Dec 08, 2008 2:41 pm

stebbins wrote:............I hope to come out and Falconate with you guys soon.

Falconate? Is that the verb for Falconation? Sounds kinky.

stebbins · Post by **stebbins** » Tue Dec 09, 2008 8:49 am

Yep. And the material produced is called Falconium: Elements 145, 170, and 190.

Seriously, I look forward to doing a little Falcon flying with you all.

Yea all you Falconators, you shall receive your just rewards! Rising in the heights of Falconation, ye shall soar high and land safely. But thy glide shall not be increased, lest those who go topless should be incensed.

Malury · Post by **Malury** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 8:31 pm

Falc 'em if they can't take a joke!

Seriously, I like to practice right hand approaches when possible, but when I'm stressed I go with the left hand approach.

JD · Post by JD » Thu Dec 11, 2008 8:51 pm

Malury wrote:Falc 'em if they can't take a joke!

Seriously, I like to practice right hand approaches when possible, but when I'm stressed I go with the left hand approach.

I suppose that Falcatio is out of our forum decorum? Yes, I suppose it's better to use a right-hand approach than a wrong-hand approach.

stebbins · Post by **stebbins** » Thu Dec 11, 2008 9:15 pm

NMERider wrote:
Malury wrote:Falc 'em if they can't take a joke!

Seriously, I like to practice right hand approaches when possible, but when I'm stressed I go with the left hand approach.
I suppose that Falcatio is out of our forum decorum? Yes, I suppose it's better to use a right-hand approach than a wrong-hand approach.

Falcatio! Rats, I can't believe I didn't think of that one. I must be slipping.

Good one, NMERider!

Probably right at the edge or over it on the decorum level, though. But funny.

JD · Post by JD » Fri Dec 12, 2008 7:16 am

stebbins wrote:.............Falcatio! Rats, I can't believe I didn't think of that one. I must be slipping.

Good one, NMERider!

Probably right at the edge or over it on the decorum level, though. But funny.

By George,
I'm surprised you didn't think of a few good daffynitions while we're at it:

Falcatio - Any significant pilot error on a Wills Wing training glider such as:
a 'blown launch' or 'landing that s....d' Well, you get the picture. I just know I'm going to get 'Whacked' for these.

Malury · Post by **Malury** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 10:03 am

I have a good one, too good for this venue. The Falcon League Captain would ground me. Ask me about whackin a Falcon when you see me.