News Item Archive - 2008

• Final Flights of 2008: Still some opportunities to rack up a couple more flights for 2008. This week's weather offers some promising conditions and even the chance of a New Year's Day flight.
  
  
• Xmas Day Flying, anyone?: With impeccable timing, the weather forecast for this week sees the start of an extended period of settled conditions over the holiday period.
  
  
• Winter Works: If the flying doesn't get in the way, there is also a plan to carry out some much-needed maintenance work at Tinto, clearing trees around the talker and patching up the drainage system. In particular, if anyone has access to a digger that could be used, we could actually do some preventative work to extend the current drainage sytem. Contact info@llsclub.org.uk to offer your services or equipment.
  
  
• SHPF Gathering - Booking open: Booking details are now available for the SHPF Gathering, which takes place on the weekend of January 24 & 25, 2009. Every member should be booking their place, as this is the ideal opportunity to find out if your reserve actually opens (and where the handle is!). There is also a repack session and flying seminars and lectures for what will be an excellent weekend. Full details on the booking form.
  
  
• December Flying Downhill?After a superb first week of December, conditions have slowly deteriorated and the weather forecast shows little promise for this week making the cold and crisp conditions that brought us more excellent winter photos a distant memory.
  
  
• Winter Series@Tinto: The planned Winter Series was postponed due to the extreme weather forecast for Wednesday evening. This evening will be rescheduled for some time in early January, again at the Tinto Hotel. Watch the LLSC Group for details. Any questions or suggestions to winter_series@llsclub.org.uk.
  
  
• Winter Photos: Another week of cold and crisp conditions has brought us more excellent winter photos.
  
  
• Winter Series@Tinto: The planned Winter Series was postponed due to the extreme weather forecast for Wednesday evening. This evening will be rescheduled for some time in early January, again at the Tinto Hotel. Watch the LLSC Group for details. Any questions or suggestions to winter_series@llsclub.org.uk.
  
  
• Winter Flying: Into December and we have had a week of unusual conditions - not always best suited to flying but has provided us with some stunning photos. Forecast is for these conditions to persist until midweek - see the Weekly weather summary for details.
  
  
• Winter Series@Tinto: The Winter Series continues this Wednesday, (Dec 3rd), at the Tinto Hotel. Same venue as last month - lifts required/on offer available on the LLSC Group. Planned topics include 'Landing Options' and, as a prelude to the John Sylvester talk in January, 'Flying in the Himalayas'. Any questions to winter_series@llsclub.org.uk.
  
  
• SHPF Winter Event: Book it in your diaries - the weekend of January 24 & 25, 2009, when good flying conditions are 'unlikely to be a distraction'. The annual SHPF reserve chuck and repack is now combined with lectures and seminars to make it a weekend event at Ratho in Edinburgh. Reduced rates for all LLSC members - details in the SHPF Gathering flyer.
  
  
• Ochils Xmas Ceilidh: Reminder about the Ochils Paragliding Club Xmas Dinner and Ceilidh on Saturday 13th December. Open to all (flyers and non-flyers), tickets and details are available from Pete Wills. All to raise funds for the club mini bus - worth the entry fee alone.
  
  
• December Club Night @Tinto: The next club night takes place on Wednesday, December 3rd, at the Tinto Hotel. The car share idea certainly worked well last time, so if anyone can offer/is looking for a lift to the hotel post a message on the LLSC Group. Final programme still to be agreed so watch the LLSC Group for details or get in touch with Dave Hipkiss, who is organising for details or if you have any topic suggestions/can offer a talk.
  
  
• Winter Flying: ...and remember that winter conditions are significantly different to our summer flying. For those who missed the talk at the first club night, you can always read the Winter Flying article which has some good pointers on how to get the most out your flying during the winter months.
  
  
• LLSC Club Night @Tinto: There was a good turnout for the first club night of the Winter Series (Tuesday 4th Nov @ Tinto Hotel). The new venue was definitely a hit, and it was really good to see the car sharing idea take off. Thanks to Dave Hipkiss for making the arrangements and especially to those who gave a talk. The next club night takes place at the beginning of December - more details to follow soon. And remember you can get in touch with Dave if you have any topic suggestions or indeed if you can offer a talk.
  
  
• Winter Flying: ...and remember that winter conditions are significantly different to our summer flying. For those who missed the talk at the first club night, you can always read the Winter Flying article which has some good pointers on how to get the most out your flying during the winter months.
  
  
• Committee Minutes: A copy of the latest minutes (Oct 29th) is now available for viewing in the Members Area. (Login required - contact info@llsclub.org.uk if you have any problems with access.)
  
  
• Xmas Flying in Lanzarote: Flying conditions in Lanzarote in December are generally very good (and much better than Scotland!) - and best of all, the pre-Xmas flights are very cheap. Anyone interested in a short-notice club flying holiday for next month should contact info@llsclub.org.uk ASAP to start making the arrangements.
  
  
• Flying Arthur's Seat: It is common knowledge amongst most flyers, but worth reminding the remaining few that the whole of Edinburgh is a No Fly Zone, including (and especially) Arthur's Seat. It is illegal to fly any of these areas - full stop. Hillend (Pentlands) is also within controlled airspace but is flyable under a special agreement with ATC - details available from SHPF or contact info@llsclub.org.uk.
  
  
• Ochils Xmas Ceilidh: The Ochils Paragliding Club are organising a Xmas Dinner with a live Ceilidh Band to raise funds to keep the club vehicle running. All are welcome to attend (not just flyers or OPC members). It takes place on Saturday 13th December from 7 to 12 pm at the Coalsnaughton Village Hall - tickets and details available from Pete Wills.
  
  
• All change into October: After a full week of flying options last week, it is all change this week as the Weather forecast shows very little promise of any suitable flying days.
  
  
• Highland Restricted Area: Thanks to Andy MacGregor for supplying details of the recent Aeronautical Information Circular on Flying Restrictions in the Highland Restricted Area. This document contains detailed information on the current restrictions.
  
  
• Radio Frequencies: Someone recently asked about radio frequencies. Rik gave a full response on the forum but to summarise, our main radio frequency for use when flying is 143.750, although there is also a second frequency of 143.675 which tends to be used by the East Coast flyers.
  
  
• Your track needs you!!: Some prior warning that volunteers are needed to help with some of the maintenance tasks at Tinto, mainly repairing the track and clearing trees. More details will be posted when dates have been decided.
  
  
• Last Weather for 2008?: With a final flourish before entering the winter period, the Weather forecasts look very promising with the prospect of flying every day this week!!
  
  
• Spectacular lenticulars over Biggar
  

  
  
  

• LLSC Round / Tinto Fly-in: The Scottish Nationals LLSC round took place on the weekend of 20th/21st Sep and was a great success. Despite the rather mixed conditions there were three tasks set over the two days.
  Gordon shot this in-flight video while flying at Tinto on the Sunday.
  
  
• Tinto Video Footage:  See a video of flying at Tinto in May posted by a recent visitor to Scotland (thanks Ian) - the one with the custom glider design.
  
  
• Ochils Nationals: The final (official) round of the Scottish Nationals took place on 13/14th Sep, with a flyable task on the Sunday in which more than half the field made 'goal' - as it was a straight glide away. Thanks to the Ochils club for providing a shuttle jeep up the hill, and a great fish and chip supper! View results and some photos.
  
  
• Save Our Flying Sites!: The planning application for the Kaim Hill windfarm is about to be approved, which would mean the end of all flying at Fairlie. The action group has produced a simple Objection Form for all pilots to submit. The more objections submitted the better the chance of opposing the application. Deadline for entries is Sep 20th.
  
  
• X-Scotia on TV: For those who missed it, or maybe just want to see it again, YouTube has a copy of the 14 minute X-Scotia Race report that was featured on the BBC2 Adventure Show. Typical YouTube quality, but the film should soon be available on the BBC iPlayer once they sort out their 'technical difficulties.
  
  
• Scottish Nationals - Borders: The rearranged Borders round took place on Aug 30/31 on the magnificent Cacra Bank. It was a great success, despite the tasks getting cancelled on both days, as every pilot got a flight and there was a good turnout to keep the campfire burning long into the night. As usual, Tommy supplied a few surprises, and sent some spectacular Chinese lanterns burning off into the sky.)
  
  
• Windtalkers can Talk: In addition to online access, you can now windtalker updates via telephone on a single number (0796 444 6105). The message gives details for the Broughton talker followed by the Tinto talker - to jump straight to the Tinto information press '2'. During this initial test phase, all access is free so please use the service and give some feedback to help make it better.
  
  
• Met Office Weather Charts: The Weather page has been revised, and now features the Met Office Pressure Chart. This includes a link to the Met Office website which has an animated version of the charts to help visualise the weather development over the next three days.
  
  
• Scottish Nationals - Aberdeen: The Aberdeen round of the Scottish Nationals successfully went ahead at the end of July (26/27) with a task of two turnpoints and goal at Huntly on the Saturday (followed by curry and beer) then a spot landing task on the Sunday. Thanks to all for making it happen and congratulations to Adrian Smith who won the round.
  (Results and Details | Photo Report)
  
  
• Scottish Nationals - LLSC: No such luck for the LLSC round on Aug 9/10 as an unfavourable weather forecast meant a postponement. This will now be rescheduled (along with the Arran and Borders rounds) to a suitable weekend before the end of October. The next scheduled event is the Highlands round on 30-31 August hosted by Highland HG and PG club.
  
  
• X-Scotia on TV: The Adventure Show on BBC 2 Scotland will be showing a filmed report of the X-Scotia race which took place in April. (Provisional) Transmission date for the show is 18.00, Sunday 31 August (and possibly Sky Channel 990). Watch for updates on the groups.
  
  
• Scottish Open/BPC: Another reminder that this weekend (12-13 July) sees the Borders round of the British Paragliding Cup (BPC). The event is based at the Tinto Hotel, with onsite camping only £7.50 including excellent full breakfast buffet, or discount en suite rooms also with breakfast. Events kick off on Friday night with an informal dinner at the Hotel. Get in touch for more details, or to volunteer if you can help during the event.
  
  
• Tinto Trace: The attached Tinto Trace shows the actual Tinto talker readout for Friday 4th July as an example of a light thermic day. If there is enough interest, traces could be produced for suitable days which in tandem with GPS readout may help analyse and understand the conditions and why you got away/bombed out.
  
  
• Scottish Nats: Last week's planned round of the Scottish Nationals in the Borders did not happen due to lack of suitable flying weather. The event will be rescheduled for later in the season. Next event is Aberdeen round hosted by AHPC on 26-27 July.
  
  
• Windtalker Update:  Both windtalkers have been operating smoothly since their recent overhaul. One issue that has been noted - the Tinto talker is tending to under-read from most wind directions, probably due to treeline interference. Plans are underway to resolve this, but for the time being always use the Broughton talker as a comparison to 'adjust' the Tinto reading.
  
  
• Club Flying Nights: New for 2008, summertime Club Flying Nights for all members to get together, do some flying and then have a pint or two. First night is Wednesday 21 May. Contact Mark Leyland for more info.
  
  
• X-Scotia Results: Well, after all the talk and planning, the weekend of 10/11th May saw the first ever X-Scotia Paragliding Adventure race. It was a great success with plenty of very impressive performances, including LLSC member Mark Leyland coming in third after completing the course in less than 24 hours! Full results and info on the X-Scotia Blog.
  
  
• Arran Comp: The first round of the Scottish National series takes place on Arran this weekend, 17/18th May. This is an easygoing event that is great for new flyers of all levels to get out and fly new sites and meet other pilots. See the Event Details or contact George McGhee.
  
  
• Windtalker Update: A new windTalker now installed at Broughton. This is operational but still going through testing and so there is no pressure reading, Dewpoint, Forecast or Trend. The Tinto Talker is next in line for renewal. Once set up the intention is to switch to online and text message readings.
  
  
• Ochils Repack: If you missed the Chuck & Repack at Ratho, then you have another chance as the Ochils club are holding a reserve repack on 17th May at Broomhall in Menstrie. FREE for SHPF members, it starts 11am, followed by club AGM at 5pm. Rumour has it there are also free sandwiches and a lift up the hill if flyable. Call Stuart for more details: 07894272959.
  
  
• Mode S Response: Read the initial club Mode S Consultation Summary document to view the key points affecting PG and HG in the second phase proposals. We will be submitting a club response, but all pilots are encouraged to send in individual responses too. For more info, contact Tom Percival, the Mode S Co-ordinator.
  
  
• Tinto Stile & Bridge: A new Parawaiting activity discovered this week - bridge and stile building. As a result, it should be easy(ier!) to get back to the cars from the Tinto landing field. Thanks to all the engineers for their help.
  
  
• Mode S Consultation: A second phase of Mode S Consultation on the revised proposals for its introduction is now underway nationally. The club are looking at ways of producing a response but would welcome input from any flyers. If you have any comments to make, or would just like access to the consultation information, then get in touch with our Mode S Co-ordinator.
  
  
• Webcam Links: Does anyone have any good webcam links for Glencoe and/or Ben Nevis? Please send in details.
  
  
• Lambing Restrictions: Remember that lambing restrictions are now in force on many sites. Please act responsibly and do not land, enter or overfly any fields where sheep are present.
  
  
• News Archive: There is now a News Archive where you can find all news items posted during 2008.
  
  
• Ochils Repack: If you missed the Chuck & Repack at Ratho, then you have another chance as the Ochils club are holding a reserve repack on 17th May at Broomhall in Menstrie. FREE for SHPF members, it starts 11am, followed by club AGM at 5pm. Rumour has it there are also free sandwiches and a lift up the hill if flyable. Call Stuart for more details: 07894272959.
  
  
• Weather Alert!: Get your sick notes and work excuses in - current forecasts are for two flyable weeks!
  
  
• New Weather Link: The Weather page now includes a link to the 7-day ECMWF forecast which is available on the Unisys Weather pages.
  
  
• Mode S Response: Read the initial club Mode S Consultation Summary document to view the key points affecting PG and HG in the second phase proposals. We will be submitting a club response, but all pilots are encouraged to send in individual responses too. For more info, contact Tom Percival, the Mode S Co-ordinator.
  
  
• Tinto Stile & Bridge: A new Parawaiting activity discovered this week - bridge and stile building. As a result, it should be easy(ier!) to get back to the cars from the Tinto landing field. Thanks to all the engineers for their help.
  
  
• Windtalker Update: Both Windtalkers have been non-functional for a while now. Initial problems were due to SIM card 'dropout' with the new network provider, but this has now been compounded by a failure of the Tinto hardware meaning a complete rebuild is required. This means waiting a little longer to get your windtalker acces, but on the positive side should provide a more flexible and reliable service once in place.
  
  
• LLSC Newsletter: Work in progress to produce an LLSC Newsletter, aimed primarily at members without any website or email access. This will be distributed in the next week or so to all members and provides a snapshot of items covered on the website along with news of upcoming club events. Along with this, there is also a Members Area on the website - full details in the newsletter.
  
  
• Mode S Consultation: A second phase of Mode S Consultation on the revised proposals for its introduction is now underway nationally. The club are looking at ways of producing a response but would welcome input from any flyers. If you have any comments to make, or would just like access to the consultation information, then get in touch with our Mode S Co-ordinator.
  
  
• Webcam Links: Does anyone have any good webcam links for Glencoe and/or Ben Nevis? Please send in details.
  
  
• Lambing Restrictions: Remember that lambing restrictions are now in force on many sites. Please act responsibly and do not land, enter or overfly any fields where sheep are present.
  
  
• News Archive: There is now a News Archive where you can find all news items posted during 2008.
  
  
• X-Scotia is ON!!... ...well at least the clock has started ticking and we have had our first Red Alert for the weekend of April 19/20th.
  The exceptional winter weather in Scotland this year may well be a factor and is apparent from these mid-April photos of Ben More and Ben Vorlich:

    

  For further updates and info visit the X-Scotia website.
  
  
• Tintocam: After a short period offline, the Tintocam is once again beaming back live pictures of Tinto hill.
  
  
• LLSC AGM Minutes: Following up the details posted last week, a copy of the LLSC AGM Minutes is now available for all to see and includes a list of the new committee members and roles for 2008.
  
  
• Campsie/Fairlie Agreement: A link to the Campsie/Fairlie Agreement now available in the left-hand menu of the Home page.
  
  
• Tinto Update: As we start a new flying season, the LLSC Chairman issued the Tinto Update to remind us all about our use of Tinto along with some of our responsibilities, both as a club and as individual pilots. This is our key site and one which offers flying in practically all wind directions so it is well worth maintaining our working relationship with the other landowners. Please follow the recommendations and help us to keep this as a flyable site.
  
  
• Lambing Restrictions: In particular, remember that lambing restrictions are now in force on many sites. Please act responsibly and do not land, enter or overfly any fields where sheep are present.
  
  
• XC Winter Leagues: What a finish for LLSC in the winter competition of the National XC Leagues. Congratulations to all LLSC members who got their names on the board and of course to Dave Thomson for winning the league on the final day!
  
  
• News Archive: There is now a News Archive where you can find all news items posted during 2008.
  
  
• LLSC AGM: Welcome to the new committe members voted in at last week's AGM. It is vital to have new members taking on the challenge of running the club and this year we have been fortunate with the number of people volunteering. Full details of committe members and roles/activities will be posted here soon (ie when all the details have been collected!)
  
  
• Tinto Update: As we start a new flying season, the LLSC Chairman issued the Tinto Update to remind us all about our use of Tinto along with some of our responsibilities, both as a club and as individual pilots. This is our key site and one which offers flying in practically all wind directions so it is well worth maintaining our working relationship with the other landowners. Please follow the recommendations and help us to keep this as a flyable site.
  
  
• Lambing Restrictions: In particular, remember that lambing restrictions are now in force on many sites. Please act responsibly and do not land, enter or overfly any fields where sheep are present.
  
  
• XC Winter Leagues: What a finish for LLSC in the winter competition of the National XC Leagues. Congratulations to all LLSC members who got their names on the board and of course to Dave Thomson for winning the league on the final day!
  
  
• Website Issues: Some of you may have noticed that the website was down for a couple of days last week. This was due to exceeding our allowable limit (Too many people checking out the info!!) This has now been resolved by upgrading to a bigger package - so you should now have full access again. As well as offering more space and bandwidth, the new package includes lots of bells and whistles, some of which you may see appearing on the website soon.
  
  
• XC Flying: After last week's Classic Flying Days we now have some new Scottish entries in the National XC Leagues.
  
  
• Tintocam Sequence: The Tintocam sequence is an occasional feature offering a photographic view of how a day develops, using the Tintocam images. The first one shows Tuesday, March 18 - a day when pilots got to Abington and beyond on XC flights.
  
  
• Ratho Chuck & Repack: Everyone enjoyed the Ratho Chuck and Repack with the chance to actually test their reserve (and their nerve!) and then get some expert instruction to repack them ready for the new season. See the video Short Version (5 mins) or the Full-length Version. (Thanks Rik).
  
  
• AGM Reminder: Following the SHPF AGM on Sat, 15th March it is now time to focus on the LLSC Annual General Meeting on 26th March. Pay your subscriptions before the AGM and Save Money!
  
  
• Campsie/Fairlie Agreement: A reminder to all that to fly these sites you need a Pilot rating or higher and have signed up to the conditions in the Letter of Agreement.
  
  
• X-Scotia - Late Entries: Final closing date for X-Scotia applications is now FRIDAY 14 MARCH 2008. Entries received after this date will be put on a waiting list and any available places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis and will incur a £5 late entry fee. Final date for late entries is Friday, 11th April 2008.
  
  
• Spring Flying: As we approach the start of Spring, this gives us the opportunity to republish a couple of useful articles: Spring Flying and Classic Days.
  
  
• Ratho Chuck & Repack: The SHPF are once again organising a session at Ratho that gives you the opportunity to expreience throwing your reserve and then practicing how to repack it again. Details in the Ratho Repack flyer.
  
  
• X-Scotia Entry Deadline: Time is running out to enter the X-Scotia event. Limited number of places left, and final deadline for all entries is 1st March, 2008. The entry form is available in the latest X-Scotia Bulletin.
  
  
• Windfarm Proposal - Kaim Hill: Judging by the activity on the group, this is a hot topic. See the proposal summary which includes details of how to get involved.
  
  
• Pilot Exam: Sunday 17th February saw another successful Pilot Exam day at the Tinto Hotel, with fifteen budding Pilot ratings now waiting for confirmation of results from the BHPA. A big thanks to all of the club members and others who turned up to help with the revision tasks.
  
  
• Club Night: The penultimate Club Night of the winter season takes place on Wed, 5th March at 7.30pm. Details will be posted this week, or you can send us an email for more info.
  
  
• AGM: As always, the Club Nights series finishes with the Annual General Meeting, now confirmed for 26th March. Free subscription form for anyone who turns up!
  
  
• Subscriptions: Various payment options available for paying your membership fees, including Bank Transfer. Details on the Membership page and the Application Forms.
  
  
• Windfarm Proposal - Kaim Hill: Meeting to discuss the Kaim Hill (Fairlie) windfarm proposal - Wed 20th Feb at 7.30pm. More details.
  
  
• Tinto Windtalker: The contact number for the Tinto Windtalker has changed - the new number is 07800 402 798. For the time being both the web-based and telephone services are free for all users (just pay for the phone call).
  
  
• First Day of the Season: Sunday 10th Feb had an excellent turnout for the First Day of the Season and once the mist had burnt off, all were rewarded with some very smooth lifty conditions and a short XC to the Tinto Hotel. Read report.
  
  
• Club Night - Wed 6th Feb: Following on from last month's introduction to Thermalling, Dave Thomson talks this month about getting up to cloudbase and moving on in Thermalling Part 2. Meet 7.30pm, with talk at 8pm.
  
  
• Pilot Exam 16/17th Feb: The date has now been set for the Pilot Exam - it will be on the least flyable day of Sat 16th/Sun 17th February. There are a good number of pilots ready to sit the exam, and we desperately need volunteers, especially recent Pilot ratings, to get in touch and offer help with revision sessions.
  
  
• Tinto Clearances: Early warning that Part 2 of the clearances is now provisionally scheduled for Sunday 10th Feb. Watch out for confirmation and details in midweek. UPDATE: Clearance work will NOT take place this weekend due to the prospect of flyable weather - see 'First Flyable Day of the Season' below.
  
  
• First Flyable Day of the Season: Sunday 10th Feb looks like a straighforward Tinto South-side day, so the first real flyable day of the season for all levels of pilot. Let's kick start the 2008 season with as many Club members and Coaches out for a gathering and First day of the Season day. The plan is to adjourn to the Tinto Hotel for a pint after the flying for a couple of hours to discuss developments in our Coaching Structure for the new season.
  
  
• X-Scotia Entry Form: Anyone wanting to enter the X-Scotia event must submit an entry form - available in the latest X-Scotia Bulletin. And remember to visit the X-Scotia 2008 Google group.
  
  
• BPCup Dates: Borders round of the BPCup is now confirmed for 12th-13th July. Volunteers needed at the event itself and also in the months before to help organise the event and generally get things done. View the other dates and message from the organiser.
  
  
• X-Scotia Group: A new X-Scotia 2008 Google group is now up and running as a place to discuss tactics, equipment, training, or any other issues for the event. Viewing is restricted to members only so you need to register first.
  
  
• Subscriptions: More payment options for membership fees, including Bank Transfer. Details on the Membership page and the Application Forms.
  
  
• Tinto Clearances (Round 2): Following the success of the first Tinto Clearances of the winter, it is now time to start planning for Round 2. This time, rather than having one big task, there are a number of smaller tasks required: Track drainage / Champagne take off / Talker clearance.
  
  
• Pilot Rating: Plans are underway to organise a day of revision ending with the BHPA examination for Pilot Rating. Any post-CP pilot is a suitable candidate and should seriously consider attending. Details in the News section.
  
  
• X-Scotia: The big news is the confirmation of first ever X-Scotia (Scottish X-Alps) event this year. Still early days, but looks like a Lochearnhead/Vorlich/Tarmachan triangle sometime in April/May. Watch out for updates!
  
  
• Club Nights: Jan 9th - Thermalling/XC Leagues
  Thanks to Dave Thomson for another informative talk on Thermalling and XC Leagues. Summary of his talk is now available in the Articles section.
  Future confirmed Club Night dates:
  • Feb 6th
  • March 5th
    
  The list of possible future topics includes: Convergence, GPS Visualisation Software and Winter Flying,...or remember, you can Suggest a Topic for a Club Night, or even Offer a Talk.
  
  
• AGM: As always, the Club Nights series finishes with the Annual General Meeting, now confirmed for 26th March. Free subscription form for anyone who turns up!
  For more info on Club Nights or AGM send us an email.