News Item Archive - 2009

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December 2009

• Flyable up to Xmas: Make the most of this week! The weather forecast suggests we could have a run of five flyable days (more for HG) with another wintry week of sunshine and snow. But after that winds pick up again and no signs of flying until next year.
  
  
• 360/Spiral Dive Safety Notice: Make sure you have read and understand the implications of the recent BHPA Safety Notice on 360s and Spiral Dives (Nose Down). This is aimed principally at pilots of DHV 1 / 1-2 wings. If you have any questions or concerns at all, speak to a Club Coach or email coaching@llsclub.org.uk.
  
  
• Pilotage Course: After a very healthy show of interest from a good number of pilots, work is now under way to organise a Pilotage Course for some time in May, 2010. The first step has been the creation of a Pilotage mailing list which is open to anyone interested (even if not going on the course) who sends their details to pilotage@llsclub.org.uk.
  
  
• Chuck & Repack: The annual SHPF Chuck and Repack is happening on the weekend of 16-17 January, 2010. This is an excellent opportunity to test your reserve and learn how to repack it, along with other events and activities. Book your place now.
  
  
• More Indian Adventure (2): A few more thoughts from Ron on Weather/Travel in Bir, based on his recent experiences in Oct/Nov 2009. If you haven't already done so, read his personal review and guide to winter flying in the Himalayan foothills of Bir, India and get a flavour of it all with the Indian Addiction video by Ozone.
  
  
• All I Want for Xmas is a Tee!!: Give them what they want this Xmas and help the club too! What more can you ask for? The new club t-shirts are available in all sizes in white, black, cardinal and royal and look fantastic. Selling fast! Only ten pounds, or for an extra pound we will deliver. Pay in person or send money and details using one of the methods on the Membership Form.

        

• Flying Log: Remember to post details of your flights, fly-walks and flops (even if it is just a one liner) on the LLSC Group as this helps us to improve the accuracy of the LLSC Flying Log. Summary details appear each month and offer an interesting record of days flown, conditions, etc.
  
  

  November 2009

• Turning Cold: Another unsettled week, and a weather forecast of very cold conditions with a strong possibility for soem weekend flying.
  
  
• SIV & Pilotage: We are fast approaching our second winter Club Night, this time with some interesting thoughts on SIV and/or Pilotage, including a few simple exercises to try for yourself with no need for a safety boat. Details: Monday 7th December, 7.30pm @ Tinto Hotel. Check the LLSC Group to arrange liftshares from Edinburgh/Glasgow/Other.
  
  
• Flying Santas!! It's Xmas!: Ho, ho, ho! Xmas shopping for the pilot who has everything?? How about, an exclusive LLSC T-shirt in four funky colours? First Ts arriving this week, and will be available to handle and purchase at the Club Night (Dec 7th).
  
  
• Flyable Days: According to DaveT's logbook, we have around 100 flyable days each year in Scotland, so the opportunities are there. How many days did you get out?
  
  
• Flying Log: Continuing the theme, the LLSC Flying Log celebrates its first anniversary this month. We have now collected 12 months of your flying stories and reports as a summary of not just when it is flyable, but also an indication of what conditions were like on the day, sometimes at various locations. Now, especially, keep reporting your flights, fly-walks and flops (even if it is just a one liner) so that the log is not just interesting but also accurate.
  
  
• Winter Flying: Anyone wanting to go flying in the next few months would do well to read the Winter Flying article, which explains some of the basic differences to expect over the winter months.
  
  
• LLSC Flickr Group: And remember we now have a lovely, new LLSC Flickr Group for you to post your flying photos for all to see.
  
  
• HG Nostalgia: Link to HG Nostalgia item on the LLSC Group.
  
  
• Low Flying Exercises: Latest bulletin of all military Low Flying Exercises and Events taking place over Scottish skies.
  
  

  October 2009

• Winter Leagues: We are now officially into winter flying, with the Winter Leagues starting on November 1st. This is a UK-wide competition that our pilots seem to do very well in, with a Scottish winner most years. So still plenty of flying to be had!
  
  
• Improving into Weekend: As if to highlight this winter potential, the weather forecast suggests a slow start to the week followed by a good possibility of flyable weather at the end of the week and into the weekend.
  
  
• Winter Club Nights: As suggested last week, dates for the Winter Club Nights have now been finalised with a change from midweek to Monday evenings due to availability of meeting space. Each club night will take place at the Tinto Hotel, with a variety of topics on offer. The first night is on November 16th at 7.30pm, and will be a review of the flying year in photographic form, along with a competition for the best photo of the year taken from the air by a non-powered glider. Your entries are eagerly awaited - send them to info@llsclub.org.uk. Suggestions for other nights are welcome too, and so far include GPS Equipment, Pilotage/SIV, Going XC, Thermalling.
  
  
• LLSC Flickr Group: So, if you can't fly, look at loads of photos of others flying!! If you have any Scottish-related flying pics, then post them to the new LLSC Flickr Group for all to see.
  
  
• HG Nostalgia: It has been very refreshing to see the flurry of HG activity on the LLSC Group this week, reminding us that these albatrosses really are beautiful flying creatures. The photos of days gone by were a revelation, and before any PGs could start to snigger, news came in of a 9000ft flight in wave off Bishop. Respect.
  
  
• Flying Rhinos!!: Another round of military flying exercises could affect our activities this month (weather permitting!), with Flying Rhino, Bold Avenger and Joint Warrior all taking place over Scottish skies. (Where do they get the names from??) View the full October Timetable.
  
  

  September 2009

• Better in the South: Conditions are generally better to the south, although the weather forecast does suggest a few flyable days this week.
  
  
• New CP in Skywings: Did anybody else spot one of our new members in this month's Skywings? Neil Christie took the 'fastrack' route to CP and got his picture published on page 7 of the September issue.
  
  
• Winter Club Nights: No matter how much you try to deny it, the weather is now turning towards winter time again. So time to start planning the next series of Winter Club Nights. If anyone has any topics they would like to suggest for inclusion, send an email to info@llsclub.org.uk with details. Better still, if anyone wants to offer a suitable talk, then definitely get in touch!
  
  
• Club Coach Course: A reminder about the Club Coach course taking place at the Long Mynd Soaring Club over the weekend of 10/11 October. This is suitable for anyone interested in taking their coaching badge or wanting a refresher. Details on the LMSC website or you can contact the LLSC Coaches to discuss.
  
  
• Twinned Clubs: A while ago we mentioned the twinning of LLSC with LMSC. This is primarily intended to help with the coaching in both clubs, and to get the ball rolling, here is a Long Mynd article about the benefits of Keeping a Log Book.
  
  

  August 2009

• Weather Forecasting: It is easy to be downbeat about the prolonged spell of non-flyable weather, but there is some flying to be had out there. It is just less predictable than usual, and needs a keen watch on the latest forecasts to see how conditions develop over the week. Current prediction is for some possible flying conditions midweek, and a good flyable weekend, which bodes well for the Arran round.
  
  
• Arran Nationals Round: The forthcoming weekend (5th/6th September) is set for the rescheduled Arran round of the Scottish Nationals - and forecasts are looking promising, with the best flyable weather predicted for the weekend. Most people take the first boat over on the Saturday morning, and there are a number of camping options available. As usual, see the LLSC Group for details.
  
  
• Club Coach Course: The Long Mynd Soaring Club are running a Club Coach course over the weekend of 10/11 October, for anyone interested in taking their coaching badge. Similarly, if it has been a few years since you qualified as a coach, it is worth attending as a refresher. Details on the LMSC website or you can contact the LLSC Coaches to discuss.
  
  

  July 2009

• LLSC Nationals Result: There was a good turnout for the LLSC round of the Scottish Nationals at the weekend, and due to marginal winds, a groundhanling 'obstacle course' task was set. Primarily this is just good fun, but it also does wonders for your confidence in handling the glider and after some decidedly shaky starts, almost everyone managed to complete the course. Winner of the round was Richard Vereker, who pipped it with his bonus point for persistence! Full results on the LLSC Group.
  
  
• Scottish PG on Film: A 20-man crew is in the process of capturing some flying sequences for a film about Scottish paragliding. This is not a documentary but a full-length film about someone who is passionate about our sport. Stunt doubles and flying extras are required to help with the flying shots - get in touch with Dave Thomson if interested.
  
  
• Arran Nationals Round: A new date has now been agreed for the Arran round of the Scottish Nationals - the weekend of the 5th/6th September. Most people take the first boat over on the Saturday morning, and there are a number of camping options available. As usual, see the LLSC Group for details.
  
  
• Flying Log: The excellent Flying Log is now updated to include all recorded flights for June and July. We now have data logged for all flights reported over the last nine months - which means you can easily relive your own epic, or perhaps more interestingly, get a more accurate picture of just how flyable Scotland has been.
  
  
• Twinned Clubs: A new idea that is just coming to fruition, LLSC is joining forces with Long Mynd to provide better services and opportunities to their respective members. This twinning is not quite fully operational, but the first benefit is likely to be a new mentoring scheme to help lower airtime pilots develop their skills and experience. Watch this space for further details.
  
  
• Military Flying: Operation Hawk Owl recently buzzed the eastern skies with an impressive array of military helicopters. If you don;t want to come face to face with a Chinook or Tornado, the MOD has a couple of useful web pages giving information about Special Exercises along with the planned timetable of Monthly Low Flying Activities for the UK.
  
  

  June 2009

• Flying all Week??: At last we have some high pressure and early signs are for flyable conditions all week. Best days in the first half of the week. See the weather forecast for more details.
  
  
• Aberdeen Round: A good turnout for the first round of the Scottish Nationals in Aberdeen saw Task 1 (emptying the 100-pint barrel) getting completed with ease. There are also rumours of some flying tasks too! Details to follow. Next round of the Nationals is the Arran comp on 4/5 July.
  
  
• Dales Bash & BCC: This weekend 27/28 June sees the Dales Northern Bash along with the Dales round of the British Clubs Challenge. Early forecasts are looking pretty good for flyable weather on both days giving the LLSC team a chance to show what they are made of!! All welcome to attend - even non-competitors and non-flyers - and if there are any last -minute entries to the team then get in touch with info@llsclub.org.uk leaving your name, contact and brief message..
  
  
• Flying Log A new addition to the website - a Flying Log to record all flying days through the year. Apart from being an interesting read, it will also create a truer picture about just how flyable Scotland is each year. Credit must go to Tom Percival for putting in the hard work in getting these pages together and continuing to maintain them.
  
  
• Abington - Open again: We have now been informed that the Abington site is now flyable again. This is a Cloudbusters training site, so please remember to call Peter Shields first before flying there (07899 878509). Thank you.
  
  

  May 2009

• Scottish Nationals: Dates for the 2009 Scottish Nationals are now finalised, (subject to amendments for weather) see Events & Dates.
  
  
• Flying Log A new addition to the website - a Flying Log to record all flying days through the year. Apart from being an interesting read, it will also create a truer picture about just how flyable Scotland is each year. Credit must go to Tom Percival for putting in the hard work in getting these pages together and continuing to maintain them.
  
  
• Members Area & Newsletter: All members should have received the latest newsletter, featuring the first in a series of Easy XC flights. Also included are the new login and password details which give access to the LLSC Members area, including contact details. If you think you have been missed out, contact website@llsclub.org.uk.
  
  
• BP Cup/British Championships: May saw the paragliding competition community descend on the Borders for two competitions - the BP Cup and the British PG Championships. Although blessed with a week of glorious weather, there was only one flyable day as the winds were too strong. But that one day was excellent, with plenty of 'interesting' flying and over 15 in goal. Despite the disappointing conditions, a good time was had by all, in no small part due to the wonderful location: Tibbie Shiels Inn on St Marys Loch.
  
  
• X-Scotia - AMBER: At time of writing, the weekend of 23/24 May is an AMBER with winds currently looking set to be light SW but with a hint of showers (to keep competitors cool??). If you want to get a taste of the event, the official DVD of X-Scotia 2008 is now available, priced £10, from teh SHPF website. Any volunteers to help run the event contact Gordon at: <gordon(at)eggshell.demon.co.uk>.
  
  
• Lambing Season - Abington: Reminder for everyone not to land near any livestock, and no flying at Abington until further notice. If unsure, always check status before flying.
  
  

  Apr 2009

• Lambing Season - Abington: Reminder for everyone not to land near any livestock, and no flying at Abington until further notice. If unsure, always check status before flying.
  
  
• Members Area Access: After a few delays, the new members area for 2009 will be activated this week. All members should receive an email giving the new login and password details in the next few days. If you think you have been missed out, contact website@llsclub.org.uk.
  
  
• May = Competitions: As we head into May, we are set for a very busy month of competitions. X-Scotia, BP Cup, British Open all take place in Scotland this month. Even if not competing, this is an opportunity to see some of the top pilots in the country flying our local sites.
  
  
• X-Scotia: The countdown is on, but not too late for those wishing to compete - entry forms are available on the X-Scotia page. Last weekend was a RED, next possible weekend is 02/03 May. Any volunteers to help run the event contact Gordon at: <gordon(at)eggshell.demon.co.uk>.
  
  
• BP Cup Drivers: Volunteers still required for the BP Cup from 9th -12th May, especially minibus drivers for the last two days. This is a great opportunity to see how some of the top pilots fly - so if you aren't competing, get involved with helping in some way. Contact Dave Lyal <dave_lyal(at)yahoo.co.uk> for more info.
  
  
• Fairlie/Kaim Hill Update: The recent campaign against windmills at Fairlie/Kaim Hill has had some success, at least in delaying any decision over the proposal. Details in the News section or contact Sean Figgitt.
  
  
• Air Maps: Following the Group discussions about Air Maps, it is worth reminding all members that the club has a couple of 1:250 Air Maps covering our main flying areas. These are available on a free loan basis, which allows you to copy the info onto a simple Travel Master map and you're all set to go! Anyone wishing to borrow the maps should contact info@llsclub.org.uk.
  
  
• Flying Log A new addition to the website - a Flying Log to record all flying days through the year. Apart from being an interesting read, it will also create a truer picture about just how flyable Scotland is each year. Credit must go to Tom Percival for putting in the hard work in getting these pages together and continuing to maintain them.
  
  

  Mar 2009

• AGM: Last week's AGM did the usual business, but perhpas most importantly agreed to some revisions to the subscriptions to come into effect next year. Full details in the forthcoming Newsletter.
  
  
• NATS Responses: ***Closing date is 24 March 2009*** Not long left to submit your responses to the consultation document. See the Google Group for the latest update on negotiations, view the NATS Consultation Document and then download the NATS Consultation Response Form.
  
  
• Spring Flying - At last!: It is hard to believe, but the current weather forecast suggests we are in for a whole week of high pressure, and flyable conditions into the weekend.
  
  
• BP Cup Drivers: Volunteers still required for the BP Cup from 9th -12th May, especially minibus drivers for the last two days. This is a great opportunity to see how some of the top pilots fly - so if you aren't competing, get involved with helping in some way. Contact Dave Lyal <dave_lyal(at)yahoo.co.uk> for more info.
  
  
• AGM & Auction: The club AGM takes place this Wed, 18th March in the usual location (Buchanan Arms Hotel on Buchanan Street, nr Glasgow Queen Street station). Meet at 7.30pm with proceedings starting at 8pm. All welcome to attend - come and meet other members and grab yourself a bargain at the club auction. (Bring along your donations of unwanted items - all gratefully received in aid of club funds).
  
  
• Membership: A final reminder that reduced 2009 subscriptions only apply before the AGM - bring your cheque book along and you can pay on the night, or do it all online - details on the 2009 Application Form.
  
  
• Members Area Access: Advance notice that the Members Area will be getting updated shortly to include contact details of all members and to add more articles. At the same time, you will each be notified of the new login and password for the area.
  
  
• NATS Responses: ***Closing date is 24 March 2009*** Not long left to submit your responses to the consultation document. See the Google Group for the latest update on negotiations, view the NATS Consultation Document and then download the NATS Consultation Response Form.
  
  
• Air Maps: Following the Group discussions about Air Maps, it is worth reminding all members that the club has a couple of 1:250 Air Maps covering our main flying areas. These are available on a free loan basis, which allows you to copy the info onto a simple Travel Master map and you're all set to go! Anyone wishing to borrow the maps should contact info@llsclub.org.uk.
  
  
• X-Scotia 2009: It's back! "A gentle stroll around Lochearnhead with some flying thrown in..." Either compete or get involved as a volunteer. See the X-Scotia 2009 info sheet for details or contact Gordon at: <gordon(at)eggshell.demon.co.uk>.
  
  
• Flying Log A new addition to the website - a Flying Log to record all flying days through the year. Apart from being an interesting read, it will also create a truer picture about just how flyable Scotland is each year. Credit must go to Tom Percival for putting in the hard work in getting these pages together and continuing to maintain them.
  
  

  Feb 2009

• Club Night: Following the first major flying day of the season last week, the Club Night on Wed 25th Feb at 7.30 in Tinto Hotel is dedicated to discussion of the good and bad from the day, along with some specifically requested topics (Air Maps and some GPS questions). It promises to raise some very interesting points (Flight planning, When it all goes wrong, Transitions, Monitioring conditions, equipment....and lots more) as well as being a good night out. Check the LLSC Group to find/offer transport.
  
  
• AGM / Membership: Advance notice that the club AGM will take place on Wednesday 18th March. Location still to be finalised, but likely to be central Glasgow. Remember that reduced 2009 subscriptions only apply before until the AGM - you can pay by cheque or better still by online transfer - details on the 2009 Application Form or email membership@llsclub.org.uk.
  
  
• X-Scotia 2009: It's back! "A gentle stroll around Lochearnhead with some flying thrown in..." Either compete or get involved as a volunteer. See the X-Scotia 2009 info sheet for details or contact Gordon at: <gordon(at)eggshell.demon.co.uk>.
  
  
• BP Cup: The Borders round of the BP Cup is based at Tibbie Shiels Inn (St Mary's Loch) from 9-12 May. Although officially a competition, this is an entry-level event which offers a very supportive environment with lots and lots of friendly advice available from some really top pilots and is an excellent way to improve your flying. Full details from www.bpcup.co.uk/index.php.
  
  
• Flying Log A new addition to the website - a Flying Log to record all flying days through the year. Apart from being an interesting read, it will also create a truer picture about just how flyable Scotland is each year. Credit must go to Tom Percival for putting in the hard work in getting these pages together and continuing to maintain them.
  
  
• NATS Consultation: This proposal will close our only flight corridor between north and south Scotland and stop all flying at Gargunnock.We strongly recommend every pilot to respond to the proposal as numbers can and do have a big effect - closing date is 24 March 2009. Steve Durkin/SHPF are co-ordinating input and will be producing some guidance on ways to respond in the near future and you can view the NATS Consultation Document or download the NATS Consultation Response Form.
  
  

  Jan 2009

• NATS Consultation: This proposal will close our only flight corridor between north and south Scotland and stop all flying at Gargunnock.We strongly recommend every pilot to respond to the proposal as numbers can and do have a big effect - closing date is 24 March 2009. Steve Durkin/SHPF are co-ordinating input and will be producing some guidance on ways to respond in the near future and you can view the NATS Consultation Document or download the NATS Consultation Response Form.
  
  
• Windtalker Access The windtalkers are now fully operational and will shortly be returning to a subscription service. As a member of LLSC for 2009, you will receive free access to both the Tinto and Broughton Live Updates. Phone access to the talkers on 07964 446105 costs £10 for 20 calls with no expiry - payment details on the Windtalker Subscriptions page.
  
  
• Club Coach Course: The Doric Danglers (Aberdeen Club) are running a BHPA Club Coach course on the weekend of 14th/15th February, including an exclusive Valentine's Night Curry. The course is open to all pilots (it is more about safety than coaching) and best of all, with the SHPF subsidy, it will only cost you £10. Contact ahpc@ahpc.org.uk for details or to book a place.
  
  
• SHPF Gathering: Last weekends gathering was a big success and very well attended. More than fifty pilots practiced throwing and repacking their reserve and there was very big turnout for John Silvester's awe-inspiring adventures around the Karakorum in Pakistan. Sunday also provided a packed day of activity, with some inspirational coaching sessions on XC and competition flying.
  
  
• Pilot Exam: Our annual Pilot Exam session takes place in February this year. All members should seriously consider taking the exam as it is the minimum qualification to get involved in the leagues, competitions, or even to fly some of our sites such as Campsies. If you are interested in taking the exam, contact coaching@llsclub.org.uk.
  
  
• Winter Works: The planned tree clearing and drainage work now looks set to go ahead towards the end of February. We are still looking for some sort of digger that could be used - if you can help, contact info@llsclub.org.uk.)