Funnily enough, none of these pics are from the actual AGM. Details from the meeting will be coming soon.
The ridge was working well so here are some pics from Chris Money of Josh and Bob in GPC joining the ridge.
I (Tim) also also went for a fly in GXP, managed to get up past Thames and back. With plenty of time before the AGM decided to try to find some wave. After a good 30 minutes managed to crawl up to 6400' in the pressure wave. I then asked for clearance from Christchurch control, and was informed by ATC that I was already in controlled airspace.
Damn! I had assumed because people were flying on the ridge all day the, GA 254 would be open up to 6500'. Obviously it wasn't, thus the limit was 4500'. The lesson yet again is always check, never assume. I thought that was it, go home time, however the nice traffic controller let me off with a reminder, and was cleared up to 9000'.
With clearance given, I then promptly dropped 1000' down to 5500'. And couldn't find the lift again. With half an hour before the AGM I was about to give it up.
All the while some lenticular style clouds were moving slowly towards the ridge. Then a new one formed right in front of the high point. I headed upwind of it and found a steady 3-5 knots lift. In 20 mins we were up to 9000! Highest flight so far for me. By then it was 5 to 5pm, took a few pics, and headed back quick.
By the time Bob and I put the glider away we were 15 mins late for the AGM... so apologies to everyone. Here are some pics!
