DAILY REPORTS FROM EXPEDITION SKY HI 2006
Date: 23/04/06
Expedition Day: 1
Duty Instructor: Luke Hornsey
Weather:
· QNH: 1018
Daily Narrative:
Following the long journey to Sisteron, the team were eager to get airborne and all 8 gliders were rigged before the 1030L brief.
Aims for the day:
· To complete local area famil and French licence equivalence check flights for Paul Griffiths, Gaz Baker and Jon Trueman.
· To complete local area famil for Chris McPartlin.
· Re-familiarisation with mountain soaring techniques for the remaining personnel.
The weather was generally excellent, although showers affected the SW of the area during the second half of the day.
The valley breeze effect never developed significantly.
Overall, a safe and successful first day at Sisteron, with all objectives achieved.
Total hours flown: 46:24.
Furthest afield: Phil Sturley and Dave Postlethwaite reached the Italian border near the Col de Montgenevre (separate routes).
Date: 24/04/06
Expedition Day: 2
Duty Instructor: Paul McLean
Weather:
Daily Narrative:
Aims for the day were:
The weather was good for mountain soaring, although showers developed quickly in the NE of the area. A slight valley breeze was observed in secondary valleys, and most into-sun slopes worked as expected. Notwithstanding, the Par Cours range did not appear to work as well as expected given the conditions, and its northern end experienced rain showers.
Of note, Colin McInnes & Dave Postlethwaite reached the Verdon Gorge in the South-East, and Phil Sturley flew to the Col du Lautaret in the North-East.
In summary, another successful day, passed without incident. All objectives were achieved, with 35:45hrs flown.
Date: 25/04/06
Expedition Day: 3
Duty Instructor: Phil Sturley
Weather:
· QNH: 1017
Daily Narrative:
Aims for the day were:
Overnight rain died out to leave residual high stratus by dawn, which cleared during the course of the morning. However, the resulting humid air mass allowed rapid development of large Cu, some building into Cb and thunder storms. Southerly ridges were generally working well (thermal), although some (e.g. St Genis) were deceptive later in the day. Limited thermodynamic activity was reported.
Of note, Paul Griffiths and Chris McPartlin both made their first solo flights in the Sisteron bowl, Paul remaining airborne for over 5 hours and operating between Aspres aerodrome and the mountain of Auribeau. Chris flew 2 short solo sorties, both curtailed by a combination of weak lift and rain. Colin McInnes flew G-LIVS under power for the first time, completing his first self-launch in a sailplane. His 5-hour sortie encompassed Mount Ventoux, Pic de Bure and Grenoble.
Nick Smith achieved some excellent airborne photographs by mounting a rearward-looking digital camera to the nose of his Discus.
Again, a safe and successful day, with all aims achieved. Hours flown: 30:54.
Date: 26/04/06
Expedition Day: 4
Duty Instructor: Colin McInnes
Weather:
· QNH: 1019
· Remarks: Wave activity developing during the day. Thunder storms developing to the East by late afternoon.
Daily Narrative:
Aims for the day were:
Spill-over from the Mistral wind funnelling down the Rhone valley to the West resulted in development of a moderate north-westerly surface wind in the area of the Durance valley.
Of note, Jon Trueman carried out a first solo in the local area, circumnavigating the Sisteron bowl in a clockwise direction. Phil Sturley and Paul McLean were dissuaded from attempting to reach Grenoble / Mont Blanc due to poor weather in the North, but instead routed south to the Verdon Gorge. Dave Postlethwaite and Graham French narrowly managed to avoid landing at Les Mots and St Auban aerodromes respectively, due to deteriorating lift conditions.
A challenging day in some parts, but all managed to make it back to Sisteron in safety – all aims achieved. Hours flown: TBN.
Date: 27/04/06
Expedition Day: 5
Duty Instructor: Richie Arnal
Weather:
· QNH: 1017
· Remarks: Wave activity developing during the day. Thunder storms forming during the afternoon.
Daily Narrative:
The aim for the day was to carry out safe and challenging mountain soaring.
Spill-over from the Mistral wind funnelling down the Rhone valley resulted in a moderate north-westerly surface wind in the Durance valley. Formation of a thunder storm to the East caused a marked backing of the wind during mid-afternoon. This storm moved suddenly to the West, subjecting Sisteron to heavy rain and hail, gusting winds and lightning.
Of particular note, Dave Postlethwaite pressed to the West, reaching the vicinity of Serres aerodrome. Finding the area largely devoid of lift, he was forced to ‘park’ on the slopes of Arambre, whilst the thunder storm to the East of Sisteron marched steadily towards him. Dave requested Phil Sturley (who had the benefit of an engine in his ASH 26 E) to divert to his location to confirm areas of lift which would allow him to transit back to Sisteron. Meanwhile, the thunder storm accelerated its westward movement, advancing rapidly on the airfield. Those airborne in the vicinity were surprised by the speed of the storm’s advance, and made rapid recoveries before the airfield was over-run by the storm. Dave and Phil arrived back (Phil without having had to use his engine despite diverting to assist Dave) as the storm hit, and wasted no time in putting their aircraft on the ground as lightning discharged in the circuit. As many aircraft as possible were de-rigged and placed in their trailers to protect them from the storm, but such was the speed of its advance and the ferocity with which it struck the airfield that some aircraft had to be lashed down where they stood, their canopies and pitot-static vents hurriedly sealed with tape. Exped members and local glider pilots alike showed remarkable teamwork and determination in securing the gliders, despite being lashed by driving rain and large hail stones. Dave and Phil’s teamwork in recovering Dave and his aircraft safely to Sisteron was also in the best spirit of the Exped.
Total hours flown: TBN.
Date: 28/04/06
Expedition Day: 6
Duty Instructor: Paul McLean
Weather:
· QNH: 1011
· Remarks: Mountain wave was forecast to develop during the day as a result of the Mistral wind spilling over from the Rhone valley.
Thunder storms forecast for the afternoon.
Daily Narrative:
Aims for the day were:
· To carry out safe and challenging mountain soaring.
· Gold badge height gain for Chris McPartlin and Jon Trueman, conditions permitting.
· Diamond badge height gain for Gaz Baker, Graham French, Chris McPartlin and Jon Trueman, conditions permitting.
The day began much as the previous one, with large cumulous developing quickly. There were early signs of weak mountain wave, but it never became properly established. During the afternoon, a number of thunder storms developed to the South and East.
The team was initially optimistic of a good day. Mountain wave was forecast, which would enable members to achieve significant height gains in pursuit of the Gold or Diamond endorsements. In the event, this did not occur. Instead, a number of large and relatively proximate thunder storms developed by mid-afternoon, some of which were observed (from the Sisteron overhead) to be discharging lightning. Mindful of the previous day’s experience, when an advancing thunder storm had taken many people by surprise, Exped pilots returned to base in good time to complete a precautionary de-rig of all aircraft, prior to the arrival of the nearest storm. Ultimately, the storms moved away without reaching the airfield. The day was therefore cut somewhat short, but this was a worthwhile precaution which protected both pilots and aircraft. Notwithstanding the sometimes tricky soaring conditions and the foreshortened flying day, Phil Sturley reached Mt Ventoux and Vinon, before returning to base. Total hours flown: 19:02 (less than average due to the weather curtailment).
Date: 29/04/06
Expedition Day: 7
Duty Pilot: Paul Griffiths
Weather:
· QNH: 1011
· Remarks: Mountain wave was forecast to develop during the day as a result of the Mistral wind spilling over from the Rhone valley.
Thunder storms forecast for the afternoon.
Daily Narrative:
Aims for the day were:
· To carry out safe and challenging mountain soaring.
· Gold badge height gain for Chris McPartlin and Jon Trueman, conditions permitting.
· Diamond badge height gain for Gaz Baker, Graham French, Chris McPartlin and Jon Trueman, conditions permitting.
The day began with cumulus building around the Sisteron valley bowl, and light winds from the North-West. The valley breeze became established during the afternoon, resulting in a fresh southerly wind further north towards Briançon. As the day progressed, the Sisteron bowl experienced a change of air mass, with more stable air suppressing thermal activity. However, the increasing strength of the north-westerly wind in the bowl resulted in excellent ridge lift later in the day. The forecast thunder storms did not materialise in the Sisteron area, although Exped pilots operating on the Parcours range reported seeing active thunder cells further east. The mountain wave never developed significantly, although its weak presence was evident later in the day at around 6,000 ft.
Despite the forecast, Exped members were unable to pursue height goals, as the mountain wave failed to develop sufficiently. However, ridges in the vicinity of Sisteron town (la Gache, la Baume, le Molard and Lure) were working well. This enabled the ‘low point procedure’ to be practised (used to get low enough for the maximum allowable climb of FL 195 to represent a sufficient height gain for the Diamond endorsement). The onset of the valley breeze in the north generated excellent conditions for soaring in that area, with Dave Postlethwaite climbing to 13,000 ft overhead the glaciers. Total hours flown: 42:44.
Date: 30/04/06
Expedition Day: 8
Duty Instructor: Luke Hornsey
Weather:
· QNH: 1010
· Remarks: Mountain wave was forecast to develop during the day as a result of the Mistral wind spilling over from the Rhone valley.
Daily Narrative:
Aims for the day were:
· To carry out safe and challenging mountain soaring.
· Gold badge height gain for Chris McPartlin and Jon Trueman, conditions permitting.
· Diamond badge height gain for Gaz Baker, Graham French, Chris McPartlin and Jon Trueman, conditions permitting.
The day dawned with broken stratus at around 8,000 ft. This reduced solar heating and resulted in a very slow start. Late in the day, the rock faces were producing good thermals, and weak mountain wave effects were observed at around 6,500 ft, although the latter were not useable.
Despite the forecast, Exped members were unable to pursue height goals, as the mountain wave failed to develop sufficiently. Furthermore, the delay in the onset of solar heating meant that thermals took a long time to get going, and the brave souls who ventured forth at lunch time were soon back on the ground. Nevertheless, by late afternoon, soaring conditions were much improved, especially to the North and East where Exped pilots reached 12,000 ft. Total hours flown: TBN.
Date: 01/05/06
Expedition Day: 9
Duty Instructor: Richie Arnall
Weather:
· QNH: 1011
· Remarks: Valley breeze forecast.
Daily Narrative:
Aims for the day were:
· To carry out safe and challenging mountain soaring.
· To obtain still and video footage of Exped aircraft soaring the ridge of Jouere.
· Conversion to ASH 26 E for Paul Moslin.
The morning was clear with scattered Ci at high level. Once thermal heating had taken effect, a significant valley breeze began as forecast.
Of note, Paul Moslin converted to Phil Sturley’s ASH 26 E motor glider, flying for a little over 6 hours and visiting the Parcours range for the first time. Dave Chappell covered 400 + km, in a flight taking in the Maurienne valley in the North and the Verdon Gorge in the South. Luke Hornsey and Dave Postlethwaite set off in Duo Discus ‘26’ to attempt Mont Blanc, but encountered poor soaring conditions in the vicinity of Chambery. Nevertheless, they soldiered on and progressed beyond Grenoble, but it was obvious that they would not be able to complete the task, or indeed return to Sisteron. They decided to divert into the airfield at Grenoble, having purposely remained within gliding range. Luke and Dave were made very welcome there, although no aerotow retrieve was available. A road retrieve crew (comprising Peter Kingwill and Gaz Baker) was despatched, and returned to Sisteron before midnight. Meanwhile, Phil Sturley and Paul McLean had reached the foothills of Mont Blanc in the Janus CM, but had to use the engine extensively on the return journey, owing to the poor soaring conditions also experienced by Luke and Dave.
Jon Trueman and Nick Smith climbed to the summit of Jouere to photograph and video Exped aircraft soaring the ridge. This was an arduous task because of the gradient and altitude, but they arrived at the summit in time to gather some suitable material. Later in the day, Nick flew over Jouere in a Discus; surely an unusual feat to climb a mountain on foot and then fly over it on the same day! Total hours flown: 47:36.
Date: 02/05/06
Expedition Day: 10
Duty Instructors: Paul Moslin / Paul McLean
Weather:
· QNH: 1018
· Remarks: Valley breeze developed throughout the area.
Daily Narrative:
The aim for the day was to carry out safe and challenging mountain soaring.
Once thermal heating had taken effect, a significant valley breeze was established. This combined with the geostrophic wind and thermals to generate some excellent lift on southerly ridges.
Of particular note, Dave Postlethwaite and Luke Hornsey flew to Mont Blanc in excellent conditions (separate routes). Phil Sturley and Jon Trueman in a Duo Discus reached Briançon, and went on to inspect le Glacier Blanc. Nick Smith also visited le Glacier Blanc in a Discus; his furthest solo venture to date. Total hours flown: 47:01.
Date: 03/05/06
Expedition Day: 11
Duty Instructors: Luke Hornsey / Paul Griffiths
Weather:
· QNH: 1018
· Remarks: Valley breeze developed throughout the area.
Daily Narrative:
Aims for the day:
· To carry out safe and challenging mountain soaring.
· First solo in the Sisteron area for Dave Fidler.
Once thermal heating had taken effect, favourable soaring conditions prevailed initially. However, by mid-afternoon, increasing cloud with a lowering base made soaring difficult, especially in the sector north-east to south-east.
Dave Chappell and Bill Malpas in Duo Discus ‘R1’ reached St Crepin to the North, although deteriorating weather conditions forced them to return south early. Richie Arnall and Graham French also made it as far as St Crepin in the Janus CM, but likewise had to retreat due to weather. Nick Smith revisited le Glacier Blanc, but encountered severe sink and decided to exit through the Pas de Cavale, and thence southward.
Dave Fidler carried out his first solo flight in the Sisteron area, reaching the Pic de Bure. Although new to the French Alps, Dave has previously gained mountain flying experience in Chile.
Total hours flown: 42:46.
Dave Postlethwaite returned home today for personal reasons, catching a flight from Marseille.
Date: 04/05/06
Expedition Day: 12
Duty Instructor: Dave Chappell
Weather:
· QNH: 1019
· Remarks: Valley breeze developed throughout the area.
Daily Narrative:
The aim for the day was to carry out safe and challenging mountain soaring.
Soaring conditions today were excellent, with a valley breeze developing as the day progressed. Visibility deteriorated noticeably due to haze later in the day.
Luke Hornsey and Paul McLean flew Duo Discus ‘26’ to Mont Blanc, the second time Luke has visited the mountain during the Exped. Unfortunately, deteriorating weather conditions on the Parcours range forced them to land at Seyne airfield, approximately 20 nm from Sisteron. An aerotow retrieve was not available, so a road retrieve crew (comprising Dave Fidler and Chris McPartlin) was despatched.
Jon Trueman reached the Pic de Bure and climbed to 12,000 ft; his furthest solo venture to date, and his highest solo climb.
Total hours flown: 47:22.
Phil Sturley departed for home in the morning, taking his ASH 26 E ‘G-LIVS’ with him. The Exped also bid a fond farewell to Bill Malpas. A civilian instructor, Bill gave of his time throughout the Exped to provide invaluable advice from his years of experience as a mountain pilot. Bill has supported the Exped for many years and, at the age of 79, remains as enthusiastic as ever. Bill’s contribution to the success of the Exped has been immeasurable; we are all grateful for his willingness to share his knowledge and experience.
Date: 05/05/06
Expedition Day: 13
Duty Instructor: Paul McLean
Weather:
· QNH: 1023
· Remarks: Showers developing during the afternoon.
Daily Narrative:
The aim for the day was to carry out safe and challenging mountain soaring.
A new, more moist air mass had moved into the area overnight, and convection began early in the morning. This lead to fears of over-convection and storms were forecast for the afternoon. In the event, the cloud did appear to ‘fill-in’ from the East. This dampened soaring conditions somewhat in the local area, although the afternoon remained soarable. The forecast storms did not arrive locally, although the occasional cloud generated light rain and the odd hail shower at altitude.
Of note, Dave Chappell and Dave Fidler reached the Glacier Blanc in Duo Discus 'R1', having worked hard to regain height west of Barcelonnette, and again north of St Crepin. They routed home via the Col du Fresinere, mindful of the forecast bad weather.
This was the last flying day of the Exped. Those who did not fly spent the day carrying out essential pre-departure admin, including preparing the gliders for the journey home. During the morning briefing, Nick Smith gave thanks to the staff at Sisteron Aeroclub for their hospitality and support during our stay.
Total hours flown: 17:38.