Alltrikes

Today I got some flying experience.  I learned a lesson or two!  Nature can be very unforgiving when you take it on.

The wind at 2000ft was VRB/15.  We currently have beautiful weather due to a large high over most of Australia.  The skies are blue and looks great for flying.

So today I planned a NAV exercise for myself. I sat in my trike at 230pm, warming the engine as I prepared for departure.  Within seconds the wind increased, the wing began moving violently.  I had trouble holding on. It took some effort, but after what seemed like minutes, the wind that took control of the wing released it's grip.  I thought... Willy Willy?  I looked around and there on the dusty driveway was the tell-tale signature of the rotating winds.

So all warmed up an then some, I taxied, preflight checked and rolled for departure South.  Once in the air and climbing, I could feel the thermal bumps.  As I got high the bumps got bigger, and I thought I could handle it.  After 5 minutes of this and now at 1,500ft, my left arm tired and became sore after a fall I had a few days ago.  I decided to end the flight and return to base.

I approached, the wind was gusty and thermic, and from my port side - crosswind!  The sugar cane was still, but I could see ahead at the end of the runway - it wasn't still.   I approached for landing, but baulked due to strong cross wind and went to make my approach from the other side - over the powerlines.  Bumping along I made my turn, lined up and missed due to too high and crosswind - I would have landed too long (300m strip - not worth the risk).

Again I baulked the landing, and flew South and turned again. I made an even lower approach over the cane, being bumped around, frequently correcting my approach altitude due to gusts and thermals with power and pitch.  The cane looked still, but ahead - it was still being blown around.

I continued the approach low and fast and cut the power just before the runway, pulled the pitch down, and rounded out to touch down smoothly and safe.

If it wasn't for the sore arm - I would have continued my flight.  But because of my arm, I had to return to land in difficult conditions.  It wasn't sore before I left.

Lessons:

1. Area forecast: VRB/15 2000ft. A sign of unstable air - possibly thermals.

2. Willy-willy!  A sign of unstable air.

3. Smoke from burn offs rising in different directions - a sign of unstable air.

Today the early morning winds at 10 metres started at SSW, backed to S, SSE, SE, E, NE, and are currently NNE (5pm).  The seabreeze, and the unusual warm temperature of 22'c made for interesting flying conditions.

I learned I could think and stay calm during a difficult time in the cockpit.  I even had thoughts of diverting if necessary.  But in the end I got it sorted.