Ready to go from Fiskenes, Andøya. Fueled up with 27,5 liters.
Paramania FUSION 29 and Fresh breeze sportix simonini
Launch at N69 15 37 E16 08 47
Pushing south into a rather strong headwind component.
East coast of Andoya
Crossing over the strait of Risoyhamn, The alps of Godfjord ahead
N68 58 37 E15 51 27
about 40 km underway, thermals pop sportily from the east flanks
The alps of Godfjord, magnificent flying, despite headwind, strong lift from the slopes saves fuel
I always dreamed of doing this when I walked these mountains as a kid.
These mountains have a special place in my heart.
Durmalstinden in the left of the picture.
4 fuel tanks all in all, one of them is seen, the system requires management not unlike that of a
multi engine aircraft. It is monitored by a infrared fuel transducer with a GPS controlled fuel computer.
The first turnpoint, Reinfjellet.N68 38 56 E16 00 25
Headwind all the way to here, reeallyy looking forward to some swift tailwind flying on the next leg!
Heading west towards Vesteralen, 5 ms tailwind now!
KJerringnesdalen ahead.
No matter how many times I fly here, each time I end up awestuck by the beauty of this landscape.
An endless source of inspiration and renewal of mental energy.
The feeling is simply imdescribable, How lucky is it possible to be to do this ??
Blaatind ahead, a sure thermal trigger on the free flight route north through Godfjorden.
Many a time have I skyed out here and also today; solid lift awaits (:
Looking south towards Langoya
Even though this is a motorized flight, it sure helps to have good understanding of free flight XC.
Simply climbing to xxxx 1000 meters and "step on the gas" does not work even with the best of
motor equipment, too high altitude requires too much fuel burn to be efficient.
Flying in an alpine terrain like this, means reading the landscape and using the topography
so that your flight is as efficient as possible.
See the pictures from a previous free flight XC through this aera
Crossing the Sortland strait, as you can see the wind has died and I fly in totaly calm conditions.
Nice flying, but not as good for progress, nice view for sure though (:
Looking north, Andoya in the far distance.
Næroya to the left and Dyroyholmen to the right.
Landing here means boat retrieval......
Please note that even though an out landing here would surely be an inconvinience, landing sites are
aboundant and safety is assurred by maintaining a 100% safte altitude to a landing site at all times.
Gullholmen ahead with the turnpoint in the fjord behind.
I have never flown here before.
Almost at 2. point (:
Here a falcon joined me for several minutes, flew down the valley together.
The first time such a bird has joined me flying motorized. It was a most rewarding company.
It must have sensed my good intentions (:
Ok, heading home through some rather difficult retrieval landscape, landing here would surely mean a physical work out...
The motor ran well..... luckily (:
Looking west along Skogoya
Crossing over Brannastind, and reaching "Civilization" retrieval possible again!!!
Still 0 wind
Back at Andoya and the feared north east wind has set in, my groundspeed is down to 30 kmt, not good!
Andoy bridge ahead,looking north
After a climb to 700 meters, I reached a stromger eastery wind, slightly improving my progress.
I search for a convergence line that sometimes forms when a strong onshore wind meets
the more stangnant air over land. Zig Zagging a little to search...
And YESSS!!!
at idle I constantly climb with 1,5 ms with the trimmers closed.
This is too slow, so I accellerate the FUSION 29 to the highest speed it can possibly fly at, and this gives me
a steday 43 kmh groundspeed. Because of the lift I need only about 4000 rpm to maintain level.
The fuel computer says I will run out of fuel just about dead on goal.....
Still good progress, this might work, but I do not feel home yest....
Even closer, 10 km to go.....
Eased up a little on the speed, and bearly above idle to maintain.
Slowly decending now....
Looking back, sending a thankful thought to that amazing glider carrying me.
The 29 FUSION is just a little slower than the 23 FUSION but is much less power hungry.
In full reflex (a lot of this flight was done at full reflex) It cuts trough the air like I have
never seen before, and it does not require a lot of power to do so.
Very comfortable and solid handling in rough air.
I love this glider (:
I think I am home.... just 3 km to go...
FINALLY!
It worked out, I am back after 5H40 with 1.5 liters left in the tank (
Isn`t flying a great thing ??, I just love it, with or without power, simple as that (:
