Still difficult to put these final words to type. As Tomas Reich had become a new friend. On my first trip down to Vitacura before Christmas, he would offer his daily views and help if/when I needed them. This would be true of all I met while there. Thier focus on safety is second to none. On his passing, we need to wait to see what or if did happen to cause this loss. I do wish Godspeed to his family during this time and my condolences.
I received several emails on the wing loading imposed by the SGP. The wing loading limit was done for safety. As you can see in the pictures when we got to the end of the runway, theirs really no place to go except into the large rock covered river bed to the left. In a few more seconds, you can make a polo field, but that might not turn out pretty either. Another few seconds and a paved parking lot becomes available, but again, it wouldn't be pretty. After that, a 180 turn back might be available to the runway.
The picture above now shows we have only one place to go, and that would be the river bed which has large boulders. All agreed it wouldn't be pretty. Yes, we were grided as far back as possible.
On the first day, I came back to the airfield as we lost all trackers and flarm. The antenna's were changed just before take-off and later, back at the "laboratory" area climbing with several other's I was receiving no traffic information. The next morning the problem was solved and now everything was working better than everyone else's!
Where I was parked at, several folks spoke about how the flying was. Several were running the low route and other locals felt it better to stay high. It was already apparent that I came with zero and would be leaving with zero, so I was focused on taking the slower, high routes. Last 2 days I choose not to fly. Came down with flu-like symptoms and felt that would be the best for me.
Several have described the thermals and also how they are sheared. Flying extremely close to the vertical ridges are required and several times it did become dangerous (meaning you had to stay extremely alert and always have an "out route" planned). I did watch more than one getting extremely low before finding something and climbing out. I stayed high and flew slow. You need to know where the "jumps" are before proceeding with these low routes, as some jumps do have major sink after passing thru them. The upper Andes are closer to the Jet than we are used to, so winds of 20-30 +kts are common when trying to fly the higher routes.
Without the offer of the ASH 26 I would not of gone, so was just happy to enjoy the area. Fees per container were $15,000 each for 6 glider's one way. 3 containers. Late March before they get back for unloading in Germany.
On entry fee's, I was charged 300 euros contest fee's plus tows, the total was $820 USD.
I'll still be doing contest's, so if any wish to talk more about Vitacura and flying in the Andes, please just ask me at the airport. I have some great maps and can explain easier on how the weather seems to work.
Best. Tom #711.
