Today we chased the wind at Volcanic Peak. Checked the launch at the base of the tower but it was crossing 22 degrees from the left.
We went to the HG launch that faces north and it was crossing 22 degrees from the right.
Back at the tower it was getting down to 2 mph from 12 to 15. Robin was almost set up with his Blade but the wind got under it and
the tie down rope was too slack and the wings closed up like a butterfly which took out the keel tube and the left leading edge.
We headed for my place and by dark and after raiding the Aluminum bone pile in my back yard we found lots of tubing that just about fit.
We should have the keel tube back together tomorrow (Monday). After that we will fix the left leading edge. The glider will be stronger than the day it was new at least as far as he keel goes. It'll have to break somewhere else because we inner sleeved AND outer sleeved the spot that gave way.
It'll be heaver for sure. Somewhere between bullet proof and indestructible. Tomorrow we will try to count how many parts are on the keel. I think we will set a record.
The blade had Coke and Pepsi can shims that as far as I know came that way from the factory. The shims took up the space where one smaller tube fit into another tube. First time in over 40 years that I'd ever seen a glider put together like that.
We plan to leave my place at 8am tomorrow for another try with a different glider for Robin, a Falcon IV for Jim and a Sport II for me.
Early from 8 to noon VP might work. (If the forecast is wrong).
