02.12.05 -
See the Pics

Saturday called for S.E. winds at 8 - 10 until noon and then up to 13 - 15. I think I counted about 12 pilots at East Beach by 9:00 am. Everyone got airborne and enjoyed the cloudy but perfect morning. Some of us took a flight along the sea wall as far as the Flagship hotel and back. Then another hour plus flight down the beach exploring and having a grand time.

The increase in winds never happened and by about 1:00 pm we had blue skies and a steady S.E. 10 mph wind. The highlight of the day was when eight of us decided to go to McDonalds for lunch. We all took off and made our way down the beach and then landed one by one in a pretty small area that is behind the McDonalds right on the beach. We got a lot of questions and looks from the people around. After lunch, everyone nailed a perfect reverse launch and put on a bit of a show for the crowd.

Ken Reeder, our main character showed up late in the day. The wind was still at about 10. He got to kite the wing with the motor on his back, then run up the motor with the rig on his back for the first time. About a half an hour before dark, the wind was about 7, Andy gave Ken the go ahead and Ken got up in the air for his first solo. We got some great footage of the happenings and reaction. It was a Long, but GREAT day!
Stay Tuned...