Flight 5:

At thiis point I have no propellors left apart from an 11 x 7 Graupner that was fitted to an irvine 40 engine I bought. I was advised it is way too big for my cheap little Magnum so was advised to cut it down to 9 1/2". I did so and rebalanced it before fitting.

TOday I was going to try a new flying location which was my local beach. Where we live the sea is very tidal and on big tides (like this day was) the sea uncovers around a mile of sand that is also miles and miles long up the coast. Nice flat soft sand to land on. just be very carefful not to get sand in your carb and if you crash the engine into the sand then its back home to strip it down before you use it again.

The wind was blowing an easy 15 mph if not more right along the beach. I fuelled up and faced the wind and took off. The forst turn was down wind and these turns are much different that without wind. The plane just seems to drift past you as its turning and its down the beach in no time.

After a few turns the engine stopped again and it was time for anotehr deadstick. Well flying into the wind as strong as it was made it all seem to happen very slowly. The plane looked like it had a ground speed of around 8mph. All I had to do was keep the wings level and float it in. Which I did but I did get quite a bounce on first touch down. I guess this is something that happens easier with a headwind.

I topped up the fuel and ran teh engine for a few minutes to check it wasn't going to cut again. It was puffing smoke so was running plenty rich enough and not too rich as the revs were nice and high with the right note.

Went up again and after three laps it cut out. This time though the plane was around 80 yards out over the sea and the wiind appeared to have moved around and was blowing out to sea! Again it was a case of gliding back in and hoping I made hte sand. I just made the sand in what seemed like the worlds longest landin approach. It's crazy how much the wind slows the plane down when youre heading right into it with no power. Almost no ground speed or thats how it felt but I was almost coming straight towards myself so harder to tell really.

Big rain clouds were coming so I got the plane and went back to the car.

I decided I would strip and clean the engine when I got home and wait for my three 10 x 6 APC props I've ordered. They have now arrived as it happen and the engine is clean. I will fir the prop today and maybe get out again tonight if the wind dies down again. I think I'll stick to 5mph or less as far as wind goes for now. If anytning it just makes it harder when youre goijg down wind as everything happens a lot faster.

I'll try to take along a friend on my next flight so that I can post a video of my take off, flight and landing. that way I can perhaps get some pointers.

Thanks again for all the help guys. Couldn't of done it without you.