Circle in the Sand.
Nigel King from Blue River studios recently undertook an interesting commission, read more here
The RWYU were the first youth group to receive funding from the 2012 Olympics. Whilst the organisation ran 5 different youth groups, this event was to combine all the groups into once team and do something unique, arty and creative outside. Druridge Bay offered a canvas of gargantuan proportions and combined with the artistic skill of Jamie Wardley and his Sandinyoureye team, a plan was conceived.
The plan didn’t involve gales though. I had chosen an aircraft that was my normal bread and butter for projects like this; bungee launched flying wing, good for wind speeds up to 15 mph. The forecast, trusty as ever, read 12mph tops. No probs I thought for a good bunch of piccys and video footage that should turn out pretty well, provided it doesn’t rain.
Well it didn’t rain. But as I watched my anemometer rise past 15 mph into the 20s the joy of no rain was quickly replaced by an uneasy feeling. But time was moving on and results were needed. I chose to launch before things got worse. It wasn’t pretty. Within a fraction of a second from launch the wind and turbulence caught a wing and spun it over, cartwheeling in the sand. A normal model aircraft of this style would have desintegrated quickly, but the tough composite foam and fibreglass structure of this little fellow caused it no harm, other than to my professional pride! Second successful launch came from a hand launch by my lovely brave assistant and wife, Helen. (Or should that be lovely assistant and brave wife?)
Flying was simple and colourful.
Simple in that it was simply horrible to try and keep straight and level in the turbulence and colourful in that my language has changed long since my children have grown up. I find it a good way of relieving stresses in times like this, but onlookers wonder why a man with Terrets is standing anywhere near a model aircraft. I simply dismiss it as artistic license and have no intention to change whatsoever, despite my brave wife wishing otherwise.
