With the forecast for the day being overcast and 15 mph wind from WSW veering W as the day progressed we were astounded to find that the winds may well have been as predicted at sea level but on the face of the Bishop they were considerably stronger. Measuring 56 mph gusting to 60 + at the start of the comp the winds peaked at 66 mph gusting to 69 before starting to drop off to the 55 mph again as we completed 10 rounds.

Surprisingly the wind was not really difficult to handle, virtually no one was blown back incurring the wrath of the turn buttoneers. At least it proved that there is a lot of vertical in the wind speed on the Bishop and not just horizontal. Launching proved difficult on some occasions with some bouts of severe turbulence really throwing the model and launcher about. The only cure was to pause and let the worst of the gust pass then throw hard! Landings were not difficult if the correct landing zone was used, going too far back got you into rotor which was not nice. A forward landing position seemed to get you down smoothly and easily. You would have thought that it would be the other way around but not the case on Bishop. The wind was such that the majority of the full size that fly from Port Moak, by Scotlandwell at the base of the hill remained on the deck, handy for us. As the wind eased later in the day the big ones came out to play and the most memorable sight was one Discus with (tiplets) I think screaming along low and fast, could have been a Blade going by the noise it made in the turn. We all heard it and started trying to get our cameras into action, unfortunately by then it was gone.

 Never mind all the bumph, how did the flying go?

We had planned to fly two 10 round comps of F3f and one of Foamie racing, however the blustery conditions were such that by the time we had completed the first F3f  event we decided to call it a day. We were all just plain knackered.

Peter Gunning as usual sorted, or was it fixed the flying rota so that yours truly was given the honour of testing the air. It was intimidating launching the models but once they were out of your hands, superb best describes it. Gaining height was a little difficult, and we were just going into lowish cloud after 15 secs climb, it gave you an indicator of when to stop climbing. Dropping into the course for the first run of the comp I knew it was going to be fast and a run of 34 secs with the Viking ensued. It set the pattern for the day

The long standing Scottish record of 33.41s has now been trashed, not once but twice. Firstly with the Viking 32.85 s in round 2 and then by a Skorpion 32.12s in round 7, so that is the target to beat now. Ron Russell was the pilot on BOTH occasions. The magical 40.0s time was beaten 42 times during this comp, 16 times by Ron, 8 with Viking and 8 with Skorpion and 14 times by Peter, 8 with Skorpion and 6 with Race M.

Many other pilots bettered their PB's during this event as well so most went home grinning. I have included a list of the pilot's best times as well for their interest and glory. As I stated above. the strong buffeting winds took their toll on the fliers so our planned 2nd F3f comp never took place, probably for the best as it now means that the carnage incurred can be repaired and made ready for our next excursion to Bishop Hill. We also decided NOT to hold the foamie racing because of the strong wind and time wearing on, but Peter decided to give his Gulp some airtime and it handled the big air no problem so we will know next time not to be worried 'cause the wind is blowing. I suppose it makes sense to fly cheap foamies especially since we had all been risking literally thousands of pounds of plastic without worrying. There is always next time.

Flying in these strong conditions had been an education for some of the newer pilots, many would not consider taking their models out of their cars in these wind strengths but on this big slope there is no real problem, in fact it adds to the fun, rattling a model about at extreme racing speeds. There is nothing to be scared off, once the model is out of your hands it does not know it is flying in big winds, only the pilot does and should learn to enjoy it.

All in all, a thoroughly good day's flying!!!