The countdown

We are now in the last stage before the games begin, all that remains is for our team captain, Ulf, to give us instructions on the parade at the opening ceremony in three hours time. I have been remiss in making regulars postings and cannot make any promises for the next two weeks (but will try). It is very hot and the rest day is very welcome. I have flown on all days but one and I hope the hours time will stand me in good stead. The guys fly very well and it is a great privilege to share the air with all of them. There is an air of quiet expectancy at the airfield - all but one of the formalities have been completed. What follows is 12 days of hard flying. I miss my family very much, but Ulf is looking after me.
regards to all
Sven

Big storm with hail

everyone is arriving!!! Yesterday we had a big storm on the airfield. Further south there was hail damage. The flying was very nice and i had a nice long run to the south, with long glides ;-)

Today was also fun, though i struggled to get away, but once going it was great. Storms on Velino stopped me on the way south and on i ran far north and to the east - VERY NICE. I was called back at 5h30 with another storm approaching the airfield from the south. A quick landing and derigg followed.

Another great days flying in Rieti ;-)

Last nite Art Grant came for supper and just up the road we have Darius L and his team mate as neighbours.

All for now
Regards
Sven

STORMY

Storms yesterday, and more for today. I am slowly settling into EX (with the assistance of Ulf). Last night Spain made it into the final against Germany on Sunday - so no outlandings then.
At the moment still all blue, but some light cu on Terminillo, it will go up quickly.
The airport is filling up, the latest arrivals the Russian team - mostly from Novo Siebirsk. We travel to and from the apartment by bike - 8km or so. A refreshing ride! The rigging and derigging is smooth and we have entertaining briefings at nine by Allessandro. The Italians are rushing the completion of the office buildings for the contest.
I will try to post some photo's this evening or tomorrow.
We still await the arrival of Andrew and Janine.
regards for now

Sven

PS Volker, we got your message, look forward to seeing you (the train is best from Rome). My Italian cell number 3490516400 (international code +39) and Ulf 3400704650

Six days on

It is now Wednesday 25, six days into this journey. It started out as a bit of a road trip - sleeping over on the Hahnweide and visiting Schemp Hirth in action (quite a few DUSE in production - that is jet sustainers). Then on to the English Garden (yes, there is one) and it is an important part of Munich. A wonderful time, inlcluding watching the Eurocup with thousands of others in the open. A visit, but no beer at the worldfamouns beergarden (we drank the beer elsewhere, and hopefully the SPOT tracks will disappear with time.
Then a LONG drive down to Rieti - with a rush to watch the next match (we made it, but by then Ulf was already suffering from a cold which would last the next few days, and become more serious - not a nice condition to suffer from in 40C heat.)
Yes, it is as hot as hades and, in the result, the sky is quite stable. We were too late to fly in Monday, so we used the day to set up - we are in a renovated appartement in the old part of Rieti, and the roads are just one way passage ways. So we leave the transport on the airfield and commute using bicycles - Ulf and i are now also getting good at managing the chaos on Italian roads.
On Tuesday i had a flight, somewhat last on the grid, and the conditions stable and difficult. But all the systems are working and we march on to Wednesday (today). Very inverted and we forego the opportunity to launch (I think only two or so launched). It is really HOT.
Tonite Germany plays Turkey (and Ulf has a great interest in the outcome).
I think that Andrew and Janine arrives tomorrow.
The forecast is still for stable conditions.
Thanks for all the support from back home, it is greatly appreciated.
Sven

Departure Lounge

It is EARLY in the morning, the rain has starting coming down since late yesterday afternoon, rather heavy, and I am now sitting in the departure lounge, Cape Town International. It feels a bit like Leonard Cohen. The coffee shop is not yet open, it is winter solstice after all. Well this afternoon i will be in the summer solstice ;-)

Last night we spent a family evening. The girls wanted sushi so Christelle and I took them out. They did really well in their exams (both academic and dancing) so there was a lot to celebrate ;-)

It was a real rush (in the work sense) to get here - for weeks i have been slaving away, only able to see on the internet how the Rieti pilots are flying in overseas contests (and on OLC - Patrick Gai had a real nice (and fast) flight two days ago).

So i am really glad to be on my way, keen to get to Rieti and looking forward to really enjoying Italy.

Ulf, i am on LH2955 (ex Cape Town) and i only have SMS on my handy (till we get Italian simcards). Watch out for Spotmessenger tracking later today

On the flight i will be reading some literature courtesy of Bill Elliot (who won the 18m USA nationals) - thanks Bill.

regards for now

Sven