Hey guys, I wasn't suggesting that the Santa Ana winds are "dangerous". It's just the damn desert heat blowing in that frazzles peoples' nerves and makes life miserable here in lala land. Winds are a normal part of flying and I've never found any winds anywhere that were too much for my KR. Flying back from the Gathering I landed in Pueblo in full blown gusting gale winds - you just plant the gear with forceful forward stick and keep it on the ground. It took me two tries, that landing. I'm never shy of going around. Same thing taking off - Raton, New Mexico taking off at 7000 ft with a fresh load of fuel and horrendous winds directly from the side - I carelessly let a gust lift me off before the plane was ready to fly, blowing me off to the side of the runway where fortunately there were no trees or buildings to hit. I hung there on the edge of a stall in ground effect until enough speed gradually built up so I could fly. I was reminded by that lucky incident to forcefully and aggressively hold the plane on the ground, especially at high elevations like Raton, until I have enough speed that the plane really wants to fly. I've found my light little KR to be able to handle everything thrown at it. So I didn't mean to imply the Santa Ana's are dangerous, even though I suppose by mentioning Ken's incident that's what came across. I wasn't there but I suspect all Ken needed to do that day was hold it on the ground longer when taking off and not let the gusts get ahold of him until he had some speed.
My only thought was just the damn heat the desert winds bring with them. The Santa Ana's put everybody on edge, especially fire fighters. September is usually the worst time of year in SoCal, but we could get a break. Weather is frivolous, especially these days. I'm hoping along with everyone else that we get nice temps and gentle on-shore breezes for the Gathering. October would give us a better chance of that . . . that's all I meant to say. Mike KSEE ____________________________________________________________ New Way to Fight Diabetic Neuropathy Natural remedy helps relieve pain - or your money back. Try it FREE* http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/53ba25f81a59025f766e7st04vuc
