|
Name: | James Thompson |
| Glider: | Niviuk Icepeak 6 | |
| Flying For: | 19 years | |
| AU Rank: | 4 | |
| WPRS: | 320 |
1. Where do you mostly fly?
Comps. I spend more time in Bright then Manilla these days.
2. Which pilots most influenced you?
I've always looked up the Fred and Craig. These days it is my fellow comp pilots. Gareth, Brian, Ivan and this last year Garth with his "MORE bar" attitude.
3. Where and what was your most memorable flying experience, best flight ever?
A 100 miles in Chelan, the hot season in France in 2003 ( a lot of flights were " we don't often do that") or at home on the coast with a 14 km flight along the coast linking 6 sites together.
4. What is your favourite flying site in your State?
Manilla.
5. What is your favourite site in Australia?
Bright.
6. What is your favourite site in World?
Laragne France.
7. What is you favourite item in your flying kit and why?
My Wing and Harness combination, If your not comfortable, both physically and mentally, You just make life so much harder. Nuviuk Icepeak 6. Advance Impress 3 Harness.
8. What do you believe to be your strongest flying skill?
Observation.
9. What do you believe to be your weak link?
I'm too conservative.
10. What equipment do you use, Harness, Instruments, etc?
Nuviuk Icepeak 6. Advance Impress 3 Harness, Flytec 6030, Kobo self modified for XC Soar. (I've stopped using a Garmin 78s as I can not read the colour screen in full sun light) Yaesu VX 5 radio self modified for tri-band, Icaro In flight full face Helmet with sand piper in helmet Speaker/ Mic PTT on the side of the hemet (and a hand Speaker/Mic backup in my kit). 2Lt Camelback, lighter wieght gloves. Speed arms over Wind stopper jacket over a TShirt here in Australia. My Kit. two fruits (banana before and apple after flight) mini 1st Aid, Pad/Pen, spare lines, wing repair patches & money for beer at goal.
11. Best comp task you’ve flown so far, the most memorable?
Last Task Chelan XC Classic 2007 The 100 miler. I beat so many HG's.
12. Why do you fly?
Because I enjoy it.
13. What are your personal flying goals?
To keep on enjoying it and keep on improving. Fly new sites and with friends.
14. What tips can you give to newcomers to the sport?
You need to take time to learn. Learn each level of the sport, XC, Comp and a little SIV. To press yourself though your comfort zone but to stay safe. And just enjoy your time in the Air.