Steve Thomas/Proficiency and
Training flights across America
March 14, 2001 Hattiesburg, Mississippi to Chatom, Alabama
Today I had high hopes of getting out ahead of the encroaching storms and being able to fly until at least noon. We arrived at the airport early and the FBO was already there and the gate was open. As I setup the manager came out to chat. He explained about why they had reservations about Ultralights using the field and I could understand. There is a history of incidents and U/L pilots not using radios. We chatted and they told me that they wished that all U/L pilots would follow the GA rules like I was. I agreed with them and we got along great.
They stayed out and watched the takeoff. Again it was picture perfect and they were impressed with Powered Parachutes now! They told Chuck that they were going in to get on the computer right then and check out Powerchutes.com and my site. They also told him to tell me to be sure and land there again when I go for the World Record next year! That made me feel good knowing that I was making a good impression at a busy airport with the management.
I turned east and my speed over ground was descent at 1500'. The winds were smooth. As I got further east the clouds caught up to me from the west and my speed slowed to 20 mph.
I tried dropping down low to pick up speed again, but it got slower instead. I climbed up again and at 2,000' the clouds were close. About 10 miles from Chatom, Alabama it started to rain on me, so I dropped down about 500' and it quit.
When I landed at Ray Wilcox Airport in Chatom the wind was calm on the ground. After I landed it began to rain again. We packed it in and called it a day. The storms are going to rumble through today and tonight. I hope to fly again tomorrow after they pass.
Here are a few photos from the 66 mile flight.
Enjoy!
Steve
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