Latest Images

Me n my sweetie

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 16:24:04 +0000

After a harsh winter, finally, the first good soaring day of 2014. This day my sweetie and I intercepted a convergence line that started near Dunlap, TN, on the west side of the Sequatchie Valley and followed it about 40 miles to the northeast. Then, we crossed over to the ridge on the east plateau and rode the wonder wind evening glass off all they way home at 90 kts in strong ridge lift. The amazing part was we didn't even take off until after 4:00PM and none of it was forecast. Photo taken 3-7-14 near Pikeville, TN.

Eagle

Wed, 16 Oct 2013 23:04:12 +0000

Occasionally when flying near the Tennessee River we'll see these guys. This particular day we flew with 4 baldies in two different thermals about an hour apart. Hard to miss that bright white head and tail. I first noticed this one when it was about 2000' below us. It came through us in that thermal like a freight train and kept right on going all the way into the cloud until it disappeared. We have several resident pairs in the area, or it could be a transient from Florida making their way back south as winter approaches. Photo taken 10-14-13 by Susan Lawton

Right hand wingover above TN89

Wed, 16 Oct 2013 23:04:11 +0000

Doing some wingovers after a nice soaring flight. TN89 is just in front of the nose. Photo taken 4-14-13

Spring on the march

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 11:17:07 +0000

Looking NE down the barrel of the Sequatchie Valley it's early spring and green has arrived. If you look close at the edge of the green areas on either side you can see spring starting the annual march up the escarpments on either side of the valley. The opposite happens every fall as the fall color starts at the top and works down to valley level. Photo taken 4-12-13

Another view of the big buffer

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:39:47 +0000

Here, you can see the large aluminum washer I fabricated. The flannel pads are sourced from Sattex Corporation. These are 9" unsewn flannel pads. We use two types of wax. First, we use a hard wax/cleaner that comes from Germany. Second, I like to add carnuba paste wax and buff it for extra shine.

Big Buffer

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 16:39:41 +0000

Here's a side view of one of the buffers we use in the shop. This is built up from a 7" variable speed grinder using a "threaded collar" to expand the width allowing more pads to be added than the regular shaft would allow. Also note that I used a hole saw to make large aluminum washers to help hold and secure the pads. A large, short stainless 5/8" bolt completes the pad mounting. This style buffer is far superior to orbiting types because these don't leave swirl marks in your finish. Nothing but shine is left when you get done.

Over the top

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 18:21:00 +0000

Just about to float over the top of a left hand wingover

Partial eclipse

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 18:20:57 +0000

The tailfeathers of N135XS eclipsing the Sun

A near silhouette

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 18:20:53 +0000

In the shadow.I like the outline on this one.

Perspective

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 18:20:49 +0000

I liked this one because of the perspective relative to the clouds in the background