Louis Trichard's Gold Height at Masterton. 1987

Gold Height at Masterton

February 1987

Louis Trichard's account of a Gold C height gain at Masterton.

HOW TO DO A HEIGHT GAIN

My height gain was an exciting event on my calendar- wave flight- and as the poet and flier, John Magee put it -- "Up, up, up the long delerious burning blue
I topped the wind swept heights, with easy grace
Where never lark or even eagle flew."
Or so it seemed up there at 18000ft.

The feature which struck me the most was the preparation needed, and for this you need friends. The oxygen bottle had to be filled, forms filled in, Wellington Traffic Control notified of intentions and many other small jobs had to be done. It was a team effort and I am a rookie at these problems, so thanks to all you guys at Masterton.

The take-off went well and I was virtually hurled off the end of the rope at 2800ft in six knots lift. Pulled the brake to notch the barograph and spiralled up to 7000 and then 14000ft. At this height, I struggled for about two hours before contacting a strong smooth ride to about 18400ft but could manage no more.

I still had one knot on the vario, but oxygen was getting low, ice had covered up the canopy completely except for a peephole up front, the controls had become quite stiff and the tension level had started to build so I decided to call it a day.

I clearly saw both coasts, Wellington, the Hutt Valley, the Kaikouras --wonderful sight for a beginner -- clouds to the north -- you pros have seen it all.

Below 6000ft the ride was very rough, but the DG 100 handled beautifully which it did at all times. A magnificent machine in excellent condition and a tribute to the club.

So, by the Grace of God and many friends, I managed my height gain. Whether I was successful in proving it, remains to be seen.


Louis Trichard.