Eric Laforge PTV 93 kg, flight from 11.7.2021 to Curnaux (1150 m), Villars-sur-Ollon (Switzerland)
Right now, you have to take advantage of the few days when it’s possible to fly! I have to take off early, before a big meal (Cozido à portuguesa). The clouds are low, just above the takeoff, but the ceiling is rising…
Once again, it’s not easy at all, especially at the beginning. The EXPLORER 2 manages almost without me to center the thermals. The brakes are light and precise with a large reassuring stroke that greatly reduces the risk of overdriving.
It’s not a great day, but after 10 minutes, I still pass above the takeoff: that’s something!
I notice a glider on the hill between Aigle and Ollon, he also has trouble climbing… I join him (at a respectable distance!) and find there a thermal over 4 m/s. In a short time, I wander far above him.
It’s already feeding time. I am heading to landing using the well-functioning accelerator. The canopy is very stable and efficient, even at full speed. I am quite high enough to do all my tests.
I confirm the calm of the reactions in collapses: the centre reopens quickly and gently, the wingtip a little more slowly. The change of course is very weak. A very reassuring behaviour.
I test the 360, very easy to do without having to insist on the brake handle. The rotation speed is easily adjusted and the exit is smooth, without a big dive. The canopy does not even crease!
In all circumstances, the EXPLORER 2 remains like a block filled with sweetness. I don’t dare to talk to you about performance… They seem excellent to me, but I don’t know how to measure them precisely! I prefer to leave it to the real specialists: the journalists!!!
