Escape from the Monster - Kallithea gyroplane flies around a scary looking rain cell in Wyoming...
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- Escape from the MONSTER
Hello everyone, and thank you for joining me on another adventure.
At this time, I am trying to outrun a scary looking rain cell, so now you know why I appear to be in a rush…
If you wonder about my situation, I can tell you that I am at Pine Bluffs airport in South-Eastern Wyoming, getting fuel as I travel from East to West, and my next destination is Laramie, Wyoming.
As I was approaching Pine Bluffs, I was tracking two active rain cells. One is further to the north, but the second one is few miles to the west, north-west of the airport. It appears to me it is moving very slowly toward the east, but I cannot be 100% sure of my assessment. Without much thinking I named both rain cells - Fat Man, and The Monster. Fat Man is the cell to the north, much larger in size, but fairly harmless to me and my plans to fly to Laramie. The Monster has a narrower trunk, but looks much more menacing… and it is much closer, so I have to pay attention to it.
Once on the ground, I reevaluated the weather conditions in the area and came up with a plan.
So, the plan is to get in the air before the rain cell has any chance to affect the airport, then fly around it from the south.
During the time I was monitoring both rain cells I did not see any lightning or heard any thunder, so I am not very concerned this is a fully developed thunderstorm, but I will give it all the respect it deserves.
The weather to the south looks fantastic, and I have a full tank of gas, so if this cell decides to intercept my route, I feel confident in my ability to side step it even if I have to fly a bit further to the south.
That is the plan, and I am putting it into motion.
Shortly after takeoff, I am facing the rain cell. It is clear that I have room to fly safely around it, but that does not diminish how awesome the picture in front of my eyes is. I have never seen such a sight even as an observer from the ground, and now I am dancing in the air in a small aircraft trying to outsmart this monster of a rain cell.
From my vantage point I do believe my plan is sound and flying around the storm would be safe, but this is the first time I am dealing with such a thing and it is inevitable for a certain degree of doubt to creep into my head. Any plan should be adjusted if it is warranted, but excessive second-guessing must be prevented from paralyzing you. So, I press on.
During the day of flying, I encountered winds from the west, southwest, not too strong but noticeable. That same wind was pushing the rain cells to the north, northeast. What is amazing is that as I get closer to the storm, I am surprised how calm the wind is. I am not sure if this is a natural phenomenon, or a sensory illusion, but I am enjoying it and I am not complaining.
Also, I have to mention the aircraft I am flying on this adventure. This is a Kallithea gyroplane designed by Niki Rotor Aviation from Bulgaria. It is a fantastic machine, performing superbly on my long trips, and giving a high degree of confidence I can rely on it.
It is fascinating to observe the raw power of Mother Nature. I simply cannot look away from the column of intense rainfall. The whole thing looks like a giant mushroom.
As I fly around the rain cell, I do not experience any difficulties controlling the aircraft. Quite the opposite - the air appears to be very smooth. All this does not mean I am not sitting on the edge of my seat. Besides staring at the column of rain, I do monitor the clouds above me, and the overall behavior of the storm. So far there is no price to pay for having a front row seating for this spectacular show… and I hope to keep it that way.
Depending on the viewing point and its proximity to the sun, the storm can look more or less threatening… and now it looks outright frightening.
In general, I, as a pilot, would prefer clear blue skies, but having the opportunity to experience this encounter can only enrich my flying abilities and I am soaking it all in…
Thank you for watching.
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Please leave comments, and come back to watch more videos of amazing adventures.
Gyros are the best! All that view ; it’s unbeatable!
Gyros have it all…
Very very cool video. The music is perfect.
Thank you for watching, and thank you for the kind words…
Thanks again for sharing your video! You know me... I love watching them. Keep 'em coming bud and stay safe. I hope to fly with you again someday.
Thank you for watching… stay safe on the road… 😉