Here is my log entry for Sept 24th 2005 at El Mirage, California @ 3500' ASL
Did a takeoff into a variable 5mph gusty headwind, perfect and quick climbout at 400'/min up to 570' AGL and flew along the Dry Lake, 32 mph cruise at 75% power climbing at 200'/min about 30 minutes in the air.
It was around noon and slightly bumpy due to thermal activity, but I am getting used to that bumpy feeling now after several previous flights in it.
All systems functioned perfectly although I did have to tape some scuffed tedlar area from hanger rash. That is why its important to do a thorough walk around before each flight and fix anything you find.
It got windy about an hour after I landed and the windsailers that were camped out in their RV's in the pictures started to have their fun time.
There was also a long row of RV's in the last picture that were there for dirt bike and quad races.
The dry lake salt flat is about 5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide.
Here are some pics of the flights:
Widest brown strip in center of picture, at edge of salt flats is my landing runway about a mile away. Its about 1300' long but I only need about 200' of it.
For those not familiar with Southern California,
this area is the "High Desert' over the mountains from Los Angeles, and about 30 miles from Edwards Airforce Base.
During the weekday there is airtraffic from those Predator pilotless attack aircraft since the company that builds and tests these things are in the area. Fortunately I dont fly here during the week
Ray