Jim and Jackie Payne visit AS

The wave lift normally used by record and Perlan-Project test pilot Jim Payne is certainly of other dimensions, but the Rhön can also produce a small wave now and then.

During his tour of Germany with Jim and his wife Jackie, OLC organizer Reiner Rose stopped at Schleicher in Poppenhausen, which resulted in an interesting day for the American guests.

Reiner Rose accompanied Jim and Jackie

Before the planned factory tour came an opportunity to fly the new ASG 32 Mi at Schleicher’s “Huhnrain” airport. After a short briefing by company head Uli Kremer they self-launched into the Rhön skies in the most beautiful Fall weather. Jim was immediately very impressed with the “32s” pleasant flight characteristics and the quietness of the engine system.

Jackie Payne

And indeed, they found a Rhön wave all around the Wasserkuppe. Naturally, even here Jim was eager to do his best and so the two pilots were able to stay in the air for an hour even without thermals, while Jackie enjoyed the sunshine and quietness of the factory airport Huhnrain.

Uli Kremer and Jim Payne

After a tour of the production facilities and a short meeting with Dipl. Ing. Martin Heide, Reiner Rose took Jim and Jackie to the Wasserkuppe and the German Soaring Museum. Next day Jim made three presentations before an enthusiastic audience at the 2015 OLC league final event.

Photos: Manfred Münch