On 11 August 2023 Perlan 2 took to the skies over Patagonia. We were prepared to soar high – if the forecasts were wrong about no soarable lift until 60,000 feet. Well, we proved the forecasts were correct. Best achieved lift was only 3 knots for only a few minutes. As it was -60 C (-76 F) it was a great test of environmental cold conditions.
Prior to our second flight in Patagonia we had some unforseen mods to do. CapCom procedures needed to be modified for 2023. Some instruments still needed updating. We conducted an emergency Communication drill. We had to track down a rebreather O2 leak. After many pressurization tests it was decided to rebuild Jim’s mask. Then Miguel and John Kregl completely replaced the mask. The new one was much better so it was finally time to fly.
On a “normal” flight day there are an incredible amount of details to keep track of. That’s my job, not to do them but to verify Egrett, tow rope, cameras, rebreathers, radio comms check, science instrumentation, telemetry, CubeSats, cockpit loading, Sat phones, inReaches, tow vehicle, LX pilot/copilot names correct, and proper authorizations received. Without a doubt the cameras are the most complicated system. They must be paired with the appropriate control device – either front or rear cockpit, then either phone, tablet, or mini-ipad. Wifi, bluetooth and direct cable are all used. When all systems are verified then we can push out of the hangar.
On the ramp the pilots load into the cockpits as smoothly as possible. They are wearing insulated flight suits and bulky Sky boots (insulated foot covers) with extremely tight / awkward access into cockpits with lots of tiny switches. When situated they don helmets, and we slide the hatches into each pilots hands. If pressurization tests ok they stay on 100% O2 for the entire flight. That’s typically 90 minutes before they release from tow about 42,000 feet. This flight was Jim Payne and Miguel Iturmendi as pilots.
This flight had a photo chase component with Julio’s helicopter with James Darcy as photographer and Pedro as videographer. That’s 3 flight plans and pilot pre-planning.
Arne and the Egrett started a contrail as anticipated around 25,000′. But then they climbed above the contrail band. Release was about 45,000′, and it was super cold at -60 C (-76 F). Lift was (as forecast) weak to non-existent. But we had accomplished several upgrades and fixes since the first flight and all needed to be flight tested.
As Jim brought Perlan 2 back down from 48,000 feet, Jamie was waiting in the helicopter at the start of the “golden hour of light” on a gorgeous clear Patagonia afternoon. Mother Nature shined a golden spotlight on Perlan 2 just after landing!
Jim and Miguel were elated to get this flight completed. The team gathered around the glider for a golden light team photo. My cell phone didn’t do it justice. My video is a collage of many more photos and the breathtaking airborne video footage from Egrett and Perlan tail cameras. Please enjoy sharing our all-volunteer Perlan team pride in Flight #72. Thank you Armistead for splicing my video sections together!
Perlan soars! Jackie
