December – January 18

Find out why the Perkoz is at the top of a Christmas wish list and how impressive heights were reached in the Winter Series at Denbigh. The Dec/Jan issue of S&G also highlights why flying at Rieti should be on your ‘to do’ list. Plus, there’s the annual round-up of results and ratings, and you can find out how to get a helping hand with lookout in the first article in a short series on electronic conspicuity.

Allstar’s Perkoz spent two months on tour during the summer, visiting clubs in England, Wales and Scotland. David Innes put it through its paces at Deeside to see how it compares with the K-21 and Puchacz as a club trainer. Its modern design, wider flight envelope and cross-country capability left David with a re-awakened love of aeros and knowing what this year’s Christmas present should be.

There’s still some great flying to be done over the winter months, as the juniors discovered at Denbigh during the first round of the Winter Series. With almost the whole length of the ridge working at Lleweni Parc on the Saturday, many juniors enjoyed ridge and wave flights. There was also a Winter Series height record set during the weekend, with Olly Metcalfe and Jordan Richards both climbing to 24,000ft.

Jean-Marie Clement spent last winter seeking out wave in Patagonia during what will probably be his last expedition to Argentina and he is now offering the logistics, the know-how, aeronautical and soaring databases, plus a self-lifting container to anyone wishing to continue the exploration of this area. Getting your glider through customs in Argentina is one of the ‘challenges’ faced by Jean-Marie. Taking your glider to Rieti, in Italy, involves a long drive from the UK, but the flying makes the time spent behind the steering wheel well worthwhile. Jon Gatfield had heard the words ‘any serious cross-country pilot has to fly at Rieti at least once in their lifetime’ several times before his first visit. After his fifth trip, he firmly agrees with that statement.

Wherever you fly, good lookout is essential. The eyeball is our main way of avoiding collision in the air, but we can still be taken by surprise. Electronic conspicuity systems can offer a helping hand. In the first article in a short series addressing different conspicuity systems, Keith Vinning reports how PilotAware is working with the Open Glider Network and highlights the help needed to enhance this safety initiative.

Also in this issue: Tony Cronshaw reports how Aim Higher inspired training and support is helping up-and-coming pilots transition to successful soaring and cross-country. Mylynn Bowker explains her love of aerobatics. David Carter explores the theory of lift. Bernard Smyth reports from a Junior Nationals with a record number of pilots. Ebenezer Grimshaw breaks taboos, dispels myths and restores reality for newbies. Sam Franklin reports on a K-8 restoration project. There are four pages of results from BGA-rated UK competitions, plus the announcement of the BGA provisional ratings list. Alison Randle reports from the 2017 BGA Club Management Conference. And there are many more of your stunning images in the Gallery pages.

Fly safely and have fun