Feb-March 23

What is so special about conditions that pave the way for spectacular wave flights in Scotland? Find out in the Feb/March issue. You can also read about superb gliding conditions in Brazil, avoiding a costly mistake in the cockpit, and reducing the number of Airprox involving gliders.

Stories of spectacular wave flights in Scotland are envied by many. Portmoak’s Sant Cervantes describes the ideal weather pattern that sets up wave in his part of the world to Herrie ten Cate. Sant also talks about how GPS has revolutionised wave soaring in Scotland and how a good relationship with ATC is very helpful.

Sebastian Kawa had never associated Brazil with a gliding paradise. Two visits last year changed his mind. The sight of thermal columns marked by flocks of small Urubu vultures was a first for Sebastian. In Bahia there is a zone that is used for record flights and so that the national championships can be held there. There are more interesting places to fly in Brazil, but the competition is held there because the plateau is covered with huge farmlands that are perfectly flat and provide landing spots. Sebastian was joined at Bahia Gliding 2 by Sergio Andrades and enjoyed many flights with him over unexplored terrain. During an 11-day stay, Sebastian covered 7,900km with Sergio in his ASH 30, logging 59 hours.

In the year July 2021–2022, there were 37 Airprox involving gliders in the UK. It’s encouraging to see glider pilots engaging with the Airprox system in reporting, but two Airprox gliders could not be traced. Overflights of winch sites remain a serious problem and we are asked to be vigilant when supervising a winch launch. Electronic conspicuity helps, but if your glider does have a transponder, please do leave it switched on. This could have prevented four of last year’s glider Airprox. Andrew Watson and Ed Downham report on the Airprox involving gliders and share practical precautions you can take to avoid an Airprox (or worse) in 2023.

You can create problems of your own in the cockpit of your glider. Phil King and the BGA Safety Team talk about how a costly error prompted an experienced pilot to review cockpit actions. Before landing a glider with retractable undercarriage, it is important to check the symbol or word that corresponds to wheel down, check the lever is in the correct position and is locked. The direction of movement of the lever varies in different gliders. The principle of following an action with a check also applies to airbrakes and canopy.

Also in this issue: BGA Chairman Andy Perkins looks at three key elements of sustainability in which gliding could focus to maintain relevance and adapt to the times. Charlie Tagg is in the spotlight for our pilot profile. Paul Rice and Dennis Heslop achieve the first 750km from Wormingford. Ron Johns reflects on a terrifying first attempt at flying in cloud with an instructor. Anne Soltow reports on the biggest Junior Winter Series event yet. David Rhys-Jones looks at Airbus research into contrails and global warming. Graham Stanford reports on fun at the Gliding Heritage Centre. David Innes reflects on a chilly landout that kicked up a stink. Ebenezer Grimshaw has yet more unasked-for advice for newbies. Kevin Atkinson talks about outflow variation. Alison Randle reports on the return of a face-to-face club development conference. Pete Stratten highlights safety critical tasks in gliding. Andrew Jarvis reflects on a year of vintage gliding. Plus, many more of your stunning images in the Gallery pages.

Fly safely and have fun