February-March 2019
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SubscribeDiscover one of the UK’s finest expedition sites in the Feb/March issue of S&G and find out why one club chose to have its K-21 refinished in Slovenia. There are more top tips on improving your cross-country skills, with a focus on knowing the wind vector when airborne, and you can read John Williams’ fascinating account of how he set a new 600km triangle speed record.
The beauty and soaring challenges of Llanbedr have been fascinating pilots from London GC for the past four years. After the club’s ninth return to this mountainous and coastal area, Alan Harrison reveals what the attraction is with this ‘hidden gem’ in the National Park of Snowdonia, Wales.
Gary Western found himself a little further afield when he set off on a trip to Slovenia to collect Rattlesden’s transformed K-21. Tasked by the club chairman with finding options to give the K-21 the TLC it badly needed, Gary explains why he found GliderService Novak to be the best option for the club’s glider refinish and what the project entailed.
Knowing the wind factor when airborne can help you vastly improve cross-country performance and avoid unfortunate mistakes. Tony Cronshaw talks to coach Kevin Atkinson about why finding out the wind factor accurately is a must for the soaring pilot.
A lesser known requirement when world record submissions are made is for a pilot narrative to be submitted along with the paperwork. John Williams has a habit of writing these whether strictly required or not. S&G got sight of his latest narrative, for a 600km triangle speed record-breaking flight, and saw it as a real insight into his thinking on such a special flight. We persuaded John to share it with S&G for a wider audience to appreciate.
Also in this issue: BGA Exec member Tony Smith highlights why a healthy balance sheet is essential. Neville Almond returns with an update on Kobo/XCSoar developments. David Innes gets to grips with an interesting electronic conspicuity toy. Chris Fox and Ed Downham report on last year’s Airprox, with 19 out of 128 involving gliders. There’s a true story on an arduous retrieve, with names changed to protect the innocent. Ebenezer Grimshaw breaks taboos, dispels myths and restores reality for newbies. Richard Cole reports on EuroFOX engine developments. How the Ted Lys Trust helped pilots in 2018. Tor Walberg explains why he became hooked on gliding and how he benefited from a Royal Aero Club Trust bursary. Chris Luton reports on the ICL, with the 2018 trophy awarded to Bicester. Rose Johnson proposes a mentoring scheme available to anyone at regionals level. Alison Randle looks at why succession planning is vital. Pete Stratten gives an update on the challenges faced, influencing our future. And there are many more of your stunning images in the Gallery pages.
Fly safely and have fun
Susan Newby
Editor, Sailplane & Gliding
Know the wind vector
Tony Cronshaw talks to Aim Higher lead coach Kevin Atkinson about why knowing the wind vector when airborne is vitally important
Click here to read the full article Feel the way to the core, from S&G Dec 18/Jan 19
A triangular task in wave
John Williams reflects on the October flight in his Antares 20E that resulted in a new 600km FAI triangle speed record
Low-cost nav aid solution, part 3
Neville Almond returns with a short update on Kobo/XCSoar developments since his article in the April/May 17 issue of S&G
SkyEcho II
David Innes gets to grips with an interesting electronic conspicuity toy
Be aware of risk appetite
Chris Fox and Ed Downham report that 19 out of 128 Airprox last year involved gliders
When Biggles botched it up
Continuing S&G’s series of your ‘landouts from heaven or hell’ tales, this is a true story of a somewhat arduous retrieve. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent!
What they didn’t tell you – advisory 9: the hazards of enlightenment
Ebenezer Grimshaw has a worryingly deep rummage through the learning process
Even better than before
Richard Cole reports on EuroFOX engine developments
Helping hand from Ted Lys
There’s a trust fund available to all ages. Here is how the Ted Lys Trust helped pilots in the past year
I was hooked in an instant
Tor Walberg reflects on why he took up gliding and how he has benefited from a Royal Aero Club Trust bursary
Clubs compete to lift ICL cup
Chris Luton reports on the Inter-Club League, with the trophy awarded to Bicester GC
A hidden gem
Alan Harrison reveals a location that has fascinated London GC with its beauty and soaring challenges
Competition training for all
With comp training available for juniors and women, Rose Johnson proposes a mentoring scheme available to anyone at regionals level
Click here for more details on the mentoring scheme and a copy of the debriefing sheet
K-21 is back as good as new
With Rattlesden’s K-21 in need of some TLC, Gary Western researches a refinish and finds himself setting off on a trip to Slovenia to bring home the transformed glider
Influencing our future
Pete Stratten provides an update on current challenges faced
The year ahead
VGC President Andrew Jarvis looks forward to a vintage year
Also in this issue:
BGA news; opinion; your letters; Gliding Gallery; Club Gallery; Club Focus – Denbigh; development news; club news; BGA badges; instructor ratings; obituaries; incident and accident summaries
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