F3G
I'd love to agree with you, but my experience is that many glider pilot's knowledge of the roolz of the air is normally that everyone else should accomodate what they wish to do, as they have no engine
My experience is that most power pilots do not lOOk out sufficiently. Case in point last year a power pilot flew over our site at about 1500ft whilst a winch lauch was in progress. (Shown as cables to 3000ft on chart) The large red and white glider in a 45 degree climb in front of him was not even noticed as he did not deviate in the slightest. How he missed the cable we will never know. How can a power pilot follow the rules of the air if he is not even aware of any other airscraft in his vicinity? Let those without blame cast the first stone.
This includes a non radio glider landing on the reciprocal to the duty runway, causing a vey late go around and then saying 'sail before steam' as an excuse.
Inexcusabley rude and inconsiderate. Was the signals square set up and in use?
Don't let Shy Torque see your comment, as he had an even closer call when a glider nearly landed on top of his aircraft during the take off roll.
What about all clear above and behind? Did he not look before lining up?
PS: Glider pilots are also usually pants at radio work and many don't even bother to get a FRTO licence - now that is bad airmanship in my eyes.
Many dont even have radios. I fly from a site that has 60,000+ movements a year and peak activity of 200+ movements per hour all without radio. What is the expression about priorities Aviate first , communicate last or something similar.
A quick call advising the circuit traffic of intentions will see us breaking in all directions to let a glider in, no radio calls leaves us all guessing.
Agreed if landing at a power airfield.
My 2Ps worth about GPS. Very useful AID, Particulary for airspace. With the sinister spread of contolled airspace VFR pilots are being forced into an increasing number of choke points i.e. near bath. To avoid busting these it is important to know your position accurately. Nothing should be allowed to disract you from a good lookout be it GPS, VOR, passengers, radio or map.
PPL and glider pilot for 30 yrs