Originally Posted by
Intercepted
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Gliders and SEP have one significant difference, i.e. 10/1 versus 50/1 glide ratio!
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For most of us a 50/1 glider is in our dreams, though there are lots of 40/1 gliders around. The average glass club trainer is pretty much 30/1 and the primary I've seen a couple of times would be struggling to make 10/1. However most of us don't fly primaries, and I agree that 30/1 gives you quite a few more options than 10/1.
What I am curious about is if power pilots consider launch failure options before departure? As noted above gliders have a lot more options because of the better glide angle, and also we consider them before each and every launch so when there is a failure we know what we are going to do.
If we are are in a position to turn (e.g. can't land ahead) we've already decided what approach speed will be and which direction we will turn if land ahead is not possible. (normally downwind)
Does the equivalent go on in SEP?
PS had wondered how long before the Dundee tree landing would get a mention...