Glider pilots on the radio really does help, and i think FRTO quals would be a good thing for all pilots regardless of craft.
I Fly out of a airport that has glider operations, in fact i went solo with the glider club when i was 15! i share the airspace quite happily with gliders the reason...we talk! on the ground and in the air!
I know with booming soaring days gliders collect in gaggles but those are easier to see and usually generate some sort of chatter, lone glider operations are a bit different.
I was descending after crossing the Tararua mountains from 7000ft, a chap who I knew by voice was ridge soaring at 2000 ft below me on a ridge directly in my path. I never saw him, but i knew exactly where he was and we didn't meet up, All because i relayed my intentions and he relayed his location.
I elected to stay at 2500ft and go for a 747 final instead of descending along the ridge. I never saw him.
Love my glider pals, rather have a beer on the ground tho
FK
Last edited by FlyingKiwi_73; 9th Jul 2013 at 04:58.