Someone earlier posted asking what the RAF lookout technique is. I don't know what they recommend exactly but I believe the BGA has adopted something similar described at
http://www.cotswoldgliding.co.uk/doc...tybriefing.pdf
"The BGA have recently introduced the scan cycle lookout to the instructor courses. All members will be expected to use the technique from now on. The technique involves a fixed routine consisting of lookout, checking the attitude and then the instruments. The lookout is first done straight ahead, on the horizon, and then above and below. Then the same thing is done 45 deg to the right, 90 deg to the right and finally as far back as you can see. Then you look directly above you and then return to look ahead where the attitude and instruments are checked. This is then repeated on the left side. Each scan cycle should take about 20 seconds"
Which is basically what I was taught when learning to fly gliders. However I've never had a powered lesson, so what do student PPLs get taught?
Yes transponders are a good thing, but I doubt there is a glider in the sky with a transponder of any form, and that glassfibre probably doesn't show up well on radar.
Cheers
John
(who though he has right of way will get the hell out the way if he sees you coming
)