Yak 11? / gliders - a bit close for comfort.

[snapper1]

Yesterday, Tuesday 11th May, Derbyshire Peak District. Yak 11 or similar (yellow nose) flew between two gliders in a thermal. Time approx 1330Z, track approx 170, height approx 2,800AMSL.

Anyone willing to put their hand up? We just want to know if you saw us.

[Rod1]

I too have been “close” to the Yak 11, it travels about just under 250kn and can be a bit scary. It is based at Sleap and I think it is the only one in the UK. Why not contact him direct?

Rod1

[Tupperware Pilot]

The Yak-11 at Sleap has a red nose..!!!

[snapper1]

I'm happy to report that I've received a private message to say the pilot did see us. Its good to know we are all looking out for each other.
Happy flying everyone.

[MichaelJP59]

Often see gliders, and just wondered about a couple of things having never done it myself.

- If you see a glider circling as they do, will they generally continue in that turn or do they often reverse direction?

- Again, if a glider is circling is it generally ascending in a thermal (typical rate of ascent?)

- Do gliders generally ask for a radar service?

Thanks for any insights.

[Tupperware Pilot]

Michael,
They should not revesrse the turn.
Its its circling then yes it should be going up! But there is no typical rate!
No not as a rule..well I never have!
Hope that helps...
TP

[BackPacker]

- If you see a glider circling as they do, will they generally continue in that turn or do they often reverse direction?

They will generally continue in that turn. But... They may be varying the turn radius to properly determine where the best lift is to be found in the thermal, and to center on it.

- Again, if a glider is circling is it generally ascending in a thermal (typical rate of ascent?)

Normally, yes. It doesn't make sense to circle in an area of still or descending air.

- Do gliders generally ask for a radar service?

Gliders generally do not use the radio at all, IME. Even their circuits are completely non-radio. Apart from the fact that most gliders in most places (except where required by law) don't have transponders so a radar service would be useless.

What does happen in a lot of places is that the gliding site will give the local ATC provider a ring when they commence gliding, and when all gliders are back on the ground. That way ATC can at least warn you that there are gliders in the general area.

And what is useful to know is that gliders generally (note: generally - there are exceptions) will be flying up to the base of the cumulus clouds, but not above.

What I strongly recommend is that you visit a gliding club for a day. Phone ahead and/or show up early (in time for the briefing), explain that you're a power pilot and want to sample the atmosphere, see the procedures and so forth, and you'll find that you're able to participate in the activities for a full day, no strings attached. With a bit of luck you can make three launches that day but also experience what happens on the ground. And get to talk to a lot of experienced glider pilots who can answer all your questions.

Oh, and that full day of gliding will probably be much cheaper than an hour of power flying.

I'm a power pilot but I've done two midweek gliding courses (and the third will happen in a few weeks time). Not only did I become a better pilot (I finally know what the footrests are for) but it also made me much more aware of glider behaviour: where they can be found, what their typical pattern of operation is, and so forth.

[cats_five]

If you see a glider circling as they do, will they generally continue in that turn or do they often reverse direction?

If it's one on it's own it might reverse direction if it's not centered in the thermal. If you see a gaggle then reversing is highly unlikely. If you see a gaggle you can also expect other gliders to keep arriving and joining it. They are very handy for seeing where there is (probably) lift.

Again, if a glider is circling is it generally ascending in a thermal (typical rate of ascent?)

I have seen gliders thermalling down as well as up... Rate of climb is highly variable depending on the glider itself, the conditions and the pilot's skill in getting into the best bit of the thermal, and also often changes with height - thermals sometimes weaken towards cloudbase (so the canny pilot leaves them) and sometimes strengthen.

Do gliders generally ask for a radar service?

I thought Radar Service got renamed a little while back?

Most glider pilots never talk to ATC (they are flying in Class G and using see and avoid - or see and join the gaggle - and quite a few glider pilots don't have an RT licence) and most gliders don't show up on the ATC radars.

If you want, you might well hear glider pilot chatter on 130.1 or 130.4 on an XC-able day. Most clubs seem to use 129.975 as the ground frequency.

[MichaelJP59]

What I strongly recommend is that you visit a gliding club for a day.

Thanks - I'm quite near Camphill, so will pay a visit. Don't really want to take the sport up as I barely have time for everything as it is, but would love to have a go or two in a glider and get some insights.

[snapper1]

You will be very welcome at Camphill. Look forward to seeing you.