Holding a summer course in April given this winter’s often very wet and very cloudy weather was always going to stretch the concept of summer. And so it was that the first summer course of 2023 starting in gloom and fog. Gliding tends to weed out the pessimists in its ranks, so the group that gathered at North Hill at 8:30am on Monday 17th remained upbeat and optimistic despite the increasing evidence that there would be no air time that day. But that did not mean there was no gliding.
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| Sean and Steve sampling the ridge at Talgarth (Mark Courtney) |
DSGC is very fortunate to have an excellent Condor 2 gliding simulator featuring a dual control cockpit and multi-projector screens. This was used to great effect as part of a series of activities run by instructors Mark Courtney and Steve Westlake. Mark began with a lecture on ridge soaring. This included rules of the air, and Threat Error Management. Mark sketched out some ridges and gave instruction on how to fly them to maximise life, and avoid dreaded areas of turbulence and sink.
We then watched a video courtesy of Pure Glide’s YouTube channel that analysed the now widely circulated clip of a glider entering cloud on a ridge, and entering significant turbulence and sink that nearly ended in disaster. This connected very well with both TEM discussions and techniques on ridge soaring.
Later, all the course attendees had a chance to practice ridge soaring on the simulator. This was an excellent way to bring all the different elements together. Riding in the back seat Mark and Steve were able to show particular routes and help the student’s refine their techniques. Mark was also on hand to help avert disaster when one over-enthusiastic student decided to turn into the ridge while hammering along at 100 knots. Mark’s activation of the miracle ‘q’ button happened with a millisecond to spare.
Gliding is a bit like supporting Tottenham Hotspur: it offers great promises with excitement often very nearly in reach, but the day can often end in disappointment. However, while the gliders were back in the hanger by 5pm after remaining on the ground all day, Monday was a good day for those that love gliding. Much was learnt both in principle and practice. And the weather for Tuesday was looking much better. Hope springs eternal! - James Dyke
We then watched a video courtesy of Pure Glide’s YouTube channel that analysed the now widely circulated clip of a glider entering cloud on a ridge, and entering significant turbulence and sink that nearly ended in disaster. This connected very well with both TEM discussions and techniques on ridge soaring.
Later, all the course attendees had a chance to practice ridge soaring on the simulator. This was an excellent way to bring all the different elements together. Riding in the back seat Mark and Steve were able to show particular routes and help the student’s refine their techniques. Mark was also on hand to help avert disaster when one over-enthusiastic student decided to turn into the ridge while hammering along at 100 knots. Mark’s activation of the miracle ‘q’ button happened with a millisecond to spare.
Gliding is a bit like supporting Tottenham Hotspur: it offers great promises with excitement often very nearly in reach, but the day can often end in disappointment. However, while the gliders were back in the hanger by 5pm after remaining on the ground all day, Monday was a good day for those that love gliding. Much was learnt both in principle and practice. And the weather for Tuesday was looking much better. Hope springs eternal! - James Dyke
