SCSA News, Weather, and Training

Archive for the ‘Soaring Is Learning’ Category

Strong, sometimes warm winter winds down in the LA basin have a peculiar cause.   As a brisk, perhaps even chilly breeze in the Antelope Valley flows over the mountains and down toward sea level the air is heated by compression.   That causes it to expand and accelerate, making the wind much stronger down below than up here where it comes from.

     A common error is banking away from slopes while in straight flight, whether due to anxiety or visual misperceptions.   When horizons are low on one side and high on the other, many pilots will inadvertently level their wings with the ‘apparent’ horizon ahead, even far from terrain.   In running a ridge approximately perpendicular to strong wind, crab angles may be very pronounced, and the visual effect of ground moving by sideways at close range prompts that same unconscious, continual bank to windward.   It might sound absurd but almost everyone does it until they grow accustomed to soaring near mountainous terrain.    

     Another mistake, costly in areas of limited lift, is flying too far along the hill and out of lift before turning back.   That can quickly waste all the height gained on one pass before beginning the next, and when conditions are weak it could even shoot you down.   Instead, anticipate where the lift will end, turn back earlier than necessary at first, and then gradually explore further on each pass.   This will almost surely help you ride the slope higher, as no precious energy is wasted.

 …Which is to say PERFORM them.   Don’t just say the words, physically check each item on every launch and every landing, as if your future depends on it – because it does!   Then, if there is any delay or interruption, do it again.

     Establish firm – but flexible – ideas about your margin of safety.   These should include altitude, speed, bank angles, escape options, the performance and handling characteristics of your aircraft, prevailing weather, and potential turbulence.   Realize that safety margins will change with the weather and numerous other factors.   Be honest with yourself – other pilots’ margins may not suit your needs.   Wherever you are, over low ground or high, keep this moment’s margin foremost in mind.   If you inadvertently exceed it without getting hurt, see that as an undeserved lucky break, not something to be repeated.   YOUR LIFE COULD DEPEND ON THIS!