Monthly Archives: December 2022

Katabatic Wind

Have you ever heard of the term “mountain wind” or “drainage wind”?  If you have this may help you put a ‘face’ to the name of the term Katabatic Winds.  It can also be called a “gully wind”, those living at the bottom of the hills will be very familiar with the rather cool and sometimes very strong down-slope winds that occur. These winds can spring up during the evening as a result

We are all familiar with the idea that we can easily be a complete idiot in the air. I've done some really dumb things, and made some stupid mistakes. And you wouldn't believe some of the errors I've seen when coaching perfectly competent pilots. Even this week my student tried to take off with the canopy unlocked, and he couldn't believe what he'd done when I brought it to his attention. And we know

I’ve just returned from Japan where I was doing my B787 type rating, followed by line training towards being re-qualified as a copilot with Air Japan, it took three and a half months in total.  As you could imagine, my mind has been only on work for all that time, as it’s a way of securing my gliding future and retirement. Prior to those 3.5 months, I was in Australia, but with money only going one