Flights that don't go well
We all have those flights that don't quite go to plan, no one is immune. Sebastian Kawa once outlanded before the start at a World Gliding Championships, does it make him a poor racing pilot? Absolutely not, he is still one of the greats of all time in our sport. It can happen to anyone, that we just have a bad day, after all, gliding is a game of skill & chance.
I'm currently writing to you all from a State Gliding competition in Queensland, Australia. The start of my competition hasn't gone well, but it's not deterring me from making the most of it. In fact, I'm actually using this competition as practice for the upcoming World Gliding Championships later this year, so mistakes or (GP time penalties) are expected to be made as I push closer to my competitive risk limit.
The second day was no different, after a great start & first thermal, I saw that I was ahead of the pack. I decided to track direct, over some unlandable terrain (my first paddocks were at the end of the glide if I didn't find anything), thinking that it'd be a good thermal producer. Sadly, it wasn't, those that took the longer route had thermals over the red (yup, red!) fields & as a pack, continued on task. Meanwhile, I decided that it was only a game after all & started my engine over the last field & the risk of damage wasn't worth it.
My day is over after 42km, right? Well, if you have that mindset, you would be wrong. Rather than beat myself up, I made something of the day. I first powered out of the immediate task area, climbed up & cooled down, evaluated the weather, and my options & set some goals to make something of the day. So, what were they?
1. We all feel uncomfortable flying over unlandable terrain, I'm no different. So I challenged myself to fly towards the clouds in the North, over 100km of difficult terrain, while flying below 4000'agl. What was I trying to achieve? To train to think clearly under pressure, to become more comfortable in this scenario, but to always have a landing option (whether it's in front, behind, or 90° to the right of you) which you may have to divert to while destroying your speed. I had to make one 90° deviation to a distant field, to stay within my personal safety limits.
2. Dump all my water and learn to fly my Ventus 3TS-15 empty. What speeds does it like to cruise & climb at, is the CG right, how much bank in the climbs is optimum?
3. Try a different thermal entry technique. I realised that I may be pulling on thermalling flap (L in my glider) too soon. So I tried to feel my way into the climb, set +2 by feel, then & only when I knew I was in the climb, I'd reselect L. Sometimes this would be after a few turns
4. Once established in the thermal, trim perfectly (usually I thermal with forward trim, so I can pull on the gusts & lever myself on the thermal if I can with back pressure). What I found was that I was able to completely relax the foot pressure, I found I was flying at slightly less bank though, however, the glider flew hands off being totally relaxed with minimal input.
I achieved all these goals, & when I landed back home, I felt good about myself & that I had achieved something for the day. So if you find your day not going to plan, reset some goals, and achieve something else for your day!
Safe circles, Adam
Banner Photo by Petr Kolmann
Adam Woolley was born into the gliding world, being the 3rd generation in his family. Going solo at 15, his thirst for efficiency in soaring flight & quest for a world championship title to his name has never wavered. One big passion is sharing his experiences & joy with other glider pilots all around the world. Adam is an airline pilot in Japan on the B767 & spends his off time chasing summer around the globe. He has now won 7 national Championships & represented Australia at 5 WGC's & 1 EGC.