Sailplane Landout
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tie down stable approach outlanding landout field selection

Outlanding (or an off-field landing as others would call it) preparation starts from a long way out, even at 5000’ when we still have 40km of distance to cover before hitting terra-firma.  It starts with a simple, there’s my track line to the turn point, off to the left is a scrub line and generally unlandable terrain, to the right is generally better, this thought at that moment is enough.  Note: This article doesn’t seek to talk about the five ‘S’ of paddock selection: SLOPE, SIZE, SURFACE, STOCK or SINGLE-WIRE EARTH RETURN LINES, but a generalisation first, then the do’s and don’ts.

Let’s continue - 3000’, the scrub line direction isn’t working as predicted, I’ll start moving towards the right, there’s a good patch of fields surrounded by undulating terrain, then further to the right, wide open fields.  2000’, now it’s really time to start narrowing it down, you’ve got an option to go further right to the easy fields or you can stay over the area that you identified earlier.  Out of the 10 fields you saw, there are 5 useable and are towards track, your decision is to stay in this area, so you continue searching for lift in this area...  

1500’, now is the time to select the three best options, and start planning your circuit into all of them. Sadly, still no lift and now you’re at 1000’ on downwind to your chosen field, you notice that it isn’t suitable because of an unseen farmer's fence running through the middle of it.  No problems, you have your backup plan in mind, adjust your downwind to meet the requirements, and into the field, you go.  Congratulations, you just made a successful outlanding!  While it’s easy to feel down about the situation, I actually look upon it as a blessing in disguise.  Because it renews my confidence in outlanding, knowing that the training & my judgment, works.  The next adventure awaits, meeting the locals, arranging to get yourself, the crew, and your glider home safely, followed by a well-earned drink that quenches your thirst!

So what are the Do’s and Don’ts of outlanding?

DO..

  • Let your airborne friends know that you maybe outlanding, and if you do, advise them roughly where you are and when you have landed safely
  • Calm yourself, so you’re able to think positively and decisively
  • Make your decision to land early enough
  • Establish the wind direction on the ground and land as best you can into the wind
  • Stop ASAP in the field, you never know what fence or ditch is coming up that you haven’t seen from your checks
  • Your five ‘S’ check before you do your normal downwind check
  • Ensure you keep safe flying speed at all times
  • Be stable on your approach to land
  • Tie down your glider before leaving it
  • Take your drinking water and any sustenance before leaving the glider
  • Make every attempt to contact the farmer before entering their property
  • Find the gate and best path to your glider before the crew arrives

DO NOT..

  • Change your field selection at the last minute
  • Lose concentration, keep focused until the glider has come to a complete stop
  • Take one extra turn in false lift on a windy day, just land the aircraft safely
  • Experiment with something different, just land the aircraft normally
  • Start your circuit too high
  • Rush through your landing checks

As long as you follow these general principles, when the time comes to landing off-field, you shouldn’t have any problems.  Happy off-field landing, there is such a thing, I think..!

Banner photo by Sean Franke

Adam Woolley  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.