In article ,
Stefan wrote:
Mark James Boyd wrote:

But perhaps this is just semantics. The definition of
an "unplanned outlanding"

Maybe.

If "unplanned" means "it wasn't my intention when I started", then
unplanned outlandings are part of the game. Otherwise, you couldn't go
cross country by definition.

If however "unplanned" means "suddenly I realised that the lift was gone
and I hadn't a plan what to do now", then I agree with you. This is
unacceptable.

Stefan

Yes, yes, yes. Exactly. From reading your posts and agreeing with
them, I suspected we just needed to get to this little bit of
precision. Thanks for your patience here...

One resource that really has helped in recent years (at least around
here in the Western US) is a good database for potential landouts.
Carl Herold has done some great work in this area,
and between him and local avid soarers we have some remarkable
databases. For guys like me that prefer to aerotow out of a
narrow duster strip than trailer out of some random field,
these databases have really helped improve my alternatives and
allowed me to fly at lower altitudes (and therefore more days)
while still feeling I have safe options.

These databases also list a lot of reliable thermals
(elevators) pilots have found over the years.
Another excellent resource.

It's also been very easy for me to fly a power plane to each strip
to check it out. This has been extremely valuable. Only once have
I found a strip that I didn't feel safe landing, and instead I drove
there, measured and surveyed (with my little GPS), and then said
"boy I'm glad I didn't land there."

For example, a new landout called "Indian Valley" popped up recently
at http://www.soarhollister.com/images/...r500k_8_11.pdf
I haven't had a chance to scout it yet, but it is in a crucial location
where I've been limited from exploring before (due to lack
of confidence in a safe outcome). If it pans out,
it will allow me to explore a potential convergence/sea
breeze front on certain days.

Perhaps best of all, I now feel comfortable flying on perfectly
cloudless days. It's been amazing how many more soaring opportunities
I have had once I had a really firm grasp of landout options
and no longer needed marker clouds as a crutch. Flying on clear days
has certainly been more challenging, but so few pilots do it,
I get the towpilot and glider all to myself all day
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