wrote:
The point is that just because it looks like it could be illegal,
doesn't mean it is.

Absolutely. This discussion has degenerated in the wrong direction.

The OLC is essentially operating on the honor system, so let's all be
honorable. This means keeping an eye out for gross violations of
regulations. The disclaimer on the OLC site is meant to remind the
submitter of some responsibility to be borne. It is in OUR BEST
INTEREST to nudge some marginal flights off the web if we feel they are
detrimental to our sport.

I'm not saying we need nannies checking every flight, but it's just
common sense that if you see a flight that's questionable, you would
approach the pilot about it. If we all do this, then it won't be a
stranger making the comment.

Just because you think something is dangerous
doesn't mean it is.

No, but I would approach the pilot to ask why someting that looked to
me as dangerous was done. I expect one of three responses:

1. A description of why it was not dangerous based on the pilot's
skills, perceptions, etc.

2. An admission that a mistake was made and some lesson learned.

3. An admission that the pilot was unaware the action looked dangerous,
and now upon reflection, a lesson has been learned.

I do not expect to get a lecture on minding my own business.

In the first case above, I would learn a lesson, and in the other two
both of us would learn a lesson.

Anyone who really thinks flights posted on OLC are "public" really has
an inflated opinion of our sport!

They can be used as "evidence" against out freedon to fly. And we can
only hope that the OLC is giving us some more exposure on what can
REALLY be done in a sailplane.

-Tom