Thank you, Rory.


Jack

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Rory O'Conor wrote:

An interesting US thread primarily about access to Upper airspace (in US
above 18000FT), but also about IFR flight in gliders.
In the UK we have also had much discussion last year about access to
upper airspace (variously above FL195, FL245).

The differences between the two threads seems to be that the UK
discussion was how can we maintain our access, to which one of the
solutions was to ensure maximum posting of high flights onto online
soaring sites (BGA Ladder) to provide gliding leadership with
information to support the case for ongoing access.

In the US discussion, the tread seems to be mainly about how to prevent
others posting good flights to online soaring sites (OLC) when they
exceed 18000FT, because of competitive issues. A rather different
approach. Both threads are full of those bureaucrats who wish to
demonstrate nit-picking legalistic technicalities to prevent safe and
enjoyable access to airspace in which glider pilots should be free to
fly.

Not to say that the competitive spirit has not resulted in some
"unsportsmanly" behaviour in recent UK competitions.

It is a pity some of us are deprived of access to traces of some of the
boundary-pushing flights of top pilots because these pilots have to fear
the nit-picking of their colleagues. When something appears not quite
right, often an in-depth conversation may be needed to establish the
facts rather than an immediate counter-blast.

Gliding is a small sport and doesn't need to restrict itself into
oblivion. If commercial air traffic can constantly demand control of
ever increasing amounts of airspace, what is their legal right? We have
just as much right and should constantly be pushing the boundaries,
pressing our case and establishing our need.

If you can string together a half-decent set of legal and commonsensical
reasonning why you can do something that appears safe, fun and
enjoyable, then go and do it. Don't spend the time trying to cross the
last t of the legalese. If you are not competant or motivated enough to
do that particular activity, then it is not always helpful to focus on
potential technicalities as to why others should not be allowed their
pleasure. I wonder why lawyers are so rich? If you want zero risk, don't
aviate in any form.

Rory