Bob C wrote:
Very well written article.

Bob, I beg to differ.It is a terribly written article!I have been at
this a long time, and I have seen this type of pilot before.What the
author is doing is using faulty logic and baseless asumptions to
justify a completely non standard way of doing things.The author
addressed a couple of issues with this approach method while completely
ignoring others.

This is a 'standard' airshow
sailplane approach.

Bob, should we all fly like we are at an airshow?I have seen two power
fatalities and a near fatal glider crash at fly ins where pilots were
doing "Standard" airshow stuff.

Gives you exceptional glidepath control, excellent
control authority and makes a stall/spin highly unlikely
(though not impossible). One of my tricks for setting
up a perfect spot landing.

Now you Bob (Just like the original author) are applying some faulty
logic.You tout the percived benifits of this approach while ignoring
the fact that it creates more hazards than it solves.

That being said; as with any new technique, don't try
it the first time without the assistance of someone
experienced in the technique.

Or better yet, dont try it unless you have a specific reason to.

It may be possible to overstress the
glider. Be extra cautious of this technique when switching
from a 2-33 to a higher performance glider. The extra
energy you're carrying may be more than you realize.

No argument here!I think this stunt would only work with a small range
of training ships or a looooong runway.Not to mention the fact that the
author is flying outside the POH and FARs AIM etc..

There are advantages in learning where the edges of
the performance envelope are, but explore carefully
with the help of an experienced pilot.

There certainly are, but not in the traffic pattern!

Being comfortable
on a fast, low approach might come in handy when you
discover power lines while setting up an out landing.

But it will have the oposite effect with a more likely senario like a
fence or ditch at the other end of the approach.

Fly Safe,
K Urban