On Tuesday, October 30, 2012 4:10:58 PM UTC-4, Sean F (F2) wrote:
Video here --- https://vimeo.com/52396659 Side note: Interesting PowerFLARM warning in at the 9:13 point of this video. The glider that bumped directly thru this thermal (about 20 ft. below me) will go unnamed. I am not claiming he/she did anything wrong at this point. But...this happens often to me OFTEN in contests. My understanding is that contest pilots should not fly directly at another glider established in a thermal and should NOT do their pull-up at such close proximity. I had to change my direction significantly to stay in a position that I considered safe. My understanding is that a contest pilot MUST do their pull-up outside the thermal and blend in safely from the side of the thermal in a safe, predicable and benign manner. This is rarely the case in my experience. The glider in the thermal should have, for lack of a better work, the RIGHT OF WAY. But many, many do the straight in attack run technique in the contest environment. It can be very distracting. I have another video of a couple "incident's" at this summer's Sports Class Nationals that were far, far, FAR worse. Ill may put those up at some point in the future. How would the rules committee govern this? How can this be enforced, if it is improper technique or unsafe according to the standards the rules committee has set? What are the consequences for unsafe flying and how does one prove that they have been subjected to an unsafe pilots poor technique (or worse)? Seems like the onus is, unfortunately on me. Seems like the wild west at times. I see no disciplinary action happen to pilots who cause, for example, collisions. My goal is to better understand where the line is drawn and what I should expect and not expect.

Your description of entry technique describes best practices commonly taught even in basic training. I've reviewed this topic probably 10 times in safety talks in the last few years. It is the obligation of the entering pilot to not hinder the established pilot. It is not a rule, but very well established good practice for safety and courtesy.
Obviously there is no rule related to bumping a thermal and continuing. The pilot bumping has the same obligation to not affect the other pilot as the one entering.
How do you handle a situation after the fact?
1- Talk to the other pilot and find out if he or she saw you. Explain to them that the close proximity situation they created made you feel unsafe. The proper response from that pilot should be to accept your concern and agree to try not to repeat it.
2- Use the "safety box". This brings your concern to the attention of the contest organizers. A pattern of complaints about an individual will result in discussion with the offending pilot. Note some CD's, myself being one of those, would prefer to hear directly from the concerned pilot so they can better understand what occured.
3- There is disciplinary action for pilots involved in mid air collisions. For them, the flight end right there- mostly to encourage the decision to land promptly and safely. Damage to the glider usually can be expected to serve as any required additional punishment.
The goal is for all of us to act in a sportsmanlike manner so we can all enjoy our sport.
Nice video and a good discussion point. Expect to be asked to discuss this topic at an upcoming safety talk.
UH