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Old June 7th 15, 07:48 AM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Bob Pasker
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Posts: 148
Default Downwind to final turns

To say that there is only one safe way to land is ludicrous.

The stall/spin in the pattern issue isn't the type of landing pattern, it's poor judgment (eg misjudging the wind gradient, arriving short, etc) that exposes poor skills (inside rudder, pulling elevator, failure to maintain 1..5Vso, improper spoiler use, etc)

if you can't do 45, downwinds, base, 180s, 270s, overhead/Racetrack, crosswinds and tailwinds, and land where you want you're a machine and not a pilot, no matter how many 500km days you've had this week.

The issue for glider pilots is that the sport and community rewards competitions and OLC points, not doing pattern work. Pattern work is for students. And doing pattern work is what improves landing skill.

Next time your the only one in the pattern at your home field on a calmer day, try some thing different