Squeaky, you're so much more articulate than I am. Thank you for
telling it the way I tried to!

Dan

On 8/1/2016 8:12 AM, Squeaky wrote:
Well, not that my answer matters much as I'm only a six year glider
pilot, but I do come from a USAF background.

All else being equal I fly a curved pattern all the way from downwind to
final. Flying that pattern does not stop nor preclude cross checks. I
do not stare at the land point all the way around. I check the opposite
base along my entire downwind leg. I check again throughout my pattern,
and I look for straight in traffic prior to passing the 100-110 degree
point where it gets under my belly. I also do not stop cross checks
into the cockpit to monitor airspeed, altitude and yaw string. That
constant cross check and outside look out has been ingrained in me for
years. Even on short final I look around, nod to the duty crew,
whatever. I have yet to see anything dangerous in this technique. I
was taught you fly a pattern to get you to final in the envelop/cone
where you still have correction ability on final--i.e. about half speed
brakes.

I also fly TLAR... My goal in the pattern, is to hit half brakes all
the way around the turn, never changing anything to fly a perfect
pattern, roll out, no changes until flare, then touchdown at my aim
point. I never quite get there, but that perfection goal challenges and
pleases me, and I get pretty close some times. I have been able to fly
the same pattern with multiple aircraft in the pattern (almost all of
whom fly wider than I do). If I can't time my pattern to follow someone
ahead and/or with someone behind, and not conflict with either no matter
how I fly, I've got no business flying. Heck, I've held on opposite
(right) base to let four gliders land who were in the opposite pattern
before I curved my way in behind them in the remaining space.

That said, I am more than capable of flying square patterns, and I
actually hit 45 degree or higher bank angles in my turns when I do. I
do this when winds are high as a matter of course--the long, lower bank
angle, continuous turn allows the winds to affect me more, and I prefer
the hard, shorter turns, and the wind corrections and min drag of the
straight legs and fast turns to the longer gentler draggier effects of
the continuous turn. Less wind drag, less wind effect with the
straighter legs it seems to me (i.e. more efficient approach).

My thoughts: my pattern keeps me closer to the field in case of rapid
deterioration of flight conditions or glider problems. I find it much
easier to visualize the cone and my approach to it as I'm flying it all
the way around the pattern. Since I do not have to time the final turn,
I have more time to do lookout, cross checks, etc as my flight inputs
are relatively minor corrections all the way around. if I need to get
down faster, outside rudder works great (practiced it on purpose, but
have never required it).

It does make other glider pilots, or instructors at strange field
checkouts a little nervous when they fly with me however, as they feel
tight and find the constant turn weird or different.... But they have
always said I've handled it safely and easily and got on final with zero
issues.

Squeak





--
Dan, 5J