Help estimating altitude without altimeter?

If you can only see whole woods or forests you are quite high. If you
can see individual trees you are getting a bit low. If you can see the
branches you are very low, If you can see the leaves...don't even
ask!

If you can see your reference point, estimate your distance away from
it and judge the angle (should be about 15 degrees), you should be
able to land accurately with a bit of practice, without reference to
the altimeter. Remember that the altimeter is pretty useless when
outlanding at a field of unknown elevation.

Derek Copeland (UK gliding instructor)


On Oct 29, 2:52*am, ZZ wrote:
The reference "point" assuming that you can see it, is the the runway or
more specifically, the TDZ.

Paul
ZZ



Surfer! wrote:
In message , ZZ
writes
Tom:

How many patterns have you flown since you began your training? Until
you develop a clear picture in your mind of how your airfield looks at
different points in the pattern,
Snip

I would say it's 'how the reference point looks'. *We can have a
reference point anywhere, but if landing out we won't be seeing our own
familiar airfield. *Is the reference point technique taught in the US?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -