Pre Takeoff Checklists

On Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:54:23 -0700, Tony wrote:

I am not blissfully unaware of the wind as I arrive at the gliderport
and pull the glider to the runway, but I do like to take the few
seconds to take a glance at the wind sock or yaw string and just
refresh myself on what the wind situation is going to be like for that
particular takeoff.

This is part of the Eventualities in CBSIFTCBE as currently required in
the UK, especially in its winching form. It has several parts. All take
the form of decisions spoken aloud if there's anybody else on board and
mentally if you're flying solo. This makes sure that these decisions are
all fresh in your mind at launch. Decide:

1) that you'll pull off if your wing drops at the start of the launch.
2) your approach speed in case of launch failure.
This is wind dependent, so look at the sock, trees, grass, etc.
3) that if possible you'll land ahead from a launch failure.
4) which way you'll turn if you are too high to land ahead.
This is always downwind and requires a look at the sock.

The same works for aero tow with slight mods.


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martin@ | Martin Gregorie
gregorie. | Essex, UK
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