Longest glide?
I was reviewing my log books the other day and was reminded of an amazing flight I took team flying with another glider. I was flying an ASW-24 and the other glider was a Janus C. There was limited signs of lift yet as we struggled North from the Glider port, most others turned back. We got to the only cu over the end of our local mountain range (30 miles from home). At this point with the only two remaining cu's in the sky one 15 or so miles away on top of another mountain range and the other about another 45 or more miles away on top of yet a third mountain range. All the other gliders wisely decided to head back home for local soaring. We (the Janus and in the ASW-24) crossed the pass and made it to the next thermal with only minimal lift between. Once we climbed up to cloud base (about 14,000 ft) the janus headed for the only other cu miles away. I would have never done this flight had I not had another glider to share the misery of a sure landout. I followed suit and at best glide we reached the furthest cu. We both took this to cloud base of 14,500. There was really no other lift or signs of lift so we set off at best glider for home. We flew 60 minutes in completely still air! Not really sure what struggles if any the Janus went through but after 60 minutes it was clear I would not make home without some help. I tucked into the nearest foothills and worked pretty hard for 30 minutes or so to get just enough altitude to dribble back home. When I landed and pushed back to the trailer the janus was already put away and her crew had left. But 60 minutes on glide in still air is my longest (and in a standard class glider). I have had longer final glides but it was because I knew I would hit much lift on the way home and could just dolphin in the lift..
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