Soaring under the Bravo?

Don,

We had the same problem at TSA when DFW decided to expand the Class B
airspace to 30 miles. We weren't informed and suddenly it was a "done
deal". The first thing we noticed was 737s crossing directly overhead
at 3300 agl and 250kt. We tow higher than that for some of our
training and on most days we get much higher in lift. We called AOPA
and got them involved ASAP. Even though we were late to the party,
they were very helpful. Their rep. for our area was a retired ATC
management type who was involved with designing the first TCA around
DFW, and he was excellent!

We had several meetings with DFW TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach
Control) and the regional office of the FAA. We brought FAA people as
well as controllers to the gliderport to give them a first hand look
at the danger. We had a couple of near misses (one extremely close)
with corporate traffic and filed reports. I can go into much greater
detail but, to make a long story short, we hammered out an agreement
where we inform them when we operate and they permanently cut off a
substantial portion of the southern boundary of the Class B. In
addition, they now route the 737 and corporate traffic far enough to
our North that it's not a factor except when that traffic has to
deviate for weather. No transponders either because, among other
things that you listed, they agreed that several transponders in very
close proximity would be counterproductive on their scopes.

Based on our experience I would say first and foremost, get AOPA
involved. Explain all your hardships with this new Class B
configuration and that you weren't properly notified, if that's the
case. Let them direct you in what to do. Find two or three people in
your club who are knowledgeable in the workings of ATC around CLE.
The best would be pilots who started flying in the local area and are
now into the corporate or airline side of the business. They'll have
a good working knowledge of the local airspace and will probably have
some valuable contacts too. Regard all meetings as negotiations for
the health and longevity of your club. And remember, as we found out,
when it comes to airspace design, ATC doesn't always do things because
they really and truly need them.

Based on our experience, these are just a few of the things I can
advise you of. In the end, it may be a tough sell because of the
runway alignment at CLE but, for your club, you have to try. In our
experience, when ATC finally saw the potential for problems, we were
able to get a deal that's workable for both parties.

Mark

Don - please contact Dave Nuss or myself
[ ] [you know - remove the NO...]
and we can send you the hearing notice- NPRM - we have been asked to
participate, but really need someone impacted to attend.