Turn coordinator? How dare they!

On Sunday, February 24, 2013 4:42:29 PM UTC-5, son_of_flubber wrote:

It seems a little out of touch with reality that gliders frequently put themselves in the position where they might need to descend through clouds and yet they typically do not have the training or carry the instruments to handle that situation. Is this because the FAR were written before it was common for gliders to fly in wave? If we brought this anomaly to the attention of the FAA, are we afraid that they will outlaw wave flying?

Nope. In over 25 years of East Coast soaring, I've averaged 2-3 trips into the wave each year. Some more, some less. So, figure 50-75 excursions up above 10K. In all those flights, I've never been trapped on top - not even close. As others have mentioned, part of the training is to recognize when this is happening. If you insist on climbing up through a tiny hole or staying up when the cloud deck is rapidly forming, then I guess it could happen. But, I'm not aware of a single person in our club (at one of the 3-4 most active wave sites in the east) where this has been an issue in the 20 years I've been a member. At least nobody has admitted it.

P3

Just to answer a couple of questions

Cloud flying is permitted in Regional and National competitions in the UK
as I type. This may change.
The most common scenario for getting caught above cloud is when wave
flying. I set a waypoint on the GPS away from the high ground, deploy full
airbrake and trim to 55kts. From then on you can sit back and enjoy the
ride. I know this works in wave conditions where the air is smooth. I have
used it to descend in clear air, never had to use it for real. Everytime I
have tried it the glider has started to gently spiral but remains stable
as long as you keep your hands and feet clear of the controls. There is
little turbulence to disturb the glider until you are below the wave,
normally this means you are clear of cloud as well.
The glider I used was an ASW17 with the double paddle airbrake mod. Flaps
at +1 or zero