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#51
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Carl J. Niedermeyer wrote:
(Mark James Boyd) wrote: The accident occurred approximately 7 or 8 nm miles West of Ephrata, where we fly from. The altimeter in the LS1-f was broken with the hands indicating about 6700 feet MSL (IIRC), about 5000 feet AGL. There were no clouds that day and visibilty was 150 miles. I have the complete report somewhere in my files. Geez. This sounds like a pure one-in-a-million case of crappy luck. The chance of two aircraft in all that 3-dimensional space hitting each other, while just flying around, is almost astronomical. An astronomical number of hours of flight in the USA in the past century multiplied by a miniscule chance of a random collision = ? I don't know what to conclude from this, but thank you for your investigation and response. Perhaps others will have comments. -- ------------+ Mark J. Boyd |
#52
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There was another collision.
It was over Farnborough airfield between a glider from the Farnborough gliding club and a light aircraft from Blackbushe. The Astir pilot baled out and landed safely on the airfield. The power pilot flew back to Blackbushe with his pupil instead of landing on the vast airfield underneath him. W.J. (Bill) Dean (U.K.). Remove "ic" to reply. "Chris Rollings" wrote in message ... I'm aware of one airplane/glider collision in the UK not with 4 miles of the gliders base. A piston single cruising at about 140 knots ran into the back of a std cirrus on a straight glide. If I remember correctly the glider pilot was probably killed by the aircrafts propeller. I think the airplane pilot survived. I'm also aware of one in the UK and one in the USA where, although near the gliders base airports, both involved transiting powered airplanes - so not 'landing related'. In both cases the powered airplane removed the outboard few feet of the gliders wing. Both gliders landed safely, both airplane pilots were killed. Some years ago, as part of a discussion with officialdom about proposed increases in regulated airspace, I did a calculation that suggested that incidents that one might expect an airplane pilot to report as a near miss (which I reckoned was passing within 500 feet vertically and 300 yards horizontally of another aircraft and not seeing early enough to take avoiding action) would occur about 1000 times more often than actual collisions. |
#53
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"W.J. (Bill) Dean (U.K.)." wrote in message ... There was another collision. It was over Farnborough airfield between a glider from the Farnborough gliding club and a light aircraft from Blackbushe. The Astir pilot baled out and landed safely on the airfield. The power pilot flew back to Blackbushe with his pupil instead of landing on the vast airfield underneath him. W.J. (Bill) Dean (U.K.). Remove "ic" to reply. Back in the 70's ( before you were at the Long Mynd) there was an incident which I witnessed where a pair of Hunters crossed the airfield. Approaching from the West they slightly diverted apart as if they had suddenly seen the gliders and the southerly one passed underneath the K13 just as it released the cable. Two seconds earlier it would have hit the cable whilst it was attached to the glider. I was interviewed by an RAF investigator (we had reported the incident) who stated that the Hunters were based in Germany , were on exercise over the UK and that their maps showed the Long Mynd as an area of intense gliding activity. DB |
#54
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#55
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Dave Rolley wrote:
In the USA there are simple and fatal flaws with any system that includes ground based radar and a controller near a high density airport. First, as already mentioned, the controller's normal display is processed information. The is often referred to as secondary radar. Basically it is just the transponder equipped traffic with data tags. Second, as already mentioned, the system is normally configured to drop out targets that have a low ground speed or don't have a ground track that is going somewhere (e.g. circling). So a radar reflector wouldn't be much help. It isn't the size of the return that gets the target filtered out under these circumstances. Third, and probably the greatest problem, if there are too many 12XX returns (VFR transponder equipped traffic in the USA) the controller can filter the specific codes or blocks of codes. These may be "simple" flaws, but they aren't "fatal" to transponder equipped gliders: #1 this isn't a problem for transponder equipped aircraft, since they will show on the display along with their data tag. Primary returns may not be displayed, depending on the situation; however, if you call ATC, they may be able and willing to put your primary return on the screen. #2 doesn't apply to transponder equipped aircraft, as they are not filtered by speed or track, but may apply to aircraft without transponders, as primary returns may be filtered by speed or track. Filtering out transponder #3 applies in only a very few, very high density areas that gliders aren't likely to be flying in, such as the area near LAX (Los Angles). The was a mid-air between a commuter flight and a skydiving jump plane between Denver CO and Cheyenne WY about 15 or 20 years ago. The commuter flew into the climbing jump plane. Since they we both above 12,500 MSL (about 7,000 AGL), it was assumed the commuter pilots were heads down in the cockpit. The jump plane was using a transponder code of 1234 and ATC had 12XX code filtered for the higher altitudes. The jump plane was not talking to ATC. Oops... Errors happen, and this has got to be a rare one, where both ATC and the jump plane make them. I've asked the controllers at Seattle Center if they ever filter out VFR code 1200 - "NO SIR"! The jump plane flying out of our airport gets every transponder equipped aircraft (including my glider) called out to him before he lets any jumpers loose. Other than a TCAS installation (aircraft to aircraft), This is actually the BEST reason to carry a transponder - so airliners in particular, but also many corporate aircraft and military aircraft can avoid you! the only way a transponder will help us is if the ATC facility in the area knows about the glider operations and can (or will) operate their equipment in a manner that allows the controller to see the glider traffic. That means we have to work with the local ATC folks. Otherwise, it is so much extra ballast and power draw in the glider. THis is definitely NOT true. ATC is operating their equipment so they can track VFR aircraft (that includes you in your glider), and they don't need to know if it's an airplane or a glider. If they can see the airplanes, they'll see you, even if you are circling or moving slowly. Even when the technology should help, local procedures can negate the technology. Since the way we operate gliders does not fit in the general transportation model the ATC system is designed to support, putting a transponder into a glider without working with the affected ATC organization does little to help the situation. The essence of the VFR 1200 code is that ATC _doesn't_ need to "work" with you: that's why it's a "VFR" code. You just fly around, minding your own business like the airplanes flying VFR, and their radar will pick you up. They want to know where the VFR traffic is so they can direct the IFR traffic away from it. Folks, we aren't that special. The only place in the USA that I know of that has a different situation is at Reno, where gliders may use the 0440 code to identify themselves as a glider. It's not required that gliders use it, only that they are allowed to use it as an aid to the Reno controllers. If you use 1200, they'll still see you. Note that it's not just the IFR and TCAS traffic that can be steered away from you, but also VFR aircraft using "flight following", and the already mentioned skydivers. If you think you need a transponder, but are concerned that it will be just "so much extra ballast and power draw", please, please, contact the ATC in your flying area and ask them if they will see you on their radar! My experience is they will be delighted to have you equipped with one. -- Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly Eric Greenwell Washington State USA |
#56
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"Eric Greenwell" wrote in message ... Dave Rolley wrote: In the USA there are simple and fatal flaws with any system that includes ground based radar and a controller near a high density airport. First, as already mentioned, the controller's normal display is processed information. The is often referred to as secondary radar. Basically it is just the transponder equipped traffic with data tags. Second, as already mentioned, the system is normally configured to drop out targets that have a low ground speed or don't have a ground track that is going somewhere (e.g. circling). So a radar reflector wouldn't be much help. It isn't the size of the return that gets the target filtered out under these circumstances. Third, and probably the greatest problem, if there are too many 12XX returns (VFR transponder equipped traffic in the USA) the controller can filter the specific codes or blocks of codes. These may be "simple" flaws, but they aren't "fatal" to transponder equipped gliders: #1 this isn't a problem for transponder equipped aircraft, since they will show on the display along with their data tag. Primary returns may not be displayed, depending on the situation; however, if you call ATC, they may be able and willing to put your primary return on the screen. #2 doesn't apply to transponder equipped aircraft, as they are not filtered by speed or track, but may apply to aircraft without transponders, as primary returns may be filtered by speed or track. Filtering out transponder #3 applies in only a very few, very high density areas that gliders aren't likely to be flying in, such as the area near LAX (Los Angles). The was a mid-air between a commuter flight and a skydiving jump plane between Denver CO and Cheyenne WY about 15 or 20 years ago. The commuter flew into the climbing jump plane. Since they we both above 12,500 MSL (about 7,000 AGL), it was assumed the commuter pilots were heads down in the cockpit. The jump plane was using a transponder code of 1234 and ATC had 12XX code filtered for the higher altitudes. The jump plane was not talking to ATC. Oops... Errors happen, and this has got to be a rare one, where both ATC and the jump plane make them. I've asked the controllers at Seattle Center if they ever filter out VFR code 1200 - "NO SIR"! The jump plane flying out of our airport gets every transponder equipped aircraft (including my glider) called out to him before he lets any jumpers loose. Other than a TCAS installation (aircraft to aircraft), This is actually the BEST reason to carry a transponder - so airliners in particular, but also many corporate aircraft and military aircraft can avoid you! the only way a transponder will help us is if the ATC facility in the area knows about the glider operations and can (or will) operate their equipment in a manner that allows the controller to see the glider traffic. That means we have to work with the local ATC folks. Otherwise, it is so much extra ballast and power draw in the glider. THis is definitely NOT true. ATC is operating their equipment so they can track VFR aircraft (that includes you in your glider), and they don't need to know if it's an airplane or a glider. If they can see the airplanes, they'll see you, even if you are circling or moving slowly. Even when the technology should help, local procedures can negate the technology. Since the way we operate gliders does not fit in the general transportation model the ATC system is designed to support, putting a transponder into a glider without working with the affected ATC organization does little to help the situation. The essence of the VFR 1200 code is that ATC _doesn't_ need to "work" with you: that's why it's a "VFR" code. You just fly around, minding your own business like the airplanes flying VFR, and their radar will pick you up. They want to know where the VFR traffic is so they can direct the IFR traffic away from it. Folks, we aren't that special. The only place in the USA that I know of that has a different situation is at Reno, where gliders may use the 0440 code to identify themselves as a glider. It's not required that gliders use it, only that they are allowed to use it as an aid to the Reno controllers. If you use 1200, they'll still see you. Note that it's not just the IFR and TCAS traffic that can be steered away from you, but also VFR aircraft using "flight following", and the already mentioned skydivers. If you think you need a transponder, but are concerned that it will be just "so much extra ballast and power draw", please, please, contact the ATC in your flying area and ask them if they will see you on their radar! My experience is they will be delighted to have you equipped with one. -- Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly Eric Greenwell Washington State USA Eric, I think you got all that right. I have spoken to the Denver Center about transponders in gliders. Specifically, I asked if "Flight Following" would be available to transponder equipped gliders after explaining the erratic path gliders fly. The answer was, "On a workload permitting basis, of course". (They also mentioned that the "erratic" description would fit some of the instrument training flights they work.) "Flight following" means that you get your very own transponder code for that flight and somebody to talk to if you're in trouble. Workload permitting, they will call out your position to other conflicting traffic and tell you about them. You're guaranteed to be on their radar screens until the end of the flight or until you get a call from center that "Flight following is terminated" due to workload. The downside is that you would have to constantly monitor the center frequency listening to all the other chatter. You can leave the frequency for short periods by request to contact your crew. For those readers outside the USA, this is as close as we get to "Controlled VFR". For those properly trained and equipped, Flight Following morphs nicely into an IFR clearance if the need arises. I always used flight following in place of a flight plan when flying powered aircraft. I made sure whoever I was meeting at my destination knew my ETA, my N number and who to call. I didn't have to remember to cancel it and, if I went down, the radar track would pinpoint my location. Bill Daniels |
#57
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Not fatal to the glider or occupant, but possibly fatal to the scheme of
"transponders will solve midair problems". Probably a poor choice of wording on my part. OK, I try again. My comments came from personal observation and quotes from FAA officials in response to problems in the Denver area. Just as Eric's comments come from his knowledge and contacts with the FAA. While there are policies at the agency level, implementation around the country may vary. The transponder is just one tool in a set of tools used by ATC to perform their tasks. ATC will manage those tools in a manner that allows them accomplish their mission. My real point, which got lost in the details, is simple. For the most part, the ATC system is not designed for General Aviation. It is designed to keep things from bumping into the airliners. It is not designed for our kind of flying. My assertion is that simply adding a transponder to our gliders will not necessarily improve the situation. I believe that there needs to be an educational outreach on both sides that lets each see what the needs and concerns are in a particular geographical area. For instance, the practices used in the Reno area. I have visited the local radar facility on several occasions. The folks there are very helpful and very interested in where and how we fly. Our understanding where and how they route the airliners in our area helps us. It is time well spent. BTW, the right of pilots to visit FAA facilities was just reaffirmed. Contact your local radar facility and arrange a tour. It may just give you the information you need to help your decision on that transponder installation. But remember, it takes more than a transponder to keep two aircraft from going bump! Dave Eric Greenwell wrote: The essence of the VFR 1200 code is that ATC _doesn't_ need to "work" with you: that's why it's a "VFR" code. You just fly around, minding your own business like the airplanes flying VFR, and their radar will pick you up. They want to know where the VFR traffic is so they can direct the IFR traffic away from it. Folks, we aren't that special. The only place in the USA that I know of that has a different situation is at Reno, where gliders may use the 0440 code to identify themselves as a glider. It's not required that gliders use it, only that they are allowed to use it as an aid to the Reno controllers. If you use 1200, they'll still see you. Note that it's not just the IFR and TCAS traffic that can be steered away from you, but also VFR aircraft using "flight following", and the already mentioned skydivers. If you think you need a transponder, but are concerned that it will be just "so much extra ballast and power draw", please, please, contact the ATC in your flying area and ask them if they will see you on their radar! My experience is they will be delighted to have you equipped with one. |
#58
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Dave Rolley wrote:
My real point, which got lost in the details, is simple. For the most part, the ATC system is not designed for General Aviation. It is designed to keep things from bumping into the airliners. It is not designed for our kind of flying. My assertion is that simply adding a transponder to our gliders will not necessarily improve the situation. By "situation", do you mean keeping gliders from bumping into gliders? If so, I agree that a adding a transponder won't help any, unless gliders also start carrying the transponder "alerting" devices that Monroy and others sell. These devices can also help with the airliners bumping into gliders situation, but they depend on the glider pilot instead of ATC. I believe that there needs to be an educational outreach on both sides that lets each see what the needs and concerns are in a particular geographical area. For instance, the practices used in the Reno area. Again, I'm not sure what you are thinking of here. The Reno transponder practices are aimed at keeping airliners from bumping into gliders, which is the usual goal of a glider pilot that installs one. There is education aimed at the glider pilot (transponder equipped or not) to help them avoid the flight paths of aircraft going into Reno. In any case, the density of glider traffic around Reno is routinely very high compared to any other US area I'm aware of. The point I'm slowly (and maybe poorly) making is putting in a transponder will provide most of it's collision-avoidance value without any formal contact or agreement with the local tower or ATC. A few situations, like Reno, may be further improved with some contact. I have visited the local radar facility on several occasions. The folks there are very helpful and very interested in where and how we fly. Our understanding where and how they route the airliners in our area helps us. It is time well spent. BTW, the right of pilots to visit FAA facilities was just reaffirmed. Contact your local radar facility and arrange a tour. It may just give you the information you need to help your decision on that transponder installation. Good advice. But remember, it takes more than a transponder to keep two aircraft from going bump! It's another layer of protection, but not an impervious shield. It does address a weakness in the "see and be seen" technique that isn't easily accomplished any other way, except by flying somewhere the airliners, corporate jets, and some military aircraft (generally transports) don't fly. -- Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly Eric Greenwell Washington State USA |
#59
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Eric Greenwell wrote:
Dave Rolley wrote: My real point, which got lost in the details, is simple. For the most part, the ATC system is not designed for General Aviation. It is designed to keep things from bumping into the airliners. It is not designed for our kind of flying. My assertion is that simply adding a transponder to our gliders will not necessarily improve the situation. By "situation", do you mean keeping gliders from bumping into gliders? If so, I agree that a adding a transponder won't help any, unless gliders also start carrying the transponder "alerting" devices that Monroy and others sell. These devices can also help with the airliners bumping into gliders situation, but they depend on the glider pilot instead of ATC. If ATC ran the show, they'd require mode-S in everything immediately. ATC doesn't mind if the Cubs and Champs and 2-33s of the world are grounded. Is grounding everything safer? Of course. Sept 12th was the safest day in modern US aviation history. I think the best path is to get to cheap GPS transponders (and flight recorders for that matter). If it's $100 and uses 4 "D" batteries and runs for 30 days, everyone (well, almost) will get one. This isn't so far off, with WAAS and all... I believe that there needs to be an educational outreach on both sides that lets each see what the needs and concerns are in a particular geographical area. For instance, the practices used in the Reno area. Again, I'm not sure what you are thinking of here. The Reno transponder practices are aimed at keeping airliners from bumping into gliders, which is the usual goal of a glider pilot that installs one. There is education aimed at the glider pilot (transponder equipped or not) to help them avoid the flight paths of aircraft going into Reno. In any case, the density of glider traffic around Reno is routinely very high compared to any other US area I'm aware of. The point I'm slowly (and maybe poorly) making is putting in a transponder will provide most of it's collision-avoidance value without any formal contact or agreement with the local tower or ATC. A few situations, like Reno, may be further improved with some contact. I have visited the local radar facility on several occasions. The folks there are very helpful and very interested in where and how we fly. Our understanding where and how they route the airliners in our area helps us. It is time well spent. BTW, the right of pilots to visit FAA facilities was just reaffirmed. Contact your local radar facility and arrange a tour. It may just give you the information you need to help your decision on that transponder installation. Good advice. But remember, it takes more than a transponder to keep two aircraft from going bump! It's another layer of protection, but not an impervious shield. It does address a weakness in the "see and be seen" technique that isn't easily accomplished any other way, except by flying somewhere the airliners, corporate jets, and some military aircraft (generally transports) don't fly. -- Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly Eric Greenwell Washington State USA -- ------------+ Mark J. Boyd |
#60
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This is curious as like all things in british bureacracy it takes time for
stats to be reported and given that the AIB has only just released the results of 2003 It must be that that is referred to. If so then as usual there has been a slight case of exageration as there were only 8 airprox involving civil gliders in 2003 in the uk - 3GA, 1 GA heli, 1 glider vs glider, 1 Civil, 1 milatry & 1 unknown ? (ufo??). But there were also 3 military gliders who filed airproxes 1 vs Military the other 2 GA. and had 2 Airproxes filed against them. This was out of a total of 181. Also note that I am not sure that the aib differentiates between gliders and hang gliders. The biggest total was unsurprisingly Military who claimed the top two spaces with 18 airproxes against themselves and 18 vs Civil. The worst class overall was military who had 65 airprox filed against them with GA a close second with 50. ( Civil Gliders only had 2 airprox filed against them and one of these was by another glider pilot) full report at http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/423/Pages%...%20BK11web.pdf see page 7 for summary table I have yet to see a Light aircraft take avoiding action - I suspect they are concentrating on the instruments and gps far too intently. The only time I know I have been spotted is when I have been thermaling near ATZs and heard complaints to the local traffic management (tower/radio) that I was actually in the ATZ when I was a good 3-4+ miles clear. I think the only time power pilots are looking out the window is on Final aproach and then they get a completely false sense of prospective. I would suspect our wingspan may have something to do with it as they they think we are smaller thatn we actualy are and thus get the distance wrong. As for the altitude comment given the usable airspace in the UK is sub 7k ft and mostly sub 5k ft I dont see that anything has changed with the newer models this was well within reach of pre-glass gliders. "Jack" wrote in message om... "Gliders in the U.K. were involved in 10 near-midairs in the second half of last year, safety investigators said recently, noting that newer models fly at high altitudes without transponders and are hard to see, both visually and on radar...." http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archive...ll.html#188600 e.g., http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/mid/3763766.stm |
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