What must have been a new pilot made what has become a common blunder on the North Side (PG) over the years. In setting up for a top landing on a typically cross North Side evening, the pilot turned down wind toward the bathrooms but failed to bring the canopy into wind for landing. The pilot exercised excessive brake on one side of the glider at about 30 feet and caused a spin. The landing was firm but the pilot walked away. A few lessons here:
-most top landings on the NS do not involve turning down wind at all ---> just drift over the top of the hill and then "square up" back into the wind with plenty of time to spare
-members need to take pains to brief new pilots and visiting pilots about this potential pitfall and how to make top landings on the North Side
-if we point down wind for any reason it's important to look and lean (PG) back into the wind as early as possible while using brake in such a way as to avoid an inadvertent spin
Other common NS pitfalls to avoid:
-benching up in strong conditions ---> blowback
-benching up too low, going east behind the houses and having to do a forced landing on the side of the hill ( normal wind heavily favors a NE bound landing on the side of the hill ---> SE landing = downwind and VERY high speeds )
If you need further clarification on these subjects consult your instructor.
