Monday, April 9, 2012

North Side Spin-Stall

A very avid local pilot on an EN C glider was thermalling on the North Side when he noticed a pilot flying toward him. He steepened his turn and caused an inadvertent spin. Releasing the spin, the pilot suffered an asymmetric deflation with a dive. As contact with the ground grew eminent, he stalled the glider and was deposited on his back in the famous backyard/ launch spot of a North Side home.

The pilot had hiked up from the bottom, really wanted to bench up and was a bit angry that the other pilot was forcing him to adjust his arc. Finally, these were some of his first circles of the year.

Pilots should remember that gliders rarely spin when full weight shift is exercised - that's one great way to prevent inadvertent spins - be athletic in the harness, weight shift before brake - every turn.

Pilots should also remember that brake should be pulled slowly and sparingly until the glider starts to really turn - then, more brake can be applied.

Lots of maneuvers training and practice can increase the odds that pilots will manage theses situations appropriately.