Thu Sep 15, 2011 7:39 pm
#993795
Hi all, I was hoping for some constructive analysis of this situation.
I was on downwind in a K-13 to a certain well known gliding club. Just ahead of me was a K21 (which is a much higher performance glider) flying a wider circuit. I knew I would have to cut inside him as I would not be able to glide as far as him. If i had followed exactly behind him i would have ended up landing short. As i would be effectively cutting him up I decided I would call him on the radio to tell him where I was and what I was doing. I would then land on the right hand side of the airfield, to give him plenty of room on the left. I made the call but recieved no reply, which certainly isnt uncommon in this situation.
I turned base and saw him continue down wind further. I turned final, pulled out the air brakes and started to drop to the deck. Just as i was about to flare I suddenly noticed the K21 flying along side me on a converging course. As Im sure you can understand, i nearly papped myself! I immediately stowed the airbrakes to extend my glide and stop me losing height. I turned to the right but was concerned I would hit the wing tip on the grass and end up cartwheeling. Luckily i ended up landing long and avoiding the K21.
The whole time the other glider made no attempt to alter course.
My opinion is that i should have become aware of the other glider sooner, and I was too focused on my approach and not looking out of the cockpit enough. But I do believe that the K21, as it was behind my from my turn onto base, should have seen me before It would have even been possible for me to see him.
In the end there was no problem and all I had was a long tow back to the launch point, but if i hadnt reacted we definately would have collided.
I would really appreciate some other opinions on the incident.
Cheers,
Jack
I was on downwind in a K-13 to a certain well known gliding club. Just ahead of me was a K21 (which is a much higher performance glider) flying a wider circuit. I knew I would have to cut inside him as I would not be able to glide as far as him. If i had followed exactly behind him i would have ended up landing short. As i would be effectively cutting him up I decided I would call him on the radio to tell him where I was and what I was doing. I would then land on the right hand side of the airfield, to give him plenty of room on the left. I made the call but recieved no reply, which certainly isnt uncommon in this situation.
I turned base and saw him continue down wind further. I turned final, pulled out the air brakes and started to drop to the deck. Just as i was about to flare I suddenly noticed the K21 flying along side me on a converging course. As Im sure you can understand, i nearly papped myself! I immediately stowed the airbrakes to extend my glide and stop me losing height. I turned to the right but was concerned I would hit the wing tip on the grass and end up cartwheeling. Luckily i ended up landing long and avoiding the K21.
The whole time the other glider made no attempt to alter course.
My opinion is that i should have become aware of the other glider sooner, and I was too focused on my approach and not looking out of the cockpit enough. But I do believe that the K21, as it was behind my from my turn onto base, should have seen me before It would have even been possible for me to see him.
In the end there was no problem and all I had was a long tow back to the launch point, but if i hadnt reacted we definately would have collided.
I would really appreciate some other opinions on the incident.
Cheers,
Jack