Current Issue

Meet the glider that is as cheap as chips and a delight to fly, discover what aerobatics can teach us about safer flying, and read about the return of the Sailplane Grand Prix to the UK. There’s also important advice on eliminating cable accidents.

The latest article in our affordable gliders series focuses on the K-6. Owners consider it one of the most beautiful sailplanes ever produced and say that when your colourful glider is sitting in the launch queue with all those white ones, yours will be the one that gets most attention. Roger Gate says that the K-6 is wonderfully responsive and you feel as if you are wearing it rather than flying it. Rigging is straightforward, if a little fiddly. Robert Kronenburg finds the cockpit of the K-6E surprisingly comfortable. He says the K-6E is a delight to fly, cheap as chips, and a beautiful classic.

For many glider pilots, aerobatics remains a specialist branch of the sport: interesting, impressive, but not always obviously relevant to ordinary club flying. But structured aerobatic training takes place almost entirely in the region where many safety-critical events occur: near the edges of the flight envelope, where margins shrink and decisions must be made quickly. Neil Oakley, the British Aerobatics team captain, looks at what aerobatics can teach us about safer flying. He says that pilots with even limited aerobatic experience often show earlier recognition of deteriorating energy states, less tendency to over-control, and a great ability to manage workload without fixation. When something unexpected occurs, the glider’s behaviour is less surprising and the response more measured.

The FAI Sailplane Grand Prix returned to the UK in June, with Lasham as host. For Oliver Ramsay, it was his first taste of Grand Prix racing. He says it didn’t take long to work out that the format of Grand Prix style starts and first over the line wins rewards a very particular kind of nerve. The weather played an unfortunately big role during the week with tough conditions for extended periods. However, the SGP format meant that it was possible to set shorter racing tasks. After three days of flying, the British weather did what the British weather does and days four and five were lost entirely. Oliver says that as there were far fewer races to play with, every point already banked mattered more. He went into the final race with a one-point lead. To keep the lead, he had to beat Tom Arscott. Tom flew superbly all day and ended the race eight points clear to take the championship. Oliver came away having enjoyed the experience and is looking forward to the place he has earned in the SGP World finals in Chile.

Winch launching is a safe and well-proven method of getting gliders airborne; safely conducted many thousands of times each year. Like all aviation activities, however, it relies on consistent situational awareness and adherence to established practices; if several failings coincide, accidents can occur. One of the key hazards is the cable itself. The BGA Safety Team highlights some of the ways that winch cables can cause damage. A combination of sensible procedures, training and club safety culture allows these hazards to be managed successfully. It is up to all of us to help eliminate cable accidents and there are things we can do, as launch crew and winch drivers, pilots, cable and glider retrieve crews, and as a club.

Also in this issue: Sonny Rising is in the spotlight for our pilot profile. Grimshaw gets stuck in. Kevin Atkins looks at ‘Horrorscopes’ – when glide computers become dangerously optimistic. Guy Westgate highlights Born to Fly and the glider that carries the name of the brother he lost. Andrew Jarvis reports on a new venue for the VGC UK National Rally. Rob Barsby looks at how a car inspired by gliders went from dream to reality. Geoff Jones says it’s never too late to learn as he qualifies for SPL. Peter Turner reports on how the Air Cadet Historic Flight is providing a taste of the good old days. Alison Randle looks at how we all have the power to influence a positive experience for prospective members. Pete Stratten advises looks over the fence to see what opportunities exist. Plus, many more of your stunning images in the Gallery pages.

Fly safely and have fun