Current Issue

Do you know your maintenance responsibilities and is your parachute ready for an emergency? Winter is the ideal time to get on top of these tasks and the Feb/March issue of S&G explains how. There are also hints and tips on the latest version of the Condor soaring simulator and the conclusion of a Prefect restoration story leading to its first flight in 36 years.

There is a surprising amount of ignorance about the regulations on glider maintenance. Even if you pay a large amount to a professional inspector each year, there are things that you must know, but may not. If you own, or part-own, a G-registered glider you are legally the maintenance manager of that aircraft. BGA CTO Gordon MacDonald and John McCullagh provide a helpful summary of essential documents produced by the CAA and BGA. They explain the terminology and highlight the work owners can do themselves, and the limits to what a non-licensed person can do.

While most glider pilots will never use their parachute as more than a seat cushion, the BGA’s 50-year records show that 39 UK glider pilots have returned to earth alive under emergency parachutes after problems aloft. Six of these pilots baled out with control or rigging problems, 10 with structural failure or suspicion thereof, and 23 following a mid-air collision. These pilots owe their lives to their parachute’s airworthiness. The latest article from the BGA Safety Team looks at the choice, maintenance and use of emergency parachutes. With confidence in the quality, condition and operation of your emergency parachute, you’ll then be as prepared as you can be to use it should it be needed.

In addition to maintenance and parachute care, if the winter weather restricts your flying why not enhance your cross-country and/or competition skills with the use of a soaring simulator? Condor was created by pilots to share their passion for gliding. Condor 3 is the latest version and David Innes has put it through its paces for a first look at the extra features offered, plus some helpful hints and tips to make the most of this soaring simulator. David concludes that Condor 3 is a great leap forward in terms of adding much more realistic soaring scenarios and modern avionic tools to assist the task. He says that it is great value and, by using it wisely, you will improve your real world cross-country techniques at little cost.

Restoring a glider is another good use of the winter months. In the last issue, we heard about the restoration to flying condition of a Slingsby T-30 Prefect by the Portmoak Heritage Collection. With the aircraft ready for its first flight in nearly 36 years, the big question was who would have the honour of the first flight? Matt Stickland won a coin toss for the privilege. After a false start while the insurance was checked, WE988 was towed onto the aerotow line. Richard Lucas also flew the Prefect that day. Both pilots enjoyed the performance of the glider, with Richard’s only criticism being that the cockpit wasn’t designed for six-footers. It’s good to hear that another of Fred Slingsby’s masterpieces has gained a new lease of life flying at Portmoak.

Also in this issue: Rita Jefferies is in the spotlight for our pilot profile. Mark Rushton explains how an L13 Blanik solved Welland’s spinning dilemma. Record-breaking sailor Dee Cafferi swaps life jacket for a parachute for her first glider flight. Portmoak CFI receives a missive from the Prior of St Serf’s (deceased). Alison Randle reports on the 2024 Club Development Conference. Andrew Jarvis spends the day in a busy Gliding Heritage Centre workshop. Ben Watson recounts a tale of spinning out of cloud in a Tutor in 1954. Justin Wills reflects on glider pilots sharing ancient traditions of sun worship. Grimshaw deviates unexpectedly ‘ooop norf’. Kevin Atkinson looks at how snowy mountains contribute to thermals. Pete Stratten highlights the importance of getting the basics right at clubs. Plus, many more of your stunning images in the Gallery pages.

Fly safely and have fun