Oct-Nov 23

From hi-tech night vision goggles required for a 17-hour 3,000km flight to the vintage goggles needed during short open cockpit flights, you can read about these experiences in the Oct/Nov issue. You can also discover how pilots have extended their boundaries in wave flights and get a valuable reminder of how to prevent winch launch accidents.

When Gordon Boettger launched from Minden, USA, at 2.30am on 19 June, his focus was to practise with night vision goggles and see how cold it got at high altitudes. Gordon was flying an Arcus with some unique features, including an auto flap system, night position, strobes on and night vision goggles capability (NVG). The instruments are specially coated to comply with the NVG. With Air Traffic Control understanding the significance of the flight as it developed, the distance flown was 3,058km. It is now unofficially the longest glider flight ever. The IGC recognises a maximum of three turnpoints, but from the standpoint of OLC or WeGlide, who recognise up to five turnpoints, it is the longest flight in a glider. Now Gordon is dreaming of a two-day event in wave.

There were inspiring wave flights back in the 60s with basic equipment. Jack Harrison and Sant Cervantes look at how pilots have extended their boundaries as they learn how wave works and as technology advances. Jack reflects on getting the weather forecast from TVs, without the all-important isobars, and a newspaper that published a forecast chart. There was a lot of guesswork involved. Jack was one of the pioneers on the internet with ‘Weatherjack’ as met data became available on the ground and in the air. Now dedicated gliding weather sites, such as RASP, TopMeteo and SkySight, offer data enabling informed decisions as to what the soaring day may bring. Sant still loves using the tephigram for spot interpretations and says that for wave flying satellite photos are a terrific tool, which he uses a lot for post-fight analysis. Moving maps have allowed pilots to fully utilise wave and since then there has been no looking back.

During a summer with some weather extremes, the Vintage Glider Club found itself battling a jet stream during its 50^th International Rally. Appropriately, the UK was host to the VGC’s 50^th anniversary events. The Rendezvous was held at Nympsfield, moving across to Aston Down for the International Rally. The BBC covered the rally for the local Points West programme, with interviewer Will Glennon taking a real interest in activities. VGC President Andrew Jarvis reports on some of the splendid vintage gliders taking part in this historic event, which saw about 80 vintage gliders at Cotswold Gliding Club and visitors from 13 countries, including Canada and the USA.

The BGA Safe Winch Launch initiative in 2006 significantly reduced the annual number of fatalities and serious injuries but recently winch launch accidents have begun to reappear. Whether this is due to new pilots, perhaps unaware of the situation 20 years ago and who might not appreciate its severity, or older pilots who may have forgotten and drifted into bad habits, it is time for us all to reflect on the Safe Winch Launching advice. The BGA Safety Team highlights some winch nuances and reminds us of the wealth of information available to ensure winch launching accidents don’t make a come-back.

Also in this issue: BGA Chairman Andy Perkins reflects on cause for celebration this summer. John Hull is in the spotlight for our pilot profile. Joshua Rieger continues a look at WeGlide, this time focusing on analysis tools. Teddy Ong and other competitors report on the 2023 Inter-unis. Aidan Clark reflects on a landout when the weather didn’t behave. CFI Gavin Wrigley looks at how the Omarama Gliding Club overcame a global pandemic and beauracy. Grimshaw goes downside up. Kevin Atkinson faces reality. Yvonne Elliott talks about the new BGA Women’s Advocate role. Pete Stratten reflects on what the BGA is doing to help clubs with succession planning. The BGA Safety Team discusses some details of safe winch launching. Joey Beard looks at mental health awareness in our sport. Plus, many more of your stunning images in the Gallery pages.

Fly safely and have fun