Oct-Nov 24

From a spectacular heli-tow to a challenging 9,000km journey in search of a dream flight over the second highest mountain range on Earth, you can read about it in the October-November issue of S&G. There are top tips on preparing to fly somewhere new, in the UK or overseas, plus how aerobatic competitions are regaining momentum after Covid and why aerobatics can boost your flying skills.

Eight times national aerobatic champion and display pilot for GliderFX and Aerosparx display team, Guy Westgate has been involved with some incredible glider stunts during his 35 years in aviation. One, however, has always remained on his bucket list – the heli-tow. Increasingly, the hardest part of any new stunt is the paperwork and getting answers to the many safety questions to complete the risk assessments and obtain the vital permits and permissions. Everything fell into place just in time for the 2024 Antidotum Airshow in Leszno, Poland. The stunts were a huge success, with two public displays of a heli-tow hover and a world first for the roll-on-tow behind the helicopter. Drone film coverage was live streamed, with some internet clips of the heli-tow receiving over one million views in the first week alone.

There is no doubt that aerobatic training can boost your flying skills. Aerobatic competitions declined when Covid struck and are only now slowly regaining momentum. The 2024 Saltby Open Aerobatics Championship was held at Buckminster GC, 12-14 July. Contest director Paul Brice describes what he called ‘a weekend watching an aerial ballet’. In the UK, glider aerobatics is benefiting from a growing group of talented, dedicated pilots committed to raising their individual and collective game. Cross-country and aerobatics are not mutually exclusive: indeed, the time for aerobatic training may be best when it’s not ideal for cross-country – in the evening; in the winter; when the weather is nice but unsoarable. Why not think about expanding your repertoire and getting some specialist aerobatic training?

Flying over the Karakoram, the second highest mountain range on Earth, had been a dream of Sebastian Kawa’s since he was able to glide over the Himalayas 10 years ago. Several seasons spent analysing weather conditions and climate data confirmed Sebastian’s idea that the Karakoram was ideal for an expedition. Covid and the invasion of Ukraine delayed his plans, but time was passing and Sebastian decided it was now or never. The 9,000km journey to get there proved an immense challenge, including roads winding through high crumbling rocks, bribes, rifles and police escorts. On finally reaching his destination and meeting up with the rest of the team, Sebastian faced further delays in getting permission to fly. Finally, they were able to fly but never knew when and who would stop them. Take-off was often delayed until 4pm, after the last passenger plane had left the airfield. In the next issue, Sebastian talks about making history with the first glider flight over K2.

You don’t have to go as far as Pakistan to experience flying from a new site. You may be taking part in a club expedition or flying by yourself. Flying elsewhere will almost certainly involve a location, frame of mind, procedures, objectives, and challenges that differ from those at your home club. These differences, and the stresses that go with them, introduce hazards that have caught out numerous pilots over the years. The BGA Safety Team provides some top tips to cover safe flying from another site in the UK and overseas, including soaring environment, regulations, physiology, and psychology. Prepare thoroughly, treat everything as a learning experience, keep a critical eye on the weather and ensure you always have landing options. Above all, enjoy yourself!

Also in this issue: Stu Hoy celebrates sixty years of fixing. Gen Connolly reports on Part 2 of an all-female instructor course. Grimshaw reveals a secret obsession. Diana King collates a report on Competition Enterprise. Kevin Atkinson focuses on best speeds to fly in block speed 3. Andrew Jarvis reflects on an event held to recognise a gliding pioneer. Steve Fletcher reveals how a three-minute TV feature filled a club’s available slots before lunchtime for its Women Go Gliding Weekend. Adrenalin kicks in for Jonathan Bartley when a short flight results in a landout. Alison Randle looks at safeguarding our airfields. Pete Stratten reports how the BGA is addressing issues that impact gliding. Joey Beard looks at how we empty our ‘stress buckets’ at the airfield in this issue’s Head in the Clouds article. Plus, many more of your stunning images in the Gallery pages.

Fly safely and have fun