Post Solo Notes - Mini Tasks

by Martin Boycott-Brown

  1. Out and Return(How Far Will This Thing Go?)

    Climb to, say, 3,000 ft near high-key area. Note your position carefully. Leave 1,000 ft for circuit. Fly straight-and-level upwind until you have lost HALF the remaining height (i.e. until you are at 2,000 ft). Note your position carefully. Return to circuit. Note height. After landing, consult your map and calculate distance flown.

  2. Out and Return (7 kms)

    Bourn golf course (beware Bourn ATZ, traffic on finals into Bourn).

  3. Out and Return (12 kms)

    As above.

  4. Out and Return (13 kms)

    Water tower (beware Bourn ATZ).

  5. Out and Return (13 kms)

    GRL-Wimpole Hall-GRL

  6. Triangle (18 kms)

    GRL-Abbotsley-Eltisley-GRL

  7. Triangle (18 kms)

    GRL-Water tower-Eltisley-GRL

Maxims

  • Fly at best glide, not min sink, to cover more ground.
  • In weak conditions, fly gingerly.
  • Thermals may only last fifteen minutes.
  • Look for lift upwind of clouds, or up sun.
  • Small cu have lift directly under them.
  • The best lift is usually under clouds with flat bottoms.
  • Follow line of least sink.
  • Headwind = shorter range.
  • Tailwind = greater range.
  • Glider Performance
    • Junior 34:1 @ 42 kts
      Being pessimistic, take 30:1
      With no wind and no sink = 4.8 nautical miles per 1,000 ft
    • Discus 43:1 @ 54 kts
      Being pessimistic, take 37:1
      With no wind and no sink = 5.8 nautical miles per 1,000 ft