SSF Glider Ground Handling Instructions - This is a PDF file that details proper ground handling of gliders. It should be read by all SLSA members. Click here for the file.
December 24, 2001 - Bob Linenweber has assembled new training documents for the club. They can be reviewed and downloaded below. Each file is in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF). You'll need Acrobat Reader to view or print the files. Here's Bob's quotes on the subject:
I have attached five files I collected or created, which I believe will
help us standardize our training practices. The five files are:
(1) SLSA_BFR
Guideline and record to
be used when administering a flight review in SLSA aircraft.
(2) SLSA_FAR_61_Training_Requirements
An extraction of applicable requirements for a glider
student in order to become eligible for a private pilot certificate.
(3) SLSA_Ground_Training_Requirement_Private_Pilot
A record of ground
training that can be utilized to document ground training required by 14 CFR
61.105 in order for a pilot to be eligible for a private pilot certificate.
(4) SLSA_Solo_Test
A written test
specifically tailored for SLSA glider students. (A written test is
required prior to solo.)
(5) SLSA_Training_Record
A training record the
student would keep and provide to the CFI prior to each training session.
The CFI would complete any advances in training progress at the completion of
the training session and return the record to the student.
Bob Linenweber pointed out the following site to me. The SSF (Soaring Safety Foundation) posts accounts of glider accidents and incidents. They are posted so that all glider pilots may learn from the errors of others, and hopefully not repeat the same mistakes.
When you have a moment, you might be interested in reading the article on a British ASK-21 that was hit in the air by lightning and destroyed. Both occupants bailed out successfully. See this link: http://www.open.gov.uk/aaib/dec99htm/bga3705.htm
A club member advised me of a fatality that occurred at a soaring club out west. What follows is a loosely quoted description of the incident:
"We all know that safety awareness is paramount to any successful flying operation. However, every now and then a sad item reminds us how vulnerable we all are in this wonderful sport.
"A week ago, that club lost a fine tow pilot in a fatal accident- He was a 15 year tow pilot with the club.--Very experienced former military pilot---flew A4's in two tours of duty in Viet Nam. Very Safe pilot-conservative-all the right stuff for a safe operation-until the unexpected occurs.
"On that particular day the winds were gusty but not dangerous (they thought). The fatal tow involved a pilot relatively unfamiliar with the area and his glider. For reasons yet to be explained, the glider got too high on the 150HP super cub and did not correct quickly enough. Most of us older tow pilots know that our conventional Schweizer hook on our tow planes will not release if there is too much strain on it. The excess strain can be caused by the glider being out of position. But I wonder if ALL our tow pilots are aware of this potential problem- and - I also wonder if it is common knowledge how quickly an unrecoverable emergency can develop for an unprepared tow pilot? I understand that the time duration of this accident was a mere 15-20 seconds- Pretty fast.
"Perhaps sharing this accident with you will result in an increased awareness of the need to be vigilant-Most tow pilots will hang on to their tow as long as possible-and that can be appropriate-But there is a point-probably around 45 degrees of negative pitch angle- where the tow pilot needs to react to save his own skin. Glider pilots need to be aware of the possible real consequences of their inattention while close to the ground too.
"In this accident the rope broke either on impact or just shortly before impact. Their club strongly believes that the tow pilot was doing everything he could to release-too late.
"One of these types of accidents occurs somewhere about every 5 years. All our pilots, both tow and glider can benefit by others mistakes, but only if we are careful enough (on both ends of the tow rope) pay careful attention to our airmanship at all times. Hope so-with your help!
