After over a month away, it was nice to get back aloft today and go solo on the winch again. A dark and low visibility Autumn day over York, with next to no wind, but managed to get to a respectable 1,500ft. Nice reminder of how gently the Ka13 flies.

#flight #gliding #soaring #sailplane #aviation

The title says it all: "A Decision I Regret"

Sailplane racing is a metaphor for life. You make decisions based on incomplete or incorrect information while in an emotional state.

But along the way, Stefan Langer takes some amazing video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUnSStVyQqw

One of the key moments in the video is here: https://youtu.be/EUnSStVyQqw?t=560

The result of Stefan's decision is shown here: https://youtu.be/EUnSStVyQqw?t=734

Stefan is not a local. He doesn't know these mountains like the back of his hand, but the French racers do. So, if the French make a move...there is a tendency for everyone to follow...like lemmings!

#Glider #Sailplane #Racing #GrandPrix #SailplaneGrandPrix #France #Mountains #Alps #DecisionMaking #Psychology

Stefan Langer shares an unsafe flying situation with us.

"This was not a good place to be. It could have gone another way. This is not an example to copy—fly safely."

Flying gliders is cool, but there are inherent risks. Pilot judgement is crucial to managing/mitigating risk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvYDmDF0Va0

#Glider #Sailplane #Racing #SailplaneGrandPrix #France #Safety #Aviation #Avgeek

How is the United States doing in Sailplane Grand Prix?

Horribly.

There is only one US racer in the field of 20. After five races, that pilot is one of two pilots to have scored zero points. The pilot has failed to finish the course on four of the races.

The US does not put emphasis on mountain racing or Sailplane Grand Prix events...and it shows.

#Sailplane #Parkour #Glider #Racing #GrandPrix #France #UnitedStates #Mountains

Parkour!

Sailplane Grand Prix pilots are racing along the ridges at over 200 kilometers per hour...in gliders...no motor.

Today is the next to last racing day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me5Ru9FOSuE

#Sailplane #Parkour #Glider #Racing #GrandPrix #France

Mountain flying safety video!

Lol!

The first couple minutes of this video will put the fear of God in you...or make you fall in love with Sailplane Grand Prix.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SygOL7RH48o

#FAA #Safety #Mountains #Glider #Sailplane #Racing #GrandPrix #France