Thinkin' About...

Chris McKee

CROSS COUNTRY SAFETY

A good cross-country flight will highlight a year's flying, but a certain amount of caution is necessary. As our skills increase, the urge to make a cross-country flight becomes stronger. As you prepare to leave the nest of that comfortable old LZ, a few things need to be given thought and mental preparation

1) Always keep a safe landing field within easy reach. A strong thermal can be surrounded by strong sink.

2) When flying along a ridge in strong winds, be especially cautious around gaps. The wind here will be horizontal and stronger due to venturi. Stay well out in front when crossing these obstacles.

3) When penetrating out of a canyon, stay to the downwind side to avoid rotors and to utilize possible ridge lift. Don't fly in the middle of a canyon in a cross wind as that is where the down air from the rotor will be.

4) Never go behind a mountain in straight ridge lift. In thermals, youll need at least 1000' clearance.

5) Watch the clouds and surface wind direction for signs of a sheer line or other unusual situations. Turbulence in a wind sheer can be extreme.

6) It is a good idea to drive along your intended flight path, observing landing fields, obstructions and power lines.

7) Stay away from airports, controlled zones and airways. Be aware of their locations and reserved altitudes.

8)  Picking a landing field from the air is the most difficult and potentially dangerous part of flying cross-country. Always arrive over your chosen field with at least 500'. A few large, unfluctuating 360's over an object will quickly show you the wind direction as you drift downwind. At the same time check the field for power lines (hidden poles) fences, ditches and crops. Look for contour lines indicating a sloping field. It is a good idea to fly a circuit around the field to look for slope, power lines etc. Observe your drift so you can land into the wind. Wind directions may change close to the ground, so look for ripples on water, blowing grass or dust, trees, flags, or clotheslines. A body of water will be calm at the upwind end and rippled downwind. Land well away from trees, hills or other obstructions that could cause turbulence. By all means, land in a convenient field, but don't choose an unsafe field because it is near the road or a house. Note the road and trail situation before you land, so you can walk out without getting lost. Landing on the wrong side of creeks and rivers can cause long walks.

9) If you are considering going cross-country, arrange a rendezvous point before launching where you can phone or meet when you land. Be sure someone will be home. Restaurants, hotels and gas stations can be used for this purpose. It is also a good idea to beg, borrow or buy a two-way radio, ham radio (if qualified), or carry a cell phone.

10) If you are crossing rough terrain, carry a survival kit containing at least a signal mirror and matches. In some areas carrying water is a matter of survival. Your harness and parachute make a good sleeping bag and tent. If you land way out, ALWAYS stay with your glider. It is like a big neon sign out there for searchers. We continually hear of hunters trying to hike out from their vehicles, which are found (and now one glider) while the people are lost forever.

11) If you are landing in light and variable conditions, always land uphill if possible without regard to insignificant (only) downwind condi-tions. Come in hot and flare sharply.

A good cross-country flight gives the pilot a great sense of accomplishment. So, by all means, go for it. But be very conservative, especially on your first few times. A lot of these things are common sense, but in the excitement of the upcoming good weather we need to make sure we are both physically and mentally prepared. Just some things to think about... FLY SAFE!