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airfieldmanual:c._wave_soaring [2021/02/14 18:33]
bruced another source of sunset time
airfieldmanual:c._wave_soaring [2022/06/03 16:28]
216.244.66.200 ↷ Links adapted because of a move operation
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-====== CWave Soaring ======+====== -"CWave Soaring ======
  
 This section is not meant to be a treatise on wave soaring but a few general hints which may assist people who do not have much experience of this type of lift. This section is not meant to be a treatise on wave soaring but a few general hints which may assist people who do not have much experience of this type of lift.
  
-===== C.1 Flying in wave =====+===== Flying in wave =====
  
 Working wave lift is much the same technique as working hill lift as the lift (and sink) is found in an elongated area lying across the wind and which stays fixed in one location – some of the time! It can be present at low, medium and high levels or all three at the same time. Cloud may or may not be present. Working wave lift is much the same technique as working hill lift as the lift (and sink) is found in an elongated area lying across the wind and which stays fixed in one location – some of the time! It can be present at low, medium and high levels or all three at the same time. Cloud may or may not be present.
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   * Be ready for the possibility of encountering severe turbulence in the circuit and a marked wind gradient on approach when you return to land after a wave flight.   * Be ready for the possibility of encountering severe turbulence in the circuit and a marked wind gradient on approach when you return to land after a wave flight.
  
-===== C.2 Use of oxygen =====+===== Use of oxygen =====
  
 The oxygen system is your life support system. It must not only function correctly throughout the flight, but you as the pilot must know its operation and its limitations. You should have your oxygen system set up and ready to use prior to launching. The oxygen system is your life support system. It must not only function correctly throughout the flight, but you as the pilot must know its operation and its limitations. You should have your oxygen system set up and ready to use prior to launching.
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 The use of supplemental oxygen is recommended above 10,000 feet and mandatory above 13,000 feet. Bear in mind that there are considerable variations in tolerance to lack of oxygen so if you have any doubts, go on oxygen sooner. Due to the rapid rate at which you may climb in wave have your oxygen mask/cannula within easy reach so that it can be donned quickly. Consider using oxygen while descending to low levels or even landing especially if you are cold and tired after a long flight. The effects of a lack of oxygen are pernicious; be constantly alert to your own well-being. The use of supplemental oxygen is recommended above 10,000 feet and mandatory above 13,000 feet. Bear in mind that there are considerable variations in tolerance to lack of oxygen so if you have any doubts, go on oxygen sooner. Due to the rapid rate at which you may climb in wave have your oxygen mask/cannula within easy reach so that it can be donned quickly. Consider using oxygen while descending to low levels or even landing especially if you are cold and tired after a long flight. The effects of a lack of oxygen are pernicious; be constantly alert to your own well-being.
  
-===== C.3 Actions on being caught above total cloud cover =====+===== Actions on being caught above total cloud cover =====
  
 Watch for signs of the wave gaps filling in and creating a solid layer of cloud beneath you through which you may have to make a long descent on instruments. This itself causes no real problems provided you know what height cloud base is and what your position is and you are competent at cloud flying (cloud flying rating!), though be alert to airframe icing. We have some fairly high mountains just to the North of us and they can easily become cloud covered! If the wave system collapses the general environmental change could lead to a significant lowering of the cloudbase. If you have a radio, call other gliders or Portmoak Base and ask what the cloudbase is. Watch for signs of the wave gaps filling in and creating a solid layer of cloud beneath you through which you may have to make a long descent on instruments. This itself causes no real problems provided you know what height cloud base is and what your position is and you are competent at cloud flying (cloud flying rating!), though be alert to airframe icing. We have some fairly high mountains just to the North of us and they can easily become cloud covered! If the wave system collapses the general environmental change could lead to a significant lowering of the cloudbase. If you have a radio, call other gliders or Portmoak Base and ask what the cloudbase is.
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   -   Adopt the Benign Spiral Mode of descent. This is considered the safest method of escape when caught above cloud provided the wind is not so strong that there is a danger of being blown downwind into terrain. In that case use the technique of holding heading into wind, as just described.   -   Adopt the Benign Spiral Mode of descent. This is considered the safest method of escape when caught above cloud provided the wind is not so strong that there is a danger of being blown downwind into terrain. In that case use the technique of holding heading into wind, as just described.
  
-==== C.3.1 The Benign Spiral ====+==== The Benign Spiral ====
  
 The Benign Spiral Mode is a technique where, once properly trimmed, the glider is allowed to enter a gentle spiral of its own volition and left there without the pilot touching the controls until clear of cloud. Obviously the glider will drift downwind, possibly at quite a rate, so be aware of entering airspace laterally. The Benign Spiral Mode is a technique where, once properly trimmed, the glider is allowed to enter a gentle spiral of its own volition and left there without the pilot touching the controls until clear of cloud. Obviously the glider will drift downwind, possibly at quite a rate, so be aware of entering airspace laterally.
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 </blockquote> </blockquote>
  
-[[B. Ridge Soaring]] | [[:airfield_manual#contents|Contents]] | [[D. Cross Country Flying]]+[[B. Ridge Soaring]] | [[airfieldmanual:start#contents|Contents]] | [[D. Cross Country Flying]]
  
  
airfieldmanual/c._wave_soaring.txt · Last modified: 2022/06/03 16:28 by 216.244.66.200