It’s the end of a long day and being a passenger has rocked me nearly to sleep, but as he turns final it occurs to me I should wake up and at least observe, just on principle. First thing I see is the shadow of an airplane at one o’clock moving parallel with us, and instantly I slam the stick left.
Read MoreWhen I took primary glider training 47 years ago we discussed emergency procedures once, briefly, but that was it. From there forward, while occasionally wondering what might really happen when ‘it’ hit the fan, I never did get around to procuring more dual…
Read MoreWe’ve all heard many times that aircraft can stall in any attitude and at any speed. What’s seldom mentioned, however, you can recover from a stall in any attitude too — given enough airspeed. If this seems immaterial, or even dubious, read on.
Read MoreOn my very first flight lesson I got a half hour of solo time before receiving any dual… honest! It was too windy at first so my instructor settled me in the front seat and showed what the stick and pedals do, then said, “Don’t take off without me,” and walked away.
Read MoreEver since the popular advent of bungee jumping, many who inquire about gliders seem to equate these entirely unrelated activities as similar ways to fling themselves into space and take their chances. Some also needlessly fear both games, exposing fundamental misunderstanding of each.
Read MoreAmong the more peculiar of my many defects is willingness to admit mistakes as if unabashed by them — just imagine the faux I’ve pass’d that even I’m too vain to reveal! One fiasco I always mention to student pilots is my worst landing ever
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