I’d like to propose a change to our normal takeoff and landing operations this year.  Common practice in the past has been for those of us preparing for launch to give gliders in the pattern priority on the use of the grass.  We’ve either launched in between landings or pushed our gliders out of the way to clear the area.  Unfortunately I’ve seen at least four undesirable consequences of this practice:

      1) Waiting on the side lines, wondering when that guy’s going to land so you can launch

2) Last second scrambling to move a glider and tow plane out of the way of landing traffic

3) Rushing a launch to get airborne before landing traffic

4) Orbiting at the IP, trying to give your buddy time to launch 

 It doesn’t take a (Russian) rocket scientist to see the evil consequences of rushed launch prep, interrupted checklists, and thinking it’s ‘OK’ to trade a safe pattern for another’s ‘convenience’.

 I propose we consider switching it around and give the launching glider priority on use of the grass.  I think this will create a safer launch environment for both the glider and tow plane, plus eliminate any ambiguities a returning glider might have about what’s expected of him.  A landing glider’s first priority would be the asphalt runway - unless the grass is obviously clear.  If someone’s about to enter the pattern, I bet most of us will be considerate and delay pulling into the launch position until he’s landed - but once in position, the launching glider owns the grass. 

 I see it working something like this:

 Situation 1 - The CUs are popping and there are 4 gliders ready to launch in turn.  As each tow departs, the next glider is pulled into position.  By not worrying about landing traffic, the next pilot in line can take his/her time to do a complete preflight, positive control check, and pre-launch checklist. You concentrate on the business at hand - no rushing - no distractions.

 Situation 2 - My turn to launch.  I noticed that Herb released early so I’m determined to do the same - followed shortly thereafter by praying, cussing and setting up for an immediate return.  Without hesitation I complete a mighty fine abbreviated pattern and landing on the asphalt (followed by appropriate kidding by my club-mates at getting shot down.)  There are no doubts about where I’m supposed to land or unwarranted expectations that the next guy in line will see my plight and scramble out of the way.

 Situation 3 - What about a ‘worser’ case scenario - you’re coming in for a landing and both the grass and the runway are occupied.  What other options are there?  Plenty.  As glider pilots we’re trained to balance the risks and use our heads: (not in any particular order)

            Ask the power traffic on short final to go-around

            Land in the grass on the north end between the VASI lights and the far taxiway

            Land on the grass on the new south end, stopping short of the near taxiway

            Land on the taxiway, stopping between taxi lights

            Do an “off-field” landing in the normal grass area headed towards but stopping well short of the launching aircraft

            Land off the airfield (in a wheat field)

            Land on a portion of the runway that’s not being used

 Hadn’t thought of these options before?  Before your first flight this spring, see me and we’ll  take a walk through these areas - they’re safe to use if you know exactly where some significant obstacles are located and how much room you’ve got to work with.  You’d surely do that flying out of an unfamiliar field for the first time - so let’s not slack on the homework here.

Granted, we can expect more landings on the hard asphalt than in years past, but I think it’s worth the trade.  This proposal is open for discussion.  If you have any comments, please feel free to voice them.  We’ll discuss this and any other changes at our April meeting, and if formally adopted, we’ll make sure the word gets out.

Cheers

MC

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