3rd Year Special Annual Double Issue Vol 4 Issue 1 & 2 Jan - Apr 2 3rd Year Special Annual Double Issue Vol 4 Issue | Página 19
altitude: either above takeoff,
above sea level, or (at higher
altitudes) flight level.
Radio
Radio communications are used
in training, to communicate with
other pilots, and to report where
and when they intend to land.
These radios normally operate on
a range of frequencies in different
countries-some authorised, some
illegal but tolerated locally. Some
local authorities (e.g., flight clubs)
offer periodic automated weather
updates on these frequencies.
In rare cases, pilots use radios to
talk to airport control towers or air
traffic controllers. Many pilots
carry a cell phone so they can
call for pickup should they land
away from their intended point of
destination.
GPS
GPS (global positioning system)
is a necessary accessory when
flying competitions, where it has to
be demonstrated that way-points
have been correctly passed. The
Vol 4 | Issue 1 |Jan - Feb 2019
recorded GPS track of a flight can
be used to analyze flying technique
or can be shared with other pilots.
GPS is also used to determine drift
due to the prevailing wind when
flying at altitude, providing position
information to allow restricted
airspace to be avoided and
identifying one’s location for
retrieval teams after landing out
in unfamiliar territory. GPS is
integrated with some models of
variometer. This is not only more
convenient, but also allows for
a three-dimensional record of
the flight. The flight track can be
used as proof for record claims,
replacing the “old” method of
photo documentation.
Flying
Launching
As with all aircraft, launching and
landing are done into wind. The
wing is placed into an airstream,
either by running or being pulled,
or
an
existing
wind.
The wing moves up over
the pilot into a position in which
it can carry the passenger.
he pilot is then lifted from the
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