Hang Gliding and Paragliding Volume 44 / Issue 2: February 2014 | Page 15

tions in the summer, not in spring. I flew away from the mountain to get out of the lift. This helped, but I was still getting popped up. So I turned a few 360s to increase my sink rate, which helped. Keeping in mind the gravel lot where my car was parked, I moved in that direction. I’ve landed there many times from the south; it is a tight LZ with trees on three sides and a road and power lines on the remaining side. As I approached the LZ, I used my vario instead of my instincts (as I usually do) for wind direction. It indicated east, but then switched to north, causing me to question my approach for the first time. I headed east, in close to the corner of the LZ. Weeks later, I spoke with the legendary XC pilot David Prentice, with whom I had completed an SIV course in Florida. He suggested I might have picked the worst spot to come in from, stating “…that corner of that LZ acts as a collection point for all the wind, thermals and turbulence.” He felt my approach should have been more to the middle of the tree line. He also noted that doing my “S” turns over the tree line was a good tactic to use, because “…if you do have a collapse, the trees can help soften the landing and maybe save your ass.” On my final approach, I started my “S” turns and, pop, up I went. No big deal. I just needed to take my “S” turns deeper back. Then, my approach would be about 50 feet over the final tree line, and I could drop in, flare and land. Everything was looking good. As I began to stand up in my harness, I was halted by another pop, sending me up again. You are invited to Fly a Sailplane Today (FAST). Purchase a voucher (only $139.00) from The Soaring Society of America, Inc. and redeem it at a gliderport near you. You receive: • 30 minutes ground lesson • 30 minute flight lesson • An instructional book • A glider pilot logbook • Introductory 3 month membership in The Soaring Society of America, Inc. • A copy of Soaring Magazine So, Fly a Sailplane Today! www.ssa.org Phone: 575-392-1177 HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING MAGAZINE 15