Monthly Soaring Magazine Articles for 2023

January - First Flight 2023 by Bill Palmer

Whether it's been six months since you've flown a sailplane as the soaring weather fell like the leaves in autumn or you've been able to continue flying all winter long, we strongly encourage you get on the schedule to take your first flight with your local CFIG for the new year. Read the full article.

February - THE FEAR OF--- by Pat Costello, SSA Insurance Administrator

The fear of having an aircraft accident seldom enters my mind. After all, I have a pilot's ego. Something many of you share with me. But as an aviation insurance broker, nearly 100 aircraft insurance claims are reported to my office yearly. Regardless, my ego suppresses the fear that I might be involved in an accident. Read the full article.

March - Emergency Plan…Check by Bill Palmer

When you get to the "Emergencies" item in your pre-takeoff checklist are you taking into consideration the conditions of the day? Ask yourself, "What makes this takeoff unique?" What threats are waiting to catch you off guard? Read the full article.

April - 2022 Soaring Accident Summary by Soaring Safety Foundation Trustees

For the twelve-month period ending October 31, 2022, twenty (20) gliders, three (3) motorgliders, two (2) towplanes, and two (2) Light-Sport gliders were involved in twenty-seven (27) separate accidents meeting the reporting requirements of NTSB Part 830 of the Code of Federal Regulation. This represents a 22.7% increase in the number of accidents reported during the previous 12 month reporting period. Read the full article.

May - What's Your MESA? by Ron Ridenour

A mesa is defined as a high plateau or flat tableland with steep sides. When I am flying in a sailplane, this is how I envision my MESA, the invisible "high plateau" altitude that I use to mentally "shift gears" from soaring mode to landing mode. Read the full article.

June - The Soaring Mythbusters? by Tom Johnson

One of the great pleasures of being involved with the Soaring Safety Foundation is the opportunity to meet and hear from many of you in our wonderful community. I base my efforts largely upon the experience and knowledge you impart to me. I learn from you and try to coalesce it all into a cohesive safety strategy. Read the full article.

July - Abnormal Occurences on the Checkride and Beyond By Tony Condon

In the Practical Test Standards under the Launches and Landings Area of Operation, there is a task titled Abnormal Occurrences which applies to the type of launch procedure being used. For Aerotow, the applicant is expected to show knowledge of and demonstrate during flight abnormal occurrences, such as: towplane power loss during takeoff, towline break, towplane power failure at altitude, and glider release failure. A dual failure of the glider and towplane is also included, but noted that it will be evaluated on the oral exam only and not demonstrated on the flight. Read the full article.

August - What's Going On! by Richard Carlson

Modern aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS), such as those used by commercial airlines and today's military, have evolved over decades using knowledge and experience gained in accident investigations and human factors research. These changes have led to what can best be described as aviation safety based on per-incident prediction and prevention. That is, instead of waiting for an incident or accident to happen, pilots, passengers, and ground crew actively look for, and document, situations that are precursors to incident or accident. This data is then analyzed, trends are identified, and remediation procedures put in place before something bad happens. Read the full article.

September - Soaring Safety Foundation Activities Update by SSF Trustees and Advisors

The Soaring Safety Foundation is the training and safety arm of the SSA. It has a five member Board of Trustees and multiple advisors who help develop and run in-person, virtual, and on-line programs. Below is a quick summary of the current SSF activities. Read the full article.

October - Keep the Pedal to the Metal by Tom Johnson

As the soaring season, for some of us, winds down, it gives us an opportunity to reflect on our flying and activities. Read the full article.

November - Getting Ideas by Tom Johnson

Flying big Boeings for the man, you run into some interesting people with unusual stories. Read the full article.

December - What do you mean that changed? by Richard Carlson - SSF Chairman

Most of us recognize that soaring demands we recognize and adapt to change. We accept that the soaring conditions will change throughout the day. Weaker in the morning and evening than at mid-day. When on-course, a straight line between 2 turnpoints is typically not the flight path needed to make this flight. By recognizing and adapting to these changing conditions we can achieve our personal goals. Read the full article.