JR wrote:
Hmmm .... I think I would prefer that things didn't quite come to that - as the last resort anyway. Given the variables possible in the settings of the radio in the average club glider (often a different brand or model in each glider), complicated of course by the variable reliability of the average club radio/battery installation, further multiplied by the reluctance of the average glider pilot to communicate effectively and concisely; multiply all of this by x (where x is the total number of gliders in the thermal at the same or similar level), I would really rather prefer that, in any thermal where I am privileged to be a participant, everyone stayed in a position where they can be easily seen by every other pilot at all times without playing hide and seek games. Lest you think that I am being somewhat cynical about radios in gliders (you may be correct), permit me to recall that some years ago there was a very nasty collision between two powered aircraft each attempting to land on the same runway at Parafield. They were in the classic "neither pilot having a view of the other aircraft" situation. As I recall, the volume control on the radio in one of the aircraft was later found to be turned down .... I think that's enough from me. Thanks to all who have contributed - it's been a generous and useful discussion..... Terry. |
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