Wave flying over the Grampians... TODO.

DISCLAIMER: This information is my own. I do not recommend anyone use it without first confirming or cross referencing. Make your own conclusions and remember that you are in charge.

Equipment

Main Oxygen System

• Mountain High - MH EDS O2D1
  • http://www.mhoxygen.com/
  • Purchased in Australia from "Composite Components" comcom2@bigpond.net.au

This is a fully automatic pulse oxygen system that works with both cannula and masks.

Cannula

Standard Mask

Better Oxygen Mask

If you are serious about height, safety and oxygen - this is the mask for you. The design allows complete sealing around the edges, so that you are using the valves to breath.

The down side of this mask is that you really can't hear speech through it, like you can with the standard mask. Mountain High sell them with microphones, but they are rather expensive. Adding your own mike is a fairly easy process - just make sure you connect cables that are easy release in case you have to get out in a hurry.

Remember though, this is oxygen, so check which glues you are using, and don't use oil (technically at this concentration it is safe, and it is only the high pressure that is a concern - but better always to be safe).

Backup Oxygen System

• TODO

Pulse Oximeter

Moving Map GPS

Backup GPS

Working Compass

If you are stuck above cloud, and you know you can fly North or South (i.e. there is no mountain to hit) you can use your Compass to help reduce your chance of coming out upside down.

XXX Link to article.

Turn and Slip Indicator

I have an old Turn and Slip indicator that I have repaired. However it is not fitted yet and once it is I need to really learn to use it and keep up the practice. The trick is how to practice... Best way is flying in cloud, which we can't do in Australia.

Warm Shoes & Thermal Socks

• Ugg boots
• Two or three pairs of socks (1 thin, 2 thick)
• Feet warmer - e.g. hand warmers used by skiers

Video Camera

Glider

Flights

My wave flights

• XX of July 2008
  • Location = Grampians (GSC)
  • Duration = X hours
  • Release Height = 5000'
  • Max height = 24,500'
  • Height Gain = 19,500'
  • IGC File = XXX

Records

• World Record = ?
• Australian Record = 33,000 (approx) in ACT
• Victorian Record = 29,000 (approx)

Weather Predictions

What you need for good wave at the Grampians

(much of these numbers and facts need to be reviewed before they are used)

• Westerly Wind. Grampians are North/South (roughly). South South-West is ideal
• Strength of Wind - At the top of the Mt William 15K+
• Wind getting stronger with height
• Stable air mass - at least in the main wave area
  • This seems to help with the secondary and tertiary wave
  • (IMHO) it makes the primary wave not as high

(Emergency) Procedures

Most of these procedures could be considered emergency, but some are really routine.

Maximum rate of Descent

Most gliders you don't want to descend faster than about 500' per minute (5 knots). This is because there is a gel coat which cools at a different rate to the rest of the fiber glass. I am in the very fortunate position to fly a wooden glider that is covered with 2 pack polyurethane, so I can come down as fast as I like :-)

Many of our height restrictions though, require us to come down in the same spot, and since one circle at those winds could put you 2-5 Kilometers (yep that much) down wind, you can quickly end up out of your allowed area.

My emergency descent:

• Check no mountains below
• Wheel down (not only more drag, but turns off the air brakes alarm)
• Full air brakes
• 110 Knots flight (my VNE is 130, but I never go over 110 or equiv)
  • My brakes are rated to VNE
  • NOTE: VNE is dependent on height (see note below)

Maximum Speed (Vne)

Loss of Oxygen

This really depends on height.

• <10,000' - no problem, you are safe at these levels
• 10,000 - 18,000 - pull out the breaks and come down fairly fast
• >18,000 - The descent time, even at about 10 knots down is longer than you have available - so don't go this high, unless you have a backup oxygen system.

Descent time at XXX Knots (see Maximum Descent above) calculations:

• 15,000 =
• 20,000 =
• 25,000 =
• 30,000 =
• 35,000 =
  • Descent time at XXX Knots

Stuck Above Cloud

Lost

Approval above FL245

Above FL (Flight Level) 245 - or 24,500' above sea level at standard pressure (XXX) is controlled airspace in all of Australia. Therefore to fly above you would normally require a Transponder and approval from flight control. However we are very lucky to have approval at Canbera and Grampians. NOTE: You must have approval by the Grampian Soaring Club (via training and log book endorsement) before you can use this approval.

My Grampaans Cheat Sheet

References

NOTE: Links to GSC PDFs