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Ridge Soaring

Ridge soaring consists of flying in the wind directed upwards by a hill or other obstruction. While ridges may be found at some distance above ground level, for soaring purposes, usually 600 feet above landable terrain is a good minimum height. When winds are at a suitable angle and above 15 knots, they allow the ridge to be flown either fast and down on the trees or at best L/D speeds up to 1000 feet above the ridge top. When flown at the high end, ridge soaring presents the more normal visually expansive environment of flight, and allows more time to make flight decisions. Flown at ridge top there is increased likelihood of encountering turbulence, and if the ridge lift quits there is often little time to make key decisions about landing and controlling the aircraft. As well, since other traffic will converge on the ridge there are problems with discerning head-on traffic, and as well avoiding overtaking aircraft. In mountain ridge soaring, often there can be problems in getting good visual references when the soarable ridge is part way up the slope, and other mountains and ridges surround the area. The best lift is found at an angle away from the ridge on the windward side. The higher you climb in the lift the farther upwind you must go to keep in the lift. Areas of poor lift may arise where the ridge bends. Turbulence can often be severe if wind speeds exceed 25 knots. When the wind is blowing at an angle greater than the optimum and thermals are forming, they may line up with the ridge in streets. Ridge lift is flown by using a ‘crab’ angle away from the ridge and by keeping one wing slightly over the crest of the ridge. It is very important not to stray to the downwind side of the ridge as the turbulence can be extreme in this area.

Rules of the Air

1. Always fly in front of the ridge.

2. Always enter ridge lift at an angle not exceeding 45 degrees.

3. Always have a field picked out to land in.

4. Make all turns away from the ridge.

5. When passing another sailplane pass to your right. The sailplane with the ridge on its right has the right of way.

6. When overtaking another sailplane from behind always pass on the ridge side.

7. Make all 360 degree turns well above the ridge.

8. Always pass above or behind birds, never beneath. When frightened they will dive.

9. No loose objects in the ship.

10. Carry survival equipment.

11. Never fly directly above or below another sailplane.

12. Ridge lift is best at the crest of the ridge. If you are sinking below the crest you will not be able to climb back up!