Defined XC with Cross Country Magazine
What does defined flying mean to you? For some it will be a ridge run – there and back to top land where they started; for others it will be a 20km out-and-return XC to complete a task for a pilot qualification.
For some it’s 35km FAI triangle flown at top speed, for others it will be a 100km flight to goal.
For others still it means planning ahead and getting the very best out of those special days that only come around once every few years.
In Cross Country 154 we look at how to make the most of your day whatever the weather with defined XC. That means planning ahead, using your head and on the day putting it all into good practice.
We interviewed some crack pilots to get the lowdown on what it all means and how any pilot can apply the same rules and guidelines to make their flying go big.
The full article is in the latest issue, but meanwhile here are some top tips from Bernhard Pessl.
Bernie flew a 300km FAI triangle earlier this year – flying an EN B wing he spent more than 11 hours in the air and made it home with the light of the moon over his shoulder.
Bernhard Pessl cracks the 300km FAI triangle smile
Here’s his advice for flying defined XC
1. Look at what is possible on a good day. What have other pilots done in the area? Talk to them if you can – not everything is online.
2. Simply but important: make sure you are on the sunny slopes at the right time of day.
3. I am always planning triangles in different sizes. Often you’ll get in the air and it will be different to what is forecast. That’s the time you need to have more options to get the best out of the day. Make a deadline for turnpoints and if you are early, try a bigger triangle.
4. When I plan I spend a lot of time studying maps. Sometimes I’ve looked at a route 30 times before suddenly seeing a new option.
5. I have invested a lot of time in mental work, to get strong. Before you fly the route, try to fly it in your mind again and again, in a variety of conditions.
FEEL THE LOVE
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