The following text is also available in this file: min-altitudes.doc

Homework #2 in preparation for a Cross-country mentoring flight.
February, 2009

Minimum Altitudes

We need to establish “no wind standards”.
These minimum arrival altitudes will be used as basis for decision making.

If you are still outbound (vs. on your way home) on a cross-country flight you should be able to estimate the altitude you will arrive at any selected TP as you glide towards that TP.

Regardless of the lift conditions that day, what is the minimum altitude you will be comfortable with when you arrive at that next TP? Using See You, or a sectional chart, or whatever you can use, estimate the lowest altitude (MSL) that you feel is acceptable for arriving at each of the following turnpoints. The assumption here is that if you do not feel that you will arrive with this stated minimum altitude, then you will not make the glide to this TP. On the mentoring flight I will endeavor to have this list displayed in my cockpit as I mentor you in flight.

At the end of the list is another set of instructions, regarding the “Min Departure Altitude”.

Name of TP -- Elev. ---Min Arrival Altitude ---- Min Departure Altitude, moving towards….

1WSC -R1 68F ------------------1,000 ---------------------------n/a
20-16xtn-E9 1100F -------------4,000 ---------------------------4,000 3Sisters
3Sistr-E6 2000F
AldrSpr-U8 4550F
AntnyM5-U9 6954F
Bdam -U8 500F
BlkBute-U9 7448F
BTwrs-U8 3060F
GoMine-U9 2200F
Gt M14-U2 6100F
M3 -U8 6580F
M6 -U9 5068F
RumsyGp-U7 2550F
sIron Mtn-U2 6500F
T15 -U8 7770F
T16 -U8 6730F
TreFrmGat-E9 4200F
VacaPnd-U7 2000F
WlkrRdg-U1 3560F
YolaPk-U8 8000F

Now that you know the minimum altitude you feel is acceptable for arriving at each of these turnpoints, let’s change the problem.

Suppose that we are already at the TP and we are not finding lift and are very low. How low will you allow yourself to go before you move to a new place to either search for lift or prepare for a landout, and where will you go? Assume no wind conditions. On the above list, state the altitude and the name of the place you are moving towards.

WSC is not applicable, but you may change it if you prefer a higher altitude for arriving back at WSC.

20-16xtn was filled out as an example, but change the posted info to suit your preferences.

To Top of Page

Send feedback, comments, suggestions, encouragement, critiques, criticism, accolades, or just your humble opinion to me at:

gliding@sonic.net

All pages and materials are property of Peter Kelly
© copyright 2009