Ted Wagner wrote:
I started my Super Bowl Sunday afternoon with a tow to 3000'. Upon
release I unlocked the gear lever and pulled it back firmly. About 1
inch short of the closed-position lock and still pulling hard, I gave up
and started thermalling. I learned how to fly with the gear down, I can
do it again.

A half hour later and 1000' higher I gave it another try. At a half inch
short, I cleared my air, tweaked the trim, let go of the stick, and
tried both hands. No luck. Hating to lose, I kept pulling, and pulling
and pulling. Questionable judgment, bad decision. 1600 feet later (as in
lower), I gave up and locked it down again.

All of which reminded me of the difference between frustration and panic:

* frustration (n) The first time you can't get it up the second time.
* panic (n) The second time you can't get it up the first time.

The club manager gave me a good tip for getting it up the first time
next time, so hopefully there won't be Pegasus Gear Panic.

And for real panic, imagine finally getting it up, then several hours
later as you finish the contest task, discovering whatever made it hard
to get up is now making it impossible to put back down. That happened to
me once, but fortunately, I had arrived back at the airport with enough
altitude to start the engine and motor around until I dealt with the
problem.

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Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA