Ridge flying accidents

A common misconception is that it's risky to fly so close to the ridge in
"those strong and tubulent winds". Those conditions may severely challenge a
pilot's skills on tow, and possibly also on landing, but they actually simplify
ridge flying because the glider always has plenty of energy.

I think the greatest danger lies in attempting to work ridge lift in winds that
are either too low in velocity or too far off-angle to the ridge. This puts
the glider close to the trees and -- this is the important part -- with too
little energy.

Without blaming Peter's accident on that decision per se, it must certainly
have been a factor.



Mike Yankee

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