I don't know, sounds like there are some contest pilots out there that
need to go into remedial training on energy management and safe
pattern use. If someone "runs out" of energy getting back to the
finish line haven't they violated all kinds of FAR's! If any of my
instructors (and the glider "Gods") in our club saw you enter the
pattern with a minimum energy issue they might just have a little chat
with you.

So folks, sounds to me like you are describing bad airmanship problems
and not a rule issue. If the finish is at 500' you should have no
problem with a safe pattern entry, no matter what! What do these folks
do when they get low on course? A wingover into the ground? If you
have an energy management problem then you shouldn't be flying!

JMHO and I just increased my "Fire" insurance so flame away!

Bob


01-- Zero One wrote:
Same thing has happened at at least one other US contest that I know
of... Pilot managed to walk away from it.

Larry

"zero one"

"Tuno" wrote in message
oups.com:

66, didn't someone have an incident similar to what you suggest at
Hobbs a year or two ago? Iirc he had to pull up at the edge of the
cylinder to make the minimum finish height, stalled his glider, and
nearly bought the ranch ...


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