One thing that strikes me about this conversation is the number of pilots who apparently have little or no regard for the recommendations of the Soaring Safety Foundation.

I believe the SSF recommendation is a personal hard deck of 800 - 1000 agl in flat land with good landing options below (which were evaluated and chosen at higher altitudes). If you are in the mountains or the ridges, a similar level of safety factor (however you define it) should apply.

As I understand it, the recommendation is below your personal hard deck, you stop soaring and you land - period. This is a decision you make before you launch. This applies in all cases - local XC or contest flying.

Any SSF Trustees out there wish to chime in?

Lou