Hi Gang
As of August 1, 08 a new set of rules, agreed to between the FAA and
Pasco, has taken effect for the 2 wave
window areas both north and south of Reno Intl. These new rules
initiated by the FAA are due to the Hawker/ glider midair about 2
years ago and need to improve safety in the air. I was unaware of
these new rules until they had been implemented and wonder if other
wave window area around the US are now subject to similar rules?
If you do not know what a wave window is it is permission to fly in
certain regions of class A airspace (above 18k msl) over a certain
designated area whose 4 corners are defined and within a designated
time window (say 12 noon to 18:00 hours). The FAA redirects traffic to
avoid the window and previously any glider could enter the window
without a transponder nor with any communication with anyone. Wave
window altitudes had to be requested by Soar Minden or other
designated glider ops and were not limited to any specific value. At
Minden wave windows most commonly requested were to 26k and on
exceptional days as high as 35k.
This has now changed. All gliders entering class A airspace must
have an operating mode C transponder. All gliders must communicate
intent to enter the window and provide an identifier (comp ID or N
number etc) which will be given to the controller before entry. The
maximum new wave window altitude is 28k. The can be changed by
exception for say a record but has to be approved by prior agreement.
I think we have all been waiting to see what the long term
consequences of the Hawker/glider midair would be. It must be clear to
all that that accident should not have occurred and could easily have
been prevented. I predict that the next foot to drop will be the
glider transponder exemption above 10k. Having put a transponder in my
SparrowHawk without any problems after the Hawker incident I would
encourage all glider pilots to do the same.
Safety is not an option.
I would be interested to hear if these new wave rules at Minden
have been mandated elsewhere in the US or whether we are the guinea
pig. I suspect we are that animal. For those who are interested in
seeing the letter of agreement between Pasco and the FAA email me
privately and I will email you a copy of the letter plus color maps of
our 5 wave window areas.
Dave