On Sun, 2 Aug 2020 21:02:36 -0700 (PDT), wrote:


re https://youtu.be/BBpqvPujZgM


In my opinion, this video shows the difference in training between a power pilot and a glider pilot. A glider pilot in a similar situation (eg being low and not finding lift) would have remained close to one of the excellent large grass fields immediately visible in the video. A glider pilot would not have attempted to continue further without keeping another good field within reach. Once close to a airport, a glider pilot would not have attempted to fly a normal pattern, once a runway could be reached with an early turn in. A glider pilot would not have chosen to extend his downwind, for no obvious purpose, to place a highway between him and the runway. To summarize: a glider pilot would have calmly landed in a large grass field, and would not have made a panicky gear-up landing in a crop field.

Jut out of interest:
How many hours in the P-51D do you have that you are able to transfer
glider tactice to a fighter aircraft?


I have none, but I am extremely sure that you don't simply land a
P-51D on a field with extended gear without damage...

Cheers
Andreas