Retrieves - Good planning makes a difference
A well-planned flight will route near known airfields and other gliding clubs so that the pilot has some options to "land away" if the soaring conditions deteriorate, or if the pilot simply runs out of time, energy or ideas. Sometimes it may be possible to arrange an aerotow retrieve from that airfield. However, early XC pilots need to discuss (by phone with one of our instructors) the decision on how best to retrieve. Sometimes it may need a trailer retrieve. Sometimes we can send a ferry pilot in the tug to fly the glider/aerotow while the pilot returns as a passenger in the tug.
Of course, this does not change the fact that everyone needs to have a plan for a trailer retrieve - in case the flight ends up as a landout in a farmer's field, or at an airfield where an aerotow retrieve is not feasible.
Of course, this does not change the fact that everyone needs to have a plan for a trailer retrieve - in case the flight ends up as a landout in a farmer's field, or at an airfield where an aerotow retrieve is not feasible.
Getting experience of retrieving
If you want other pilots to help you - to volunteer to standby to retrieve you - then a great starting point is to carry out some retrieves for other people. Seeing where people have landed and understanding how/why they chose a particular field are priceless lessons. You will of course earn a few Brownie points which puts you in a good position for the future, and the traditional treat of a meal out is well deserved - Plus a few quid for your mileage. You will also learn a lot of small, but important, details about the retrieve process: e.g. remembering to take glider dollies, trestles, trailer keys, any glider-specific de-rig tools, etc. with you to the retrieve (all too easily forgotten in the heat of the moment). Have a spare number plate to put on the trailer. A length of rope from a DIY store with a ring (or suitable sized chain links) could be useful. Find out before setting off if the field is slippery and needs a 4x4 or if extra bodies will be needed to carry the glider piecemeal out of the field. Learn how to de-rig different gliders. Learn how to hitch up, check the lights and tow a trailer - And how to reverse a trailer. Check that your driving licence and car insurance covers towing a typical single seater trailer of 800kg. Once you have these things sorted, it will be much easier for you to organise someone at the end of the phone when the day comes that you need a retrieve.
Ask a "mutual" friend
A friend who is also flying the same day may often pair up with you for a "mutual retrieve", in other words if one person lands out, the other will do the retrieve. Which is fine provided both don't land out! If that happens, then the glider's owners will be a second option to call on. That might mean the club itself if its a club glider. Or another member of the syndicate if its a privately owned glider.
Making arrangements ahead of the day will save time on the day and generally mean an important issue is no longer bothering you.
Why not put out a request for help on the Arrange Retrieve page?
Making arrangements ahead of the day will save time on the day and generally mean an important issue is no longer bothering you.
Why not put out a request for help on the Arrange Retrieve page?