| Overview |
The CFI's
Challenge is to take off from Gloucestershire Staverton
(EGBJ) from runway 27 in one of your simulator's default
gliders, with an aero-tow to an altitude such that you
can then glide to RAF Fairford (EGVA). Simples! It
isn't a competition, however, just a fun challenge. |
| Start Time and Place |
The main event will
take place on Wednesday August 19th starting from 18:30
hrs UTC. If you cannot make that date, the event
may be flown on any day in the month of August. As this
event will require use of runway 27 irrespective of any
on-line ATC instructions, the flight
(and any practice flights) can be made using JoinFS
and the "CIX
Hub", and will be an "Authorised Off-line" flight. |
| Technical Information |
To make it a level playing
field for all: -
- You are asked
to maintain a heading of 270 degrees until you reach
your planned release altitude. This is because
in FSX you can't "steer" the
tug so you are obliged to maintain a heading of 270
degrees until you release the tow. If you are
using X-Plane, although the tug can be steered,
you must do the same.
- You must set zero winds at all altitudes from ground
level to above your planned release altitude..
- You must use one of the "default" gliders.
|
| Challenges |
- Can you keep the tow-line taut? (If it goes slack the
Tug will disconnect the tow - and you're on your own!)
- Can you stay below the tug aircraft?
(In the real world, if you get above the tug you can send
it into an unrecoverable dive!)
- How soon/where
can you release the tow and still make EGVA? (Runway
27 is in the wrong
direction to get to Fairford,
so you will need to quickly calculate the required
heading from your release position, and make the
required turn after releasing the tow!).
- Can you
trim for the best glide? (Hint - push the stick forward
and get good "penetration" (ground
speed), but you also descend faster. Pull the stick
back and you might stay in the air a little longer,
but the glide angle is much steeper, so you come down
faster. You need to find the optimum pitch angle to
maximise forward speed and minimise descent rate. Tricky!).
- Local farmers get a bit "angsty" at
gliders plowing up/ruining their crops, so work
out/be ready to divert to land at an airfield, and
know your "point
of no return"!
- You may have as many attempts as you wish.
- Please note/record
the geographical position where you disconnect the
tow (and at what altitude) - the closer to EGBJ, and
the lower the better! - While still being able to reach
Fairford.
|
Plan-G/
LittleNavmap |
You are on your own for
this one! |
| Training/Help |
If anyone would like training
or clarification about gliding techniques, please send
Max Symons a private forum message to arrange a suitable
time and date. Book early to avoid disappointment, don't
they say? |
| Weather... or Not |
Before starting we
will check the weather. If it is unsuitable for our trip
as planned, then we will fix it. Something we can do
in the simulator - wouldn't it be nice if we could do
it in real life! FSInn has a "CAVOK" button. Click this
and you get calm clear weather. Those using Squawkbox
B (FS) or XSquawkbox (X-Plane) will need to turn off
the on-line weather updates, and select calm in the simulator
weather options. |
| What Aircraft can I fly |
The default glider
which is part of your similator package is the only permitted
aircraft for this challenge. |
| ATC |
We will not require ATC
for this event. |
| Radio Discipline |
You can concentrate
on your best glide for this event - no need to be distracted
by ATC instructions. |
| Acknowledgements |
Event planning: Max
Symons
Briefing: Peter Dodds |
VFR Club
