Flight Planning

From Wolf Gaidis

1. Know your site. You should walk the landing zone (LZ) and launch. Talk to local pilots. Understand any unique weather phenomenon and terrain in your planned flight area.
2. Know your equipment. Understand that different wings perform differently. Pack essentials and emergency equipment such as: ID, phone, dental floss, hook knife, space blanket, and flashlight or lighter.
3. Know yourself. Take time to reflect on your emotional state. Make sure you have the energy and stamina for your flight. Also, be realistic about your abilities and whether you are able to fly in the given conditions.
4. Know your weather. Study and understand the conditions. Do I have the experience to judge the forecast?
5. Know what you want. Establish the type of flight you want to have. Are you learning, teaching, having fun, or giving yourself a challenge? Where are you going? Have a second (and maybe a third) option if you cannot make it to the landing zone.

From Willie Vaughan

Do a mental preflight.  Keep up with your gear. Check through all equipment before heading up to launch and make sure it’s in working condition.  Pack water and sunscreen for when you’re waiting for your ride. Look for any and all wind indicators. Some sites don’t have plenty of windsocks and it’s important to walk the LZ prior to launch.  What kind of flight do you want? How long do you plan to be up? Are you prepared to adjust your flight plan if you sink out, or the forecast builds? Have a strong support crew, both drivers and wire crew on launch. Make sure your driver knows your secondary/bailout plans. 

From Heath Woods

There is no one way to prepare for all flights. Have specific types of “kits” ready for the type of flying you will be doing such as: cross country(XC), beach soaring, or traveling. Your gear will not be suited for every location. Parachutes need to be checked and repacked regularly.  Understand the weather and talk with local pilots.  Be prepared to fail in all of this. Be prepared to turn around. Make good decisions and don’t fly just because of the time and resources it took to get you there.  Don’t add too many new accessories at once – they could become distractions. (Cameras, Bluetooth headphones, etc.) Use the rule of sevens. If your comfort is on a 1 to 10 scale, where 10 is being absolutely terrified, you shouldn’t surpass a 7 when launching/flying.  Keep current on your skills.

From Jonny Thompson

In addition to the above information, never stop making decisions.  Every second counts, so don’t wait to make an important decision.

From Billy Vaughn

The biggest part of your flight is the direction you turn on launch.  A flight plan is just a basis for change. Keep adapting and don’t be afraid to alter your plan in the moment. Expect the unexpected.  Compare your weather to the forecast. Go evaluate your conditions in person for yourself. Get as many data points as possible.  

From John Gallagher

Study meteorology. Check the weather at different altitudes along your flight path.  You can never dress too warm, especially at higher altitudes.  Pack a whistle and a portable battery supply.  Even if you can’t fly in certain conditions, go to the flying site and observe. You learn a lot from being around other pilots.  Practice pulling your reserve just to know what it feels like.  

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