What happens if you can't get back to the airfield?

When flying cross country, sometimes the weather changes unexpectedly, or the pilot makes a wrong decision and an outlanding is inevitable. This is no big deal - in fact, it is quite normal for a cross country pilot to land out three or four times during the course of a soaring season, particularly if they are involved in a competition. Before any pilot is allowed to fly out of range of the airfield, a training program must be completed, both written and practical tests are undertaken on how to select a field and safely land in it.

When a glider lands in a field, most landowners are understanding and are helpful - indeed a glider, unlike a balloon flight which always lands out, is trying very hard to get back. A glider will rarely damage crops or scare farm animals and is totally 'environmentally friendly'.

Sometimes, if the field is large enough and there are no obstructions, the landowner will grant permission for an aerotow retrieve to take place, and a tug aeroplane will tow the unlucky pilot home. More usually a ground retrieve is organised. Most pilots carry mobile phones these days, and as soon as landing a call is made to the pilots 'crew', (Most glider pilots crew for each other so that those that get back will always make sure their mates are not left stuck in a field) Next the landowner is contacted and permission is gained to remove the glider, (This is never usually a problem) The next bit is the most boring, nothing to do, now, until the crew hooks up the trailer and drives to the stranded pilot. This can take a while, particularly if its a long way from home.

When the crew arrives, the glider is disassembled (or de-rigged) this only takes two people about ten minutes to do. In fact, gliders are usually left derigged in their trailers when not being flown. After the traditional stop in a nearby pub for beer and food which the pilot usually pays for, the trailer then heads for home.