Cloudsurfing in a glider

Cloud flying over Southern Finland skies.

FAQ

1. This looks absolutely crazy, it has to be illegal

The European Aviation Authority (EASA) has regulations that set the framework for how to fly gliders in clouds. Your national authorities may prohibit this, or make it very difficult. Mine does not; they abide by the EASA regulations. You need a cloud flying rating, and the glider needs to have proper instruments. In short, it is legal. I have over 3500 hrs flight time in gliders with 15 year experience of cloud flying. I am a flight instructor and also teach cloud flying ratings.

2. This looks very dangerous

Cloud flying is only done by pilots who have received training and a rating. We have a very good safety record; accidents are practically non-existent.

3. You are flying very close to clouds, breaking minimum distance to cloud VMC minima

Cloud flying is done in IMC conditions, so VMC minima do not apply.

4. You risk colliding with other planes in clouds

In controlled airspace, we get clearance from ATC, who keeps traffic separated. In uncontrolled airspace, we broadcast cloud flying on a common frequency and take care of the separation ourselves. I have a transponder and FLARM, though they are not required by regulations.

5. Icing is very dangerous

Icing degrades the glide performance of the glider, but it remains totally controllable. Ice sheds away below the zero level. Icing of pitot and total energy ports leads to some instruments (ASI, variometer) becoming inoperable. We practice for this during training. If we lose an instrument, we exit the cloud and descend to an altitude where ice melts away.

6. It looks totally awesome

Yes.

#Gliding #CloudFlying #Cloudsurfing #glider #sailplane #soaring