5:00
5 minutes down — keep going?
Objective
To land or take off from a pinnacle or ridgeline.
Performance standards
Steeper approach for greater winds.
Closure rate of a brisk walk.
The Approach
2Steeper approach for greater winds, to avoid downdraft and turbulence
Wind & Terrain
WINDWARDUp draft. Approach this side.
LEEWARDDown draft & turbulence. Avoid.
Approach from the windward (updraft) side; the leeward side carries downdraft and turbulence.
Takeoff
- Gain airspeed over altitude.
- Maintain pinnacle elevation after takeoff.
Common errors
- Failing to perform a proper high or low reconnaissance.
- Flying approach angle too steep or too shallow for conditions.
- Failing to consider emergency landing areas.
- Failing to consider wind and turbulence effect.
- Failing to maintain pinnacle elevation after takeoff.
- Failure to maintain proper rate of closure.
- Failing to achieve climb airspeed in a timely manner.