In the previous article, I was discussing aerial cables. On this subject, cable cars present a different type of problem. The cable in this case is usually between 0 and 50 metres above ground level, but the vertical distance may be even greater. There are no intermediate pylons, excepting those at the top and bottom, which may be a long way apart, and they may be rather small - virtually invisible when in flight. Only rarely do such cables obstruct landing areas, but they can be a serious problem when searching for rising air near mountain slopes. They are hard to identify. If you are planning on flying in an unfamiliar area, it is a good idea to ask local pilots for information, or examine detailed maps (the Compass 1:50000 maps usually mark these cables, but not all of them).

    Now, let us consider a different question: a field large enough for a safe landing, but with some trees or high buildings at the edge of the field that prevent straight finals from outside the field. In this case we have to consider the possibility of turning onto finals inside the perimeter, and therefore inside the obstacles. The wind is a fundamental factor. This type of approach is safe only with a light breeze, or preferably with no wind at all. If, on the other hand, there is a strong wind, you have chosen the wrong field.

    In all the examples that we shall consider, flying speeds depend on the size of the field. The smaller the field, the lesser the speed should be when entering the field, so that one doesn't run out of room while the glider gradually slows down. Of course, speed should never be so low as to compromise the continuous and effective control of the glider.

    In general, one can say that it is more dangerous to arrive too low than too high. In other words, it is less serious to stall onto a tree during the final stages of ground effect at 2-3 metres above the ground than to touch the upper branches of a 10-metre high tree and then plummet to the ground out of control. So, regarding height and speed, we can say that "melius abundare quam deficere" (too much is better than too little)... within limits, of course.

Sangiano: a landing behind the Icaro 2000 factory
    After one of my routine test flights, I prepared to land in the narrow field behind the Icaro 2000 factory. The trees surrounding the field are almost all over 10 metres high, except for the upwind side on which they are 5 metres high. There was a fair breeze. I lost height directly above the factory with a series of 360° turns, and then started a standard circuit, increasing speed briskly on finals and entering the field 2 or 3 metres above the trees. I kept the speed high until I reached ground effect height, where the turbulence caused by the trees at the edge of the field was lower. After landing, I had the usual 150 metres to walk back to the factory.

    I watched Manfred as he began his circuit. He has an incredible control over the glider even at low speeds but, on that occasion, I thought that he was too low for another 360° turn. I expected him to dive, entering a little higher than usual. But he circled once more and then realised his mistake. He had to use all his skill to perform what, I think, must have been the most efficient turn that he had ever made.

    The result: he touched the top 20 cm of the tree - the softest part - with the control bar, and his speed was so slow that he seemed to be flying a hot-air balloon.

    He performed a perfect stand-up landing in the field, just 5 metres beyond the trees. Without doubt, he was able to save the situation by means of his experience, his cool thinking, and a hang-glider providing generous performance at low speeds. Not to mention a healthy dose of good luck. Otherwise this sort of approach can have dire consequences. If you don't really want to walk that 150 metres... well, think again.

    In the first case - virtually no wind at all - the approach should take the form of a modified standard circuit. Once you have lost height on the upwind side of the field and you are not far above the height of the obstacles, turn onto the downwind leg. Increase your speed, dropping to a height below that of the top of the obstacles, and get ready to perform a 180° turn which will bring you onto finals. In other words, the crosswind leg disappears, absorbed into the 180° turn, unless the field is large enough to permit a straight crosswind section. In all phases of the approach, the flying speed should be high enough to permit satisfactory control of the glider, essential when the obstacles are so close, and because there is always the risk of some light turbulence.

    If there is a light, or moderate - though no stronger - breeze, the approach is the same, except that the speed has to be further increased in all stages of the approach in order to achieve a better control of the glider. But you have to be extremely careful. Even a wind of 10 km/h is capable of producing sufficient turbulence to dangerously (considering the small distance separating you from the ground and the obstacles) modify the direction of flight. When making the 180° turn that brings you onto finals, remember the drift caused by the tailwind that will have the effect of widening the turn. Therefore you should start turning earlier than when there is no wind. This is unnecessary in an open field or a field with just a few obstacles, but it is fundamental in the case under consideration here.