Flatland XC Safari

You already know how to tow, now we start putting some height and distance together to reap the rewards of the flatlands with this XC course based at Conargo

Each day, before the thermals develop we do some tow refreshing together with some tactical XC discussion. As the day develops we tow, ping off climb out and get up and away on course. A typical day consists of morning discussion, afternoon flying, retrieve and an evening debrief and analysis.  Some of the skills and topics discussed include:

  • Preparation
  • When to launch and when to release on tow to find that first thermal
  • Tow gear and equipment
  • Thermalling and climbing
  • Glides and energy lines
  • Decision making
  • Distraction control
  • SMART goals

Costs

The cost of the course is divide between the pilots on the course, we have a limit of 4

The course cover cost is $400 daily
Additionally:

  • Each tow is $40
  • Retrieve costs are shared between the group, they consist of:
    • The retrieve vehicle fuel cost * 3, plus $35 per hour for the driver.
      You can use your vehicle if you prefer, then you pay fuel and we charge $35 per hour for the driver
      You can also bring your own driver or self retrieve

Dates

See the calendar or enquire for your personal dates

 

We can rent or sell you a tow bridle if you need one

FAQ

Do I need a tow endorsement

Yes, you need a tow endorsement, towing in thermals can easily be dangerous without some education

We regularly run tow endorsement clinics or can teach you to tow during the safari clinics at extra cost and by prior arrangement only
We need evidence that you know how to tow, the conditions can often be demanding

Do I need a satellite tracker like SPOT

SPOTs are a powerful resource

  • They reassure your family
  • They reassure you
  • They make my life easier knowing I can find you

We are often flying in areas outside of good cell phone coverage. A SPOT with tracking activated and used could save your life

They are not mandatory for the clinics, if we are in the flatlands I strongly recommend one
We have a couple spare we can rent by prior arrangement

How do we set up our GPS

Your GPS should be set to a coordinate system of degrees.degrees (d.ddddd)

If you want to keep an useful tracklog you should be taking tracklog points every second, depending on the storage capacity of your GPS unit

What is involved in the skills development?

An important part of the event is individual and group goal orientated skills development.

We work with each pilot to identify areas of opportunity to develop and improve individual skills. We discuss and agree strategies to work towards measurably improving those skills. We jointly identify achievable goals that over time demonstrate how well those strategies are working.

Some of these opportunities are discussed and developed before the event via an internet based remote skills development process.

All of these opportunities, strategies and goals are documented and become part of a skills improvement package that you take away with you to continue to use and develop your flying.

What radio do we need?

In Australia we use a UHF CB frequency range around 476/7 mhz, the radios need to be CTCSS (tone squelch capable)

Radio frequency will be UHF 12 (476.7mhz), tone squelch 79.7 hz (Jiri radio PRIV2)

How does the retrieve system work?
  • All pilots need a clear inflight radio communications system (we can work with you to help you get this properly sorted out), a GPS and a cell phone.
  • We all fly from the same site each day, as you fly you routinely radio to the retrieve driver your GPS position based on bearing, height and distance from launch . If they have not heard from you frequently enough they will ask you for updates. We can find you based on this information alone
  • A  SPOT or Delorme satellite GPS tracking system is mandatory. This unit will transmit your coordinates via satellite (does not need cell phone coverage) to our driver. We can also track you whilst you are flying. We can rent you one if you give us notice
  • When you land you use your tracker to send your GPS coordinates to the retrieve driver
  • You will need to land or walk to a vehicle accessible road, we will not haul you out of dense bush. Remember a good looking track may have locked gates so be smart and focus on landing beside paved (sealed)roads.
  • The retrieve driver has a vehicle based GPS that will accept your coordinates and guide the driver to you, they also have maps of the area

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Photos

Clinic calendar

If you cannot see a date that suits you or there is a clinic scheduled and you are not sure if you are suitable for it then don’t be shy, contact us to talk it thru


Alpine tow endorsement

Tow endorsement course, also helps PG2 pilots to gain 10 more flights and another site Pilots will have the opportunity to fly Mystic during the clinic

When: Sat April 13 - Sun April 14
Where: Bright, Victoria, Australia

Bookings

Bookings

To book please check the dates of your event then contact us via the Enquiries page.
Be sure to let us know the dates you are interested in
We will then follow up with you to be sure we have you on the right event

If you have any questions call on +61 (0)417 530972 or skype to brianmwebb

Payments

Payments can be made by bank transfer or PayPal

Bank transfer
Bendigo Bank: BSB 633 000
Account name: XCkms
Account number: 122842537

PayPal
Regret this bears a 2% addition to cover administration costs
Please pay to webbie@XCkms.com

Why us

Why clinic with XCkms

  • Expert guides with demonstrable experience
  • Extensive local knowledge of sites and meteorology
  • Tandem instruction where appropriate
  • Comfortable 4WD vehicles with GPS, tablet, SMS and SPOT facilities
  • Dedicated retrieve drivers
  • Briefing facilities including whiteboard, big screen video replay, tracklog projection and WiFi