http://ozreport.com/11.130#0

Larry Tudor talks about what could await you when you come  into land: http://ozreport.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8506&start=2

Most pilots mistakenly assume that the only danger involved in landing in strong wind is the wind gradient, but there is another hazard that can imprint your face on the proximate terrain. It is known to sailplane pilots as “gradient rotor”.

My first introduction to gradient rotor was during the last round of the X-C Classic in the Owen’s Valley. After being flushed off the White Mountains in a strong north wind I set up for a conservative approach in the valley, well away from the mountains. I hovered down, and just as I was lowering my legs the glider got slammed from above and I free fell the last 15 feet. As I was sitting there contemplating my sore feet and bent basetube Jeff Burnett had a perfect landing 100 feet in front of me.

Discuss Landing at the Oz Report forum
   
 
 
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