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Windover is a private field 13 nm east of Pendleton. Three runways are clearly visible in this image: the main runway, on the right side of the picture parallel to the road, and two narrow diagonals. Ian writes:

Windover Airport from 800 AGL.
"Normally overflying an airfield at 800 feet would be regarded as rather 'brave' but this was familiar territory and there were good fields ahead."

The "X" diagonal runways, he adds "at this particular airfield are rather narrow. Many small fields, especially private ones, have narrowrunways-- fine for high-wing power aircraft but difficult or impossible to put a glider in without ground looping" (there could be tall crops or grass beside the runway that are not obvious from the air). "Something to think about before heading for an unfamiliar field on a GPS heading or taken from a map. Landing lights could be another hazard; it also helps if the wheel brake is working."

And if there were no airport below you? "At this height you would need to have a field definitely picked and be preparing to land (if not in lift)."

The yellow field on the left behind the wing might be a good choice based on how it looks in this photo: no evident slope; the surface looks like cut hay; field is long enough; no obstacles.






The flight finally arrived in this field, a few miles past Windover. "The field I did land in was a beaut--long, flat, cut hay, no obstacles, and into wind."



ZT Crew

The happy crew.

Click here to return to "Off-field Landings" part of Ian's article.

Click here to return to the Techniques page




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