Rules of the Ridge

When ridge soaring with other pilots, space can be limited. There are rules governing the traffic pattern that will help keep you and other pilots safe. Pilots approaching head-on should both yield to their right. This keeps pilots from having to guess which direction the other is going to turn. The pilot with the ridge on their right has the right of way. The other pilot will not be able to yield to their right, so they have the right of way. Lower pilots also have the right of way. If you are over another pilot they won’t be able to see you through their canopy. If the lift increases, they could rise into you unexpectedly. If passing another pilot from behind, pass between the pilot and the hill. You do not want to trap another pilot against the hill leaving them nowhere to turn. If you want to pass, you need to put yourself in the danger zone. If two pilots are at the same altitude heading in the same direction, the pilot on the right has the right of way. This can occur during a landing approach. When following another pilot into a turn you may either follow directly behind them, or make your turn at the same time, putting yourself in the lead for the next pass. Most ridge sites will have a pattern, following the basic ridge rules, that you will begin to recognize after watching for a while. Remember, if in doubt, ask a local.