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Last Updated on: 14-08-08
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Soaring. It's The Only Way To Fly!Gliding Simply ExplainedGliding is the most challenging, satisfying and sometimes frustrating of sports, depending as it does upon the vagaries of weather. It is a unique blend of the aesthetic and the physical, art and science, outdoor exercise with mental application. It is exciting and it is time consuming for, should you come to love it, other leisure pursuits will inevitably take second place. The First TimeYour first flight will be with an experienced
instructor whose initial concern will be for you to enjoy the trial lesson
and introduce you to the effects of the controls. In a winch or car launch the glider climbs very steeply to height. You're leaning right back in the seat with your feet at least level with your head. Expect this and do not be alarmed. Depending on the length of run and the strength of the prevailing wind, a winch or car launch will normally give you a height of 1000 - 1500ft at which point the instructor will release the cable, the glider will assume it's normal flying attitude and begin flying at a speed of around 42 - 50 knots. After the rocketing ascent of the launch, which lasts only a few seconds, regain your breath and composure, look around, and enjoy the view and almost silent flight. The only sounds will be the airflow around the cockpit and perhaps some bleeping from an instrument called a variometer, together with reassuring comments from the instructor some three feet behind you back.
After demonstrating their
effects, your instructor may invite you to "follow through" on his or her
movements of the controls. After a few minutes you may be flying the aircraft
yourself, with the instructor ready to to override your inputs and correct your
mistakes with the dual controls. If you have enjoyed the experience don't be reluctant to ask your instructor or any other experienced club member all you want to know about gliding. We soaring pilots are so enthusiastic about our sport that we are anxious to recruit you, also, to our ranks. . |