Blog
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May 16, 2024
In my last article, we discussed what wing-loading is and how it affects the glider. Essentially, it is the aircraft's weight divided by the wing area & is a crucial factor in the cross country performance. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of wing loading, addressing key considerations
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May 02, 2024
Wing loading is a critical concept in gliding, as it significantly impacts the glider's polar, handling, and overall performance. Wing loading quickly changes when adding a passenger to that second seat or loading up water ballast before the flight. By understanding the relationship between wing loading and the glider's polar, pilots can optimise their flights and achieve the best cross-country
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April 18, 2024
If you’ve ever watched a glider gracefully manoeuvre through the sky, or you’ve just started your life’s soaring adventure you might wonder how they or we manage to stay aloft for so long without an engine. One of the key tools that we use to help us as glider pilots achieve this beautiful feat, is called a variometer. In this article, I want to describe in simple terms how this clever
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April 11, 2024
SkySight is an interactive gliding forecasting tool. It combines the latest modeling technologies with an intuitive user interface, to provide high-resolution soaring forecasts and powerful flight planning tools. Simon interviews SkySight's founder Matthew Scutter posing 5 questions on recent developments.
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April 04, 2024
Thermals, those invisible pillars of rising air that we as glider pilots rely on for sustenance in the sky, they are a fascinating meteorological phenomenon for us all. Understanding how thermals develop is essential, for a good flight and how long one might stay in the sport! Let's delve into the intricacies of thermal formation and explore the processes that give rise to these vital elements
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March 21, 2024
Experiencing an inflight emergency or a near miss while in your glider can be a harrowing ordeal, it’ll likely trigger the startle effect. The startle effect, which is also known as the startle response or the sudden onset of intense fear, can significantly impair a pilot's ability to effectively respond to the situation at hand. Understanding the startle effect and knowing how to mitigate
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March 07, 2024
Gliding is a thrilling sport, we all know it, it’s a sport that allows pilots to navigate the skies using only the natural forces of Mother Nature. However, like any aviation activity, gliding comes with inherent risks. To mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of pilots, passengers & ground crew, the principles of Crew Resource Management (CRM) can be effectively applied.
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February 22, 2024
As glider pilots, we navigate the boundless skies with grace and precision, but even the most experienced aviators encounter challenges. Threat and error management (TEM) is a crucial concept that empowers pilots to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks before they escalate into hazardous situations. In this article, we delve into the realms of TEM and its application in soaring.
Understanding
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February 07, 2024
Electric sailplanes and combustion engine-powered aircraft represent two different approaches to aviation, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let's delve into the key aspects differentiating these two technologies.
Advantages of Electric Sailplanes
Environmental
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January 25, 2024
A good glider trailer can make all the difference for enthusiasts and professionals alike, offering a range of benefits that enhance the overall gliding experience. From ease of transportation to ensuring the safety of your precious glider, investing in a quality trailer is a decision that pays off in the long run. Additionally, buying a second-hand trailer can be a cost-effective choice, but it requires