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Success on any given day often hinges on how well you begin. A solid start can set the tone for the rest of the race, positioning you for optimal performance to use all conditions optimally. Here’s a guide to help you make a good start and build a strong foundation for success.

Understand the Rules and Task assigned

Before the race

Gliding safety begins before you take off. Proper Preparation on the ground is essential to prevent emergencies before they happen. One risk to address before the start of your flight is related to the tow rope, specifically the potential danger it poses, NOT breaking. The solution to this

Upon driving home from the airfield, after all the post-flight socializing, I was finally able to let my brain rest & digest the day. Often, I write on my gliding page straight away with raw emotions, but often, the drive home is where I really reflect upon the day. I realised two things: I had a great flight up to the 2nd turnpoint (approx 145kph & 6kt averages, no major mistakes*1). What

The day started with me having mindsets, right from getting out of bed to task planning (I almost tasked myself in the wrong direction) and ultimately…my flying, diversions, and climb selection.

Sadly, I didn’t do anything about these feelings until it was too late, i.e., touchdown at Kingaroy. It was a safe flight all the same, but I forgot my game plan (later found out in my

After the UK Junior World Gliding Championships in 2005, I focused on my career and the initial goal: to be based in BNE (Brisbane Airport) for a reputable airline. However, the burning desire to compete at a high standard always lingered during that time without gliding. In this article, I describe my preparations, action time at the Club Class Nationals, and one big mistake I made to miss out on

Taking proper care of your emergency parachute, no matter the make or model, is crucial to ensuring its longevity and, most importantly, your safety. Regular maintenance and daily care through routine can prevent equipment failure, which, as you know, would bring disastrous repercussions! Here’s a short guide on keeping your

Editors note: W&W is happy to share news of a Gliding Club milestone from our friends in Germany.

The Utscheider Gliding Club celebrated its 50th anniversary on Sunday, September 1, 2024, hosting a festival at their airfield home in the South Eifel region of Germany. Activities included sightseeing flights, balloon rides, and a potpourri of aircraft on exhibit for gander and gaze.

Preparing and gaining local knowledge are key to a successful flight when flying at a new site. Every site has unique challenges, weather patterns, and local rules that may differ from those you’re accustomed to. Consulting experienced pilots is one of the best ways to ensure a safe and enjoyable flight. Here’s what you should consider and what questions to ask.

Shawn here, with another brief informative article on sailplane sealing. Sealing can be simple to rather complicated. I am not going into detail about the proper way to seal your sailplane completely. Some pilots spend a significant amount of time on this task.  Sean at Wings & Wheels (W&W) has excellent information concerning gap seals, mylars, videos, etc. I will defer to him. But we

“The scores are tied; it’s time for the big one. You up for this one, Maverick?” ICEMAN. 

For a long time, I’ve had a fear of failure, accepting a solid placing rather than taking opportunities to win. Fortunately, I realised this and put plans into action, and for the past 6-8 years, I’ve started winning as a result, albeit