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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

Cumulus clouds form when warm air rises, cools, and condenses into visible water droplets. Beneath these clouds, thermals create upward-moving air currents that we, as glider pilots, use to gain precious altitude. However, not all areas under a cumulus cloud will provide equal lift, and the challenge is determining where the strongest thermals are!

Factors

In one of my previous articles, Motorglider Endorsement, we discussed the three types of motor gliders and their basic designs. Let’s run through a quick review and discussion of some idiosyncrasies with motor gliders (MG), especially the takeoff and engine malfunction areas.

This short discussion is not the best subject to review, but it may be the most important for your sailplane investment.

When you arrive at a glider port, what do you usually see? Some gliders? A lot of decrepit trailers, some rotting away? Or does the 3-year-old JS-3, AS33, Arcus, Twin Shark, etc., look like it has the plague?

One of the crucial skills in gliding is naturally to be able to thermal in rising columns of lift. This allows us to extend our flights by tapping into the energy of Mother Nature. However, as we know, thermals often attract multiple gliders, creating crowded and complex situations in the sky. To ensure safety and efficiency, it’s essential for us all to establish some sort of thermal etiquette.

Thermal Development

Thermal development is a fundamental concept in the soaring world that we must all grasp. It’s energy in the atmosphere that we use to stay aloft. Understanding how thermals form and evolve is crucial for any soaring pilot aiming to extend their flight, navigate cross-country, or enjoy the purest form of flying.

Setting goals is fundamental for achieving success, whether in personal development, career advancement, athletic performance, or even soaring. Goals provide direction, motivation, and a sense of purpose. Among the various types of goals, outcome goals and process goals are essential concepts to understand. Moreover, setting goals that pull you forward is crucial for sustained progress and growth.

In the realm of aviation & gliding, where precision, alertness, and swift decision-making are paramount, the importance of a good night's sleep cannot be overstated. For us as glider pilots, ensuring adequate rest before a flight is not just a matter of comfort—it's a critical factor in safety and your overall performance. In this article, I will address how a quality night's