climb

There is surprisingly little written about the use of water ballast in gliders, and this is true of the flight manuals produced with many gliders and which explain the manufacturer’s systems in detail but say very little about when and how to use the systems. Most of the knowledge in the sport seems to be handed down with the sale of used gliders as old owners impart their experiences to the

I’m on the jet home from the Flight Challenge Cup in Prievidza, Slovakia. It’s among the first few competitions that get flown in Europe alongside the Pribina Cup, often they both receive 100-plus entries each (year).  The spring conditions at the FCC can either bring really exciting flying and fast speeds along convergence lines, super tactical weather, or just rain.  Fortunately

Searching the sky for the best lift is endlessly challenging. Decision-making is essentially a three-stage procedure. Firstly, continually analyze all relevant factors – the wind, sun, ground surface, and the shape and texture of the clouds throughout the flight. Secondly, use all your experience of ridges, convergence, wave, thunderstorms to process this information. Then try to build a mental picture