I've gotta try this no-engine stuff ;D
You owe it to yourself. You hear a lot of talk about how geting into taildraggers can improve a nosewheel pilot's skillset... but gliding is much more so. By the middle of last season I realized I really should have started in gliders... you really have to get a grip on the essentials, especially the "Big Picture". The flying part itself is pretty straightforward- gliders are made to glide well, duh... nothing different there, really, except I think a noob would build stronger stick'n'rudder skills faster without the distraction of systems management, etc. And these trainers are pretty slow, which gives you time to learn to think correctly.
The big difference is that gliding really drives home the fact that every good landing begins at that moment you decide how you will make your approach. Speed, position, altitude, angles... and a good plan. And preparing mentally for a possible rope break or other problem on tow, from "uh-oh" to touchdown, is not something you can skim over. You must really visualize and
think. This mental aspect is where a power pilot can really gain something... we get so used to having that engine to keep us out of trouble that we are often at a loss when it fails. Glider pilots also must read the sky well... all we have is gravity and rising air to get us where we want to be, and gravity, although it makes a glider move forward, demands immediate payment in full... you can't "borrow" foolishly.
But aside from all that, it's a really fun, peaceful kind of flying... more like being a bird. More art than science, with a closer connection between you and the air. Not every pilot appreciates that, but I think you would. And it's a pretty easy, inexpensive new rating to add to your collection...
every pilot can appreciate that!
Go take a fam flight... or better yet, fly down here sometime and we'll take care of you.
Must be fun to see your handi-work, up in the air.
It is. Everybody loves the "new" glider, and the shark's mouth has gotten raves... I may even get paid to do that on another plane (still in negotiation).
It's also neat to be able to visualize every linkage, cable, clevis, spring, bolt, nut, and pin as one flies... I have held every part of this glider in my hands, except for the wings, of course. Knowing precisely how it all works doesn't help you fly better, but it's kinda cool.
I can't cipher from this post.. are you the pilot in these shots ?
No, I'm the guy behind the camera.
These are all from JP's flights- he's in the back as he is preparing for his CFI-glider rating. Herb is in front, mostly acting as ballast, although technically he was PIC on these flights, so JP could do his "3 to be legal" before he can fly with a non-rated person up front (Herb got his out of the way during the test hops the other day).
He could have soloed it from the front, but I guess he wants to keep working from the rear (instructor's) seat as he preps for the CFI check ride.
by beaky » Wed Jul 15, 2009 6:06 am 
