Glider Flying

Fundamentals (EN)

• Thermalling

  Thermalling means circling inside a rising column of warm air (a thermal) to gain altitude without a motor. The pilot must center the glider in the strongest part of the lift and stay balanced. It takes skill to feel and follow the thermal correctly.
• Final Glide

  Final glide is the last part of the flight, when the pilot plans the perfect descent to reach the landing field without losing altitude too early or too late. It includes calculations of distance, altitude, and wind.
• MacCready Setting

  The MacCready setting is a value set on the glider’s computer to show the best speed to fly, depending on expected lift. It helps the pilot decide whether to fly fast or slow between thermals.
• Polar Curve

  The polar curve is a graph that shows how fast a glider sinks at different speeds. Pilots use it to choose the best speed for distance, lift, or headwind. It’s essential for performance flying.
• Ridge Lift

  Ridge lift is created when wind hits a hill or mountain and moves upward. Glider pilots fly close to the ridge to use this lift. It’s powerful but risky, and demands excellent control near terrain.
• Yaw String

  The yaw string is a small piece of yarn on the canopy that shows the airflow. If it moves left or right, it means the glider is not flying straight. Expert pilots use it to adjust coordination in turns.
• Sideslip

  A sideslip is when the glider moves sideways through the air. Pilots can use it on purpose to lose altitude quickly while staying on course. It’s useful for short landings or fast descents.
• Speed-to-Fly

  Speed-to-fly is the recommended airspeed to use depending on lift and sink ahead. It changes during the flight, and skilled pilots adjust it often to fly efficiently over long distances.
• Flaps Management

  Some gliders have flaps to change the wing shape during flight. Pilots adjust the flaps for more lift at low speed or less drag at high speed. Managing flaps well improves climb and glide performance.