Hang Gliding

Fundamentals (EN)

• Glide ratio

  Glide ratio is the distance traveled horizontally for each meter of altitude lost. A 10:1 glide ratio means 10 meters of forward motion for every meter of descent — critical for planning transitions.
• G-Force

  G-force is the force you feel in your body when the glider turns or dives. A hard turn can give 2 or 3 times your normal weight (2g or 3g). Too much g-force can make it hard to control the glider or cause black-out.
• Best glide speed

  Best glide speed is the airspeed that gives the best glide ratio — the most distance per altitude loss. It varies with wing loading and atmospheric conditions.
• The polar curve

  The polar curve is a graph that shows speed and sink rate. It helps choose the best speed in the air.
• Wing loading

  Wing loading is total weight divided by wing size. Higher loading gives more speed but less control.
• Angle of attack

  An angle of attack is the angle between the wing and the air. A small angle gives smooth flight. A big angle can give more lift—but if it is too big, the wing can stall and lose lift. Pilots change the angle by shifting their body.
• Stall

  A stall happens when the wing loses lift. This usually comes from flying too slowly or with too much angle of attack. The glider drops suddenly. Experienced pilots know how to avoid and recover from a stall safely.
• A spiral dive

  A spiral dive is a fast turn going down in circles. It helps lose height quickly. But if the turn becomes too tight and fast, the glider can go out of control. Pilots must watch the speed and pull out slowly and safely.
• Convergence

  Convergence happens when two winds meet and push the air upwards. This rising air creates long lift lines in the sky. Expert pilots use them to fly far without losing height, especially in cross-country flights.
• Accelerated Glide

  Accelerated Glide means flying faster than best glide speed when going from one thermal to another. It helps reduce time in sinking air or flying against strong wind. But it also means losing more height, so it must be used smartly.