A Typical glider in flight
A Typical glider in flight
Gliding is all about flight in relatively small, light non-powered aircraft. These usually have a single seat for the pilot although two-seat gliders are used for training. There is an enormous range of gliders, all with different characteristics. Today, gliders have reached an incredible level of sophistication and are usually constructed from glass-fibre, often using carbon fibre and other exotic materials to reduce weight. Until the early '70s gliders were made from a wooden or metal framework with a fabric covering. These may sound rather flimsy, but this is not the case, they are incredibly strong. Most gliders can achieve speeds in excess of 100mph, some approaching 200mph.
Although not a very practical proposition for going from A to B, gliding presents the pilot with a challenge on each and every flight. If the conditions are suitable it is possible to find air in the atmosphere that is rising and this can be used to gain height. With extra height it is possible to stay aloft as long as there is daylight, flights of over five hours are not uncommon. Extra height also allows a pilot to travel across country, usually in search of more or better rising air. Flights of many hundreds of kilometres are possible, even in Britain where the conditions are not exceptional. Some of the biggest world record distances for glider flights, set in the Andes, are in excess of 3000km.
But can I do it? Yes, just about anyone can learn to fly a glider (ok, there are some minor limitations). It's often said that it's no more difficult than driving a car, which is true except that whereas driving doesn't often call for a great deal of thought, the atmosphere is ever changing and so requires constant assessment to safely get the best from the conditions on offer.
This has only been a brief introduction to what gliding is all about. The best way to find out what it's really like is to come and give it a go. At the Lakes Gliding Club we can provide trial lessons for you to experience "probably the best thing you can do with your clothes on…" At least we all think so!!