1957-58

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GLIDING
PART II—INSTRUCTIONAL BREVITIES
I.
Air Experience
The object of this flight is to give you an opportunity of appreci-
ating the sensation of flight, the appearance of the countryside and
the routine of a flight before having to concentrate on specific
exercises. Therefore, RELAX and ask all the questions you like.
2.
Effect of Controls
The sailplane has considerable inertia and takes time to respond
to control movements. Hold the stick LIGHTLY between the
first two fingers and thumb, and make all your control movements
smoothly and deliberately.
3.
Straight and Level Flying
The sailplane will fly itself quite well and only needs to be
"steered." Therefore, RELAX, keep level by reference to the
windscreen position relative to the horizon, keep straight by firm,
smooth co-ordination of aileron and rudder.
4.
Stalls
A glider stalls because it is flown so slowly that its lift no longer
equals its weight. A good deal of height is lost in picking up flying
speed again, therefore, it is important not to stall near ground.
" Quietness " and ineffectiveness of controls are warnings of an
approaching stall, also absence of wind on the face and the glider's
nose very high in relation to the horizon.
5.
Medium Turns
Accurate turning is the basis of successful soaring.
FIRST, look in the direction of the proposed turn to ensure the
sky is clear, then bank over to the desired angle and, while main-
taining this angle, keep the top of the windscreen in its correct
position relative to the horizon. Use rudder to correct slip and skid.
To stop turning apply opposite rudder and aileron firmly together,
not forgetting the windscreen position again.
6.
Circuits, Approaches and Landings
These are all taught together. A pilot is as good as the approaches
he makes. It is THE most important part of any and every flight
Good landings follow good approaches, bad landings
Circuit flying consists virtually of planning the whole flight right
from take off to landing. You should know exactly what you are
going to do before you take off.
Use the runway in use as the datum on which to plan the sides
of your circuit. After release turn across wind and note the position
of the landing spot. Fly across wind, and'turn on to the downwind
leg of your circuit. During the downwind leg you must edge out
or in according to your assessment of height and. the strength of
wind, at the same time always keeping the landing spot visible.
You must NOT go outside a line making a 45° vertical angle to the
edge of the airfield. Thus the lower you come down the nearer