Welcome to Gliding

[JayBee]

We currently have 3 group members who are also active members of the UK Virtual Gliding Association (UK VGA), and I know of 2 members who use the Condor gliding simulator. So there is an interest within the BFSG in this minority sport.

If you are interested in knowing more about gliding, either online flying, as we do, or just using the programme offline, the following links will be useful:

1.   The UK VGA - http://www.ukvga.org.uk/

2.   The International Virtual Soaring Society - http://www.virtualsoaring.org/

3.    The Condor Gliding Simulator - http://www.condorsoaring.com/


These links are all doorways to a vast amount of information and learning experience. I will not attempt a comprehensive summary of the differences between these groups, however, I would be willing to try to provide a reply to any questions on the subject of Gliding Sims.

JB

[Ollie Alderson]

When  retired from the RAF, I wondered how I would fill my time, so I joined the Bicester Gliding Club. They were a super bunch of people but I quickly realised that all my years of flying had not prepared me for the difficult art of keeping the ball in the middle that had previously been taken care of by yaw dampers and aileron/rudder co-ordination systems. After ten lessons or so, I admitted to my instructor that I would never be a glider pilot and resigned my membership.  

Now, of course, I have discovered the joys of the bfsg and spend more time than I care to admit reading and writing in this forum. Still, we do have a most enjoyable time every Thursday on our Fly-Ins and renewing friendships at the Barn once a month. As JB said recently, we do seem to have a very successful group.

Just keep that darned string down the line!

[PSimpson (RIP)]

If you go onto the US FAA site you can download their 200? page glider flying manual for free as well as many other aviation publications.

[Ollie Alderson]

Pete - Sounds interesting. Do you have a link?

[JayBee]

The UK VGA site has a lot of gliding info - including a very professional 'how do do it' manual.

http://www.ukvga.org.uk/documentation.php

JB

[PSimpson (RIP)]

The FAA books are at http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aircraft/

[Ollie Alderson]

Thanks Pete -

I had thought of suggesting a presentation on Weight and balance at one of our Barn meetings, but having had a quick glance at the document in your link on the subject - what is the point? The problems are more than adequately covered for any virtual pilots who may be interested.