How to Fly a Slope Glider
Flying a remote control glider offers hobby pilots a new type of challenge. Gliders are available in sport, combat and competition models with wingspans of up to 6 feet. They can be launched by hand, discus throw or bungee cord. With no motor to help keep the glider in the air, flight is maintained only by the pilot's ability to read the air currents. For pilots who want to learn how to glide but aren't able to fully let go of powered flight, there are some models available with engines and propellers that fold flat along the fuselage once the glider reaches altitude.
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Things You'll Need
- Assembled slope glider
- A 12-inch length of ribbon
- Remote control radio transmitter
Instructions
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Position yourself at the top of the slope or cliff. Prepare for flight by performing basic preflight checks. Make sure your connections are tight, your battery is fully charged and your transmitter is turned on. Test your transmitter and receiver by moving the servos. Fully extend the antenna on your transmitter and tie the ribbon to the end. This will give you a visual indicator of wind direction and speed.
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2
Launch your glider into the wind then turn it parallel to the face of the slope. Gain altitude by slowly applying up elevator as the glider heads away from you. Move the elevator to neutral and apply rudder, turning the glider until it is heading back towards you. Center the rudder and reapply the elevator gaining height with each pass. Repeat this maneuver whenever you want to gain altitude. Stay aloft by riding the air currents that flow up along the slope.
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3
When you are ready to land, slowly bring the plane down. Fly level along the ground. Then quickly apply up elevator to bring the nose up to bleed off speed, stalling the glider, causing it to gently hit the ground.
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Tips & Warnings
You may want to practice your glider control techniques by gliding down a hill before attempting more complicated moves on steeper slopes.
When flying, watch for visual indicators of wind speed and direction such as other gliders and soaring birds.
Before you fly a new slope, talk to other pilots familiar with the area.
References
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Lifesize/Getty Images
