656:
625:
817:, to measure the climb or sink rate of the plane. This enables the pilot to detect minute changes caused when the glider enters rising or sinking air masses. Most often electronic 'varios' are fitted to a glider, though mechanical varios are often installed as back-up. The electronic variometers produce a modulated sound of varying amplitude and frequency depending on the strength of the lift or sink, so that the pilot can concentrate on centering a thermal, watching for other traffic, on navigation, and weather conditions. Rising air is announced to the pilot as a rising tone, with increasing pitch as the lift increases. Conversely, descending air is announced with a lowering tone, which advises the pilot to escape the sink area as soon as possible. (Refer to the
692:
680:
668:
641:
420:
895:
428:
released by the towplane also in case of emergency. Winch launching uses a powerful stationary engine located on the ground at the far end of the launch area. The sailplane is attached to one end of 800 to 1,200 metres (2,600 to 3,900 ft) of cable and the winch rapidly winds it in. The sailplane can gain about 270 to 910 metres (900 to 3,000 ft) of height with a winch launch, depending on the headwind. Less often, automobiles are used to pull sailplanes into the air, either by pulling them directly or through the use of a reverse pulley in a similar manner to the winch launch. Elastic ropes (known as
708:
40:
409:
171:
322:
246:
162:. Some high-performance motor gliders (known as "self-sustaining" gliders) may have an engine-driven retractable propeller which can be used to sustain flight. Other motor gliders have enough thrust to launch themselves before the engine is retracted and are known as "self-launching" gliders. Another type is the self-launching "touring motor glider", where the pilot can switch the engine on and off in flight without retracting the propeller.
1131:
1355:
386:-22). These define minimum standards for safety in a wide range of characteristics such as controllability and strength. For example, gliders must have design features to minimize the possibility of incorrect assembly (gliders are often stowed in disassembled configuration, with at least the wings being detached). Automatic connection of the controls during rigging is the common method of achieving this.
584:. Skids are around 100 millimetres (4 in) wide by 900 mm (3 ft) long and run from the nose to the main wheel. Skids help with braking after landing by allowing the pilot to put forward pressure on the control stick, thus creating friction between the skid and the ground. The wing tips also have small skids or wheels to protect the wing tips from ground contact.
401:
102:
50:
520:, also known as dive brakes, are devices whose primary purpose is to increase drag. On gliders, the spoilers act as air brakes. They are positioned on top of the wing and below the wing also. When slightly opened the upper brakes will spoil the lift, but when fully opened will present a large surface and so can provide significant drag. Some gliders have
371:
angle. This is an advantage in strong conditions when the gliders spend only a small amount of time climbing in thermals. The pilot can jettison the water ballast before it becomes a disadvantage in weaker thermal conditions. Another use of water ballast is to dampen air turbulence such as might be encountered during
617:
Most gliders require assistance to launch, though some have an engine powerful enough to launch unaided. In addition, a high proportion of new gliders have an engine which will sustain the glider in the air, but is insufficiently powerful to launch the glider. Compared with self-launchers these lower
604:
so that a deployment of 30–60% of the spoilers/dive brakes/flaps brings it to the desired touchdown point. In this way the pilot has the option of opening or closing the spoilers/air-brakes to extend or steepen the descent to reach the touchdown point. This gives the pilot wide safety margins should
496:
is performed by crossing the controls (rudder to right with ailerons to left, for example) so that the glider is no longer flying aligned with the air flow. This will present one side of the fuselage to the air-flow significantly increasing drag. Early gliders primarily used slipping for glide slope
939:
gliders are invariably painted white to minimise their skin temperature in sunlight. Fibreglass resin loses strength as its temperature rises into the range achievable in direct sun on a hot day. Color is not used except for a few small bright patches on wing tips; these patches (typically orange or
838:
in 1938. MacCready theory solves the problem of how fast a pilot should cruise between thermals, given both the average lift the pilot expects in the next thermal climb, as well as the amount of lift or sink encountered in cruise mode. Electronic variometers make the same calculations automatically,
587:
In most high performance gliders the undercarriage can be raised to reduce drag in flight and lowered for landing. Wheel brakes are provided to allow stopping once on the ground. These may be engaged by fully extending the spoilers/air-brakes or by using a separate control. Although there is only
357:
devices in the form of a zig-zag tape or multiple blow holes positioned in a span-wise line along the wing are used to trip laminar flow air into turbulent flow at a desired location on the wing. This flow control prevents the formation of laminar flow bubbles and ensures the absolute minimum drag.
564:
because their air brakes were not particularly effective. This was stored in the tail-cone of the glider during flight. When deployed, a parachute causes a large increase in drag, but has a significant disadvantage over the other methods of controlling the glide slope. This is because a parachute
370:
toward the rear by carrying water in the vertical stabilizer reduces the required down-force from the horizontal stabilizer and the resultant drag from that down-force. Although heavier gliders have a slight disadvantage when climbing in rising air, they achieve a higher speed at any given glide
140:
use the pilot's feet for the start of the launch and for the landing. These latter types are described in separate articles, though their differences from sailplanes are covered below. Sailplanes are usually launched by winch or aerotow, though other methods, auto tow and bungee, are occasionally
480:
is the distance traveled for each unit of height lost. In a steady wings-level glide with no wind, glide slope is the same as the lift/drag ratio (L/D) of the glider, called "L-over-D". Reducing lift from the wings and/or increasing drag will reduce the L/D allowing the glider to descend at a
427:
The two most common methods of launching sailplanes are by aerotow and by winch. When aerotowed, the sailplane is towed behind a powered aircraft using a rope about 60 metres (200 ft) long. The sailplane pilot releases the rope after reaching the desired altitude. However, the rope can be
202:
After World War I gliders were first built for sporting purposes in
Germany. Germany's strong links to gliding were to a large degree due to post-World War I regulations forbidding the construction and flight of motorised planes in Germany, so the country's aircraft enthusiasts often turned to
432:) are occasionally used at some sites to launch gliders from slopes, if there is sufficient wind blowing up the hill. Bungee launching was the predominant method of launching early gliders. Some modern gliders can self-launch by using retractable engines or just retractable propellers. (see
553:
acting on the wing and so reduce the downwards force that must be provided by the horizontal stabiliser; this reduces the induced drag acting on the stabilizer. On some types the flaps and ailerons are linked, known a 'flaperons'. Simultaneous movement of these allows a greater rate of
574:
Early glider designs used skids for landing, but modern types generally land on wheels. Some of the earliest gliders used a dolly with wheels for taking off and the dolly was jettisoned as the glider left the ground, leaving just the skid for landing. A glider may be designed so the
933:. Secondly, to easily tell a glider's contest ID when flying in close proximity to one another to alert them of potential dangers. For example, during gatherings of multiple gliders within thermals (known as "gaggles"), one pilot might report "Six-Seven-Romeo I am right below you".
230:" and they were usually launched from the tops of hills, though they are also capable of short hops across the ground while being towed behind a vehicle. To enable gliders to soar more effectively than primary gliders, the designs minimized drag. Gliders now have very smooth, narrow
1104:
often stored and transported in purpose-built trailers about 9 metres long, from which they are rigged. Although rigging aids allow a single person to rig a glider, usually the rigging involves 2 or 3 people. Some frequently used sailplanes are stored already rigged in hangars.
1046:
open class sailplanes – typically around 60:1, but in more common 15–18 meter span aircraft, glide ratios are between 38:1 and 52:1; high glide performance enabling long distance flight, with 3,000 kilometres (1,900 mi) being current (as of
November 2010) record
124:
and smooth surfaces with an absence of protuberances. Aircraft with these features are able to soar – climb efficiently in rising air produced by thermals or hills. In still air, sailplanes can glide long distances at high speed with a minimum loss of height in between.
940:
red) improving a glider's visibility to other airborne aircraft. Such patches are obligatory for mountain flying in France. Non-fibreglass gliders made of aluminum or wood are not so subject to deterioration at higher temperatures and are often quite brightly painted.
475:
Pilots need some form of control over the glide slope to land the glider. In powered aircraft, this is done by reducing engine thrust. In gliders, other methods are used to either reduce the lift generated by the wing, increase the drag of the entire glider, or both.
52:
57:
55:
51:
524:, which provide enough drag to keep its speed below maximum permitted speed, even if the glider were pointing straight down. This capability is considered a safer way to descend without instruments through cloud than the only alternative which is an intentional
506:
are movable control surfaces in the top of the wing, usually located mid-chord or near the spar which are raised into the air-flow to eliminate (spoil) the lift from the wing area behind the spoiler, disrupting the spanwise distribution of lift and increasing
361:
Modern competition gliders carry jettisonable water ballast (in the wings and sometimes in the vertical stabilizer). The extra weight provided by the water ballast is advantageous if the lift is likely to be strong, and may also be used to adjust the glider's
270:
Phönix which first flew in 1957. This material is still used because of its high strength to weight ratio and its ability to give a smooth exterior finish to reduce drag. Drag has also been minimized by more aerodynamic shapes and retractable undercarriages.
56:
1075:
landings can be performed in ~250 m length field. Aerial retrieve may be possible but if not, specialized trailer needed to retrieve by road. Some sailplanes have engines that remove the need for an out-landing, if successfully started on time
600:, in preparation for landing, typically starting at a height of 300 metres (1,000 ft). Glide slope control devices are then used to adjust the height to assure landing at the desired point. The ideal landing pattern positions the glider on
579:
is behind the main wheel so the glider sits nose high on the ground. Other designs may have the CG forward of the main wheel so the nose rests on a nose-wheel or skid when stopped. Skids are now mainly used only on training gliders such as the
329:
High aerodynamic efficiency is essential to achieve a good gliding performance, and so gliders often have aerodynamic features seldom found in other aircraft. The wings of a modern racing glider are designed by computers to create a low-drag
54:
1024:
slowest – typically 25 to 60 km/h for recreational gliders (over 50 km/h requires use of speed bar), hence easier to launch and fly in light winds; least wind penetration; pitch variation can be achieved with the controls
481:
steeper angle with no increase in airspeed. Simply pointing the nose downwards only converts altitude into a higher airspeed with a minimal initial reduction in total energy. Gliders, because of their long low wings, create a high
253:
The early gliders were made mainly of wood with metal fastenings, stays and control cables. Later fuselages made of fabric-covered steel tube were married to wood and fabric wings for lightness and strength. New materials such as
929:. This need for visual ID has somewhat been supplanted by GPS position recording. Insignias are useful in two ways: First, they are used in radio communications between gliders, as pilots use their competition number as their
1183:(OSTIV) announced a competition in 1989 for a low-cost glider, which had moderate performance, was easy to assemble and to handle, and was safe for low-hours pilots to fly. The winning design was announced in 1993 as the
1118:
cost of new glider very high (top of the range 18 m turbo with instruments and trailer €250,000) but it is long lasting (up to several decades), so active second-hand market; typical cost is from €2,000 to €145,000
286:. A ratio of 30:1 means that in smooth air a glider can travel forward 30 meters while losing only 1 meter of altitude. Comparing some typical gliders that might be found in the fleet of a gliding club – the
1031:
maximum speed up to about 280 km/h (170 mph); stall speed typically 65 km/h (40 mph); able to fly in windier turbulent conditions and can outrun bad weather; good penetration into a headwind
89:
can use naturally occurring currents of rising air in the atmosphere to gain altitude. Sailplanes are aerodynamically streamlined and so can fly a significant distance forward for a small decrease in altitude.
591:
Pilots usually land back at the airfield from which they took off, but a landing is possible in any flat field about 250 metres long. Ideally, should circumstances permit, a glider would fly a standard
948:
There is sometimes confusion about gliders/sailplanes, hang gliders and paragliders. In particular, paragliders and hang gliders are both foot-launched. The main differences between the types are:
886:
After the flight the GPS data may be replayed on computer software for analysis and to follow the trace of one or more gliders against a backdrop of a map, an aerial photograph or the airspace.
2137:
1576:
565:
does not allow the pilot to finely adjust the glide slope. Consequently, a pilot may have to jettison the parachute entirely, if the glider is not going to reach the desired landing area.
1388:
830:
for given conditions. The MacCready setting can be input electronically or adjusted using a ring surrounding the dial. These devices are based on the mathematical theory attributed to
1205:
A large proportion of gliders have been and are still made in
Germany, the birthplace of the sport. In Germany there are several manufacturers but the three principal companies are:
1665:
53:
655:
640:
624:
2130:
148:. They were simply engine-less aircraft towed by another aircraft to a desired destination and then cast off for landing. The prime example of non-soaring gliders were
1484:
93:
In North
America the term 'sailplane' is also used to describe this type of aircraft. In other parts of the English-speaking world, the word 'glider' is more common.
1040:
about 10, relatively poor glide performance makes long distance flights more difficult; current (as of May 2017) world record is 564 kilometres (350 mi)
1180:
913:, registration marks ("insignias" or "competition numbers" or "contest ID") are displayed in large characters on the underside of a single wing, and also on the
2123:
1856:
459:, often on pre-declared tasks of hundreds of kilometers, usually back to the original launch site. Cross-country flying and aerobatics are the two forms of
1069:
smallest space needed to land, offering more landing options from cross-country flights; also easiest to pack up and carry like a bag to the nearest road
210:
The sporting use of gliders rapidly evolved in the 1930s and is now their main application. As their performance improved, gliders began to be used for
1605:
782:. Without these devices access to some airspace may become increasingly restricted in some countries. In countries where cloud-flying is allowed, an
152:(such as those used in the Second World War). They were often used just once and then usually abandoned after landing, having served their purpose.
1462:
549:
that are also able to deflect the trailing edge upward a small amount. This feature is included on some competition gliders in order to reduce the
1572:
691:
679:
667:
1381:
1146:
1113:
cost of new is €1500 and up, cheapest but shortest lasting (around 500 hours flying time, depending on treatment), active second-hand market
990:
entirely flexible, with shape maintained purely by the pressure of air flowing into and over the wing in flight and the tension of the lines
358:
Bug-wipers may be installed to wipe the wings while in flight and remove insects that are disturbing the smooth flow of air over the wing.
1992:
1776:
1520:
795:
618:
powered engines have advantages in weight, lower costs and pilot licensing. The engines can be electric, jet, or two-stroke gasoline.
1754:
1657:
1734:
1168:
Club Class (This class allows a wide range of older small gliders with different performance, so the scores have to be adjusted by
2308:
For full-size aircraft with powered rotors the rotor is normally tilted to achieve thrust (e.g. in a helicopter). Some toys (e.g.
1845:
266:
have since been used with computer-aided design to increase performance. The first glider to use glass-fiber extensively was the
537:
are movable surfaces on the trailing edge of the wing, inboard of the ailerons. The primary purpose of flaps is to increase the
1966:
203:
gliders and were actively encouraged by the German government, particularly at flying sites suited to gliding flight like the
2051:
1641:
1438:
993:
generally flexible but supported on a rigid frame which determines its shape (note that rigid-wing hang gliders also exist)
778:
may be installed to assist controllers when the glider is crossing busy or controlled airspace. This may be supplemented by
1495:
455:
and can remain airborne for hours. This is known as "soaring". By finding lift sufficiently often, experienced pilots fly
2105:
2082: (archived 21 April 2016) – An enthusiast's web-site that lists manufacturers and models of gliders, past and present.
1819:
485:
which can significantly increase the glide angle and make it difficult to bring the glider to Earth in a short distance.
2075:
1920:
1220:
588:
a single main wheel, the glider's wing can be kept level by using the flight controls until it is almost stationary.
1687:
2336:
1936:
576:
337:. After the wings' surfaces have been shaped by a mould to great accuracy, they are then highly polished. Vertical
275:
are fitted to the trailing edges of the wings on some gliders to optimise lift and drag at a wide range of speeds.
2095:
2300:
aircraft functions as an aeroplane during normal (horizontal) flight and as a helicopter during low-speed flight.
926:
379:
341:
at the ends of the wings decrease drag and so improve wing efficiency. Special aerodynamic seals are used at the
2013:
1885:
1546:
1415:
1072:
15 m to 60 m length flat area required; can be derigged by one person and carried to the nearest road
1184:
605:
unexpected events occur. If such control devices are not sufficient, the pilot may utilize maneuvers such as a
1289:
879:
Provide "final" glide information (i.e., showing if the glider can reach the finish without additional lift).
799:
2102:– sporting aviation page with international world soaring records in distances, speeds, routes, and altitude
846:
Soaring flight computers running specialized soaring software, have been designed for use in gliders. Using
482:
1598:
383:
144:
These days almost all gliders are sailplanes, but in the past many gliders were not. These types did not
1454:
1142:
922:
840:
1101:
more awkward to transport and store; longer to rig and de-rig; often transported on the roof of a car
2385:
775:
601:
17:
214:
and now regularly fly hundreds or even thousands of kilometres in a day if the weather is suitable.
2380:
2340:
894:
814:
631:
593:
267:
2115:
1345:
787:
375:. To avoid undue stress on the airframe, gliders must jettison any water ballast before landing.
2176:
1176:
1165:
Two Seater Class (maximum wing-span of 20 m), also known by the German name "Doppelsitzer"
1134:
826:
Variometers are sometimes fitted with mechanical or electronic devices to indicate the optimal
712:
158:
are gliders with engines which can be used for extending a flight and even, in some cases, for
43:
1988:
1780:
199:
built gliders using movable surfaces for control. In 1903, they successfully added an engine.
2328:
2320:
2201:
790:
are used when there is zero visibility. Increasingly, anti-collision warning systems such as
538:
503:
182:
1524:
419:
517:
460:
1750:
294:
of the 1960s increased that to 36:1, and modern flapped 18 meter gliders such as the
8:
2375:
1311:
1209:
914:
910:
720:
350:
235:
174:
117:
1731:
1426:
1162:
Open Class (No restrictions except a limit of 850 kg for the maximum all-up weight)
314:
which ran out of fuel mid-flight and was found to have a glide ratio of 12:1, or to the
291:
2312:) do have a powered rotor with no means to tilt the rotor to produce horizontal thrust.
2309:
1860:
1328:
1294:
783:
759:
735:. In the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and some other countries gliders use
597:
493:
464:
226:
and the pilot sat on a small seat located just ahead of the wing. These were known as "
223:
560:
Some high performance gliders from the 1960s and 1970s were designed to carry a small
306:, has a span of 30.9 meters and has a glide ratio over 70:1. Compare this to the
2344:
2206:
2047:
1916:
1637:
1434:
1235:
803:
728:
508:
295:
188:
105:
1962:
843:, water ballast, headwinds/tailwinds and insects on the leading edges of the wings.
835:
2228:
707:
561:
452:
303:
62:
39:
2109:
2099:
2079:
2041:
1738:
1631:
1428:
1360:
1277:
1272:
1200:
1008:
1007:
usually lying prone in a cocoon-like harness suspended from the wing; seated and
902:
550:
534:
272:
196:
192:
149:
78:
31:
925:, and are unrelated to national registrations issued by entities such as the US
711:
Instrument panel for a sailplane. Click on image to see a detailed description (
2352:
1231:
1159:
18 metre Class (Flaps allowed, 18 m wing-span, water ballast allowed)
1156:
15 metre Class (Flaps allowed, 15 m wing-span, water ballast allowed)
876:
Create a GPS log of the flight to provide proof for contests and gliding badges
831:
542:
456:
367:
363:
338:
299:
227:
211:
145:
113:
30:
This article is about recreational gliding. For the armed forces aircraft, see
1823:
282:, the performance of gliders has increased. One measure of performance is the
2369:
1214:
1058:
somewhat larger turn radius than paragliders, tigher than gliders/sailplanes
732:
525:
372:
315:
1940:
1427:
Civil
Aviation Authority: Personnel Licensing Department (2 December 2005).
1014:
sitting in a seat with a harness, surrounded by a crash-resistant structure
2215:
2155:
1267:
1247:
1169:
961:
827:
606:
433:
408:
331:
307:
279:
255:
155:
133:
129:
191:'s gliders achieved brief wing-borne hops from around 1849. In the 1890s,
2260:
1691:
1340:
1243:
921:. Registration marks are assigned by gliding associations such as the US
864:
Indicate position along track and remaining distance and course direction
771:
740:
736:
477:
429:
287:
283:
259:
204:
170:
137:
1190:
Ultralight Class, for gliders with a maximum mass less than 220 kg.
541:
of the wing and so increase the maximum lift coefficient and reduce the
2324:
2275:
2238:
2211:
2092:
1323:
1255:
956:
936:
819:
810:
809:
Much more than in other types of aviation, glider pilots depend on the
763:
444:
354:
321:
311:
245:
195:
built gliders using weight shift for control. In the early 1900s, the
2332:
2297:
2025:
Francis
Humblet (November–December 2011). "World Glider Production".
1889:
1550:
1416:
Definition of gliders used for sporting purposes in FAI Sporting Code
1153:
Standard Class (No flaps, 15 m wing-span, water ballast allowed)
1130:
930:
898:
854:
Provide the glider's position in 3 dimensions by a moving map display
794:
are also used and are even mandatory in some
European countries. An
751:
448:
982:
aircraft takes off and lands using a wheeled undercarriage or skids
909:
So that ground-based observers may identify gliders in flight or in
850:
technology in conjunction with a barometric device these tools can:
2293:
2271:
2266:
2256:
2171:
2147:
2145:
1187:. This allows competitions to be run with only one type of glider.)
858:
724:
231:
121:
86:
2251:
1306:
1251:
767:
755:
647:
440:
395:
342:
334:
239:
159:
82:
1234:. Elsewhere in the world, there are other manufacturers such as
1061:
widest turn radius but still able to circle tightly in thermals
2348:
2151:
1239:
1227:
918:
744:
436:). These engines can use internal combustion or battery power.
413:
346:
290:
from the 1930s had a glide ratio of just 17:1, the glass-fiber
278:
With each generation of materials and with the improvements in
263:
249:
De-rigged glider in its trailer for storage and road transport
791:
779:
646:
Small retractable jet engines are on some types such as this
116:
for any given amount of lift, and this is best achieved with
545:
speed. Another feature that some flapped gliders possess is
2233:
702:
581:
463:. For information about the forces in gliding flight, see
400:
1090:
teaching is done in a two-seat glider with dual controls
1028:
faster than paragliders, slower than gliders/sailplaines
847:
353:
to prevent the flow of air through control surface gaps.
101:
1888:. Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. Archived from
1822:. Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. Archived from
996:
rigid wing surface which totally encases wing structure
1179:
which is part of the FAI and an associated body called
882:
Indicate the best speed to fly under current conditions
870:
Determine wind direction and speed at current altitude
774:), each of which may be required in some countries. A
1181:
1087:
teaching is done in single and two-seat hang gliders
719:
Gliders in continental Europe use metric units, like
378:
Most gliders are built in Europe and are designed to
1713:
Pettersson, Åke (October–November 2006). "Letters".
1350:
867:Show airports within theoretical gliding distance
2367:
1732:Reference to competition numbers on FAI web site
439:Once launched, gliders try to gain height using
128:Sailplanes have rigid wings and either skids or
2024:
1963:"Typical set of classified ads for paragliders"
802:) may also be fitted into the glider to reduce
1098:packs smaller (easier to transport and store)
747:in common with commercial aviation worldwide.
382:Certification Specification CS-22 (previously
2131:
1838:
1812:
661:Retractable turbo two-stroke sustainer engine
298:have a glide ratio of over 50:1. The largest
27:Type of aircraft used in the sport of gliding
1411:
1409:
325:Left wing spar being inserted during rigging
1989:"Typical set of classified ads for gliders"
1853:Deutsche Meisterschaft im Streckensegelflug
1808:. Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co. 2003.
1599:"Space Shuttle Technical Conference pg 258"
979:pilot's legs used for take-off and landing
976:pilot's legs used for take-off and landing
2138:
2124:
1712:
1547:"List of FAI claimed and ratified records"
901:of the UK Swift Aerobatic Display Team at
796:Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon
81:used in the leisure activity and sport of
2331:with novel thrust / lift solutions (e.g.
1406:
1800:
1798:
1129:
1043:about 17, with up to 20 for rigid wings
893:
706:
703:Instrumentation and other technical aids
511:. Spoilers significantly increase drag.
418:
407:
399:
320:
244:
234:and very long, narrow wings with a high
169:
112:Gliders benefit from producing very low
100:
48:
38:
2327:are not included in the table, nor are
1915:. Airlife Publishing Ltd. p. 257.
1910:
1629:
839:after allowing for factors such as the
14:
2368:
2039:
1194:
1125:
943:
470:
85:(also called soaring). This unpowered
2119:
2070:Information about all types of glider
2014:Competition classes as defined by FAI
1795:
1633:Gliding: A handbook on soaring flight
1611:from the original on 17 December 2008
1579:from the original on 10 February 2010
609:to further steepen the glider slope.
1995:from the original on 6 December 2010
1777:"Technical data for Advance Omega 8"
1757:from the original on 2 February 2010
1721:(5). British Gliding Association: 6.
762:, gliders are often equipped with a
612:
389:
1394:from the original on 25 August 2017
1145:of glider have been defined by the
108:—a self-launching two-seater glider
24:
1969:from the original on 30 March 2012
1485:"History of Gliding & Soaring"
1221:Alexander Schleicher GmbH & Co
25:
2397:
2064:
1806:Flight Manual of Scheicher ASW27b
1668:from the original on 13 July 2023
1430:LASORS 2006: The Guide for Pilots
834:though it was first described by
2347:) or balloon-wing hybrids (e.g.
2112: (archived 23 November 2010)
1353:
1335:Unpowered flying toys and models
1172:. Water ballast is not allowed).
873:Show historical lift information
841:glider's theoretical performance
690:
678:
666:
654:
639:
623:
2033:
2018:
2007:
1981:
1955:
1929:
1904:
1878:
1769:
1743:
1725:
1706:
1680:
1650:
1630:Piggott, Derek (1 March 2002).
1623:
1494:. 7 August 2004. Archived from
1465:from the original on 9 May 2011
1084:simplest and quickest to learn
927:Federal Aviation Administration
823:article for more information).
181:For early attempts to fly, see
1939:. Ozone France. Archived from
1658:"SFPE Europe Digital Issue 30"
1591:
1565:
1539:
1513:
1477:
1447:
1420:
1374:
13:
1:
1521:"Gliding Magazine | Features"
1367:
806:time in case of an accident.
522:terminal velocity dive brakes
318:with a glide ratio of 4.5:1.
2106:National Gliding Federations
1779:. Advance AG. Archived from
813:, which is a very sensitive
630:Glider showing propeller of
61:(video) A glider sails over
7:
2225:Tethered (static or towed)
1290:Rhön-Rossitten Gesellschaft
1261:
889:
384:Joint Aviation Requirements
10:
2402:
2183:Lift: Lighter than air gas
1573:"On-line contest web page"
1492:United States Soaring Team
1254:in the Czech Republic and
1198:
1021:(stall speed – max speed)
923:Soaring Society of America
857:Alert the pilot to nearby
569:
393:
180:
165:
29:
2286:
2175:
2167:
2162:
1913:The Glider Pilot's Manual
1433:. The Stationery Office.
960:
697:Turbo engine retracting 3
685:Turbo engine retracting 2
673:Turbo engine retracting 1
217:
1820:"FAI Paragliding record"
1318:Other unpowered aircraft
815:vertical speed indicator
632:front electric sustainer
268:Akaflieg Stuttgart FS-24
96:
2098:17 October 2021 at the
2040:Simons, Martin (2002).
1715:Sailplane & Gliding
1346:Radio-controlled glider
1185:Warsaw Polytechnic PW-5
1137:of the Two Seater Class
788:turn and slip indicator
412:Winch-launch of glider
2321:Ground-effect vehicles
2197:Unpowered free flight
1737:7 October 2008 at the
1177:FAI Gliding Commission
1138:
1135:DG Flugzeugbau DG-1000
906:
716:
713:Schempp-Hirth Ventus-3
577:center of gravity (CG)
424:
416:
405:
326:
250:
178:
109:
66:
46:
44:Rolladen-Schneider LS4
2329:experimental aircraft
2189:Lift: Unpowered rotor
2027:Gliding International
1911:Stewart, Ken (1994).
1382:"FAA Glider handbook"
1133:
1055:tightest turn radius
1004:sitting in a harness
897:
710:
422:
411:
403:
324:
248:
222:Early gliders had no
183:Early flying machines
173:
104:
60:
42:
2243:(None – see note 2)
2220:(None – see note 2)
2192:Lift: Powered rotor
2043:Sailplanes 1965–2000
1892:on 11 September 2011
1846:"Handicap list 2008"
1694:on 17 September 2007
1037:Maximum glide ratio
212:cross-country flying
2076:Sailplane Directory
1866:on 24 February 2009
1857:Deutscher Aero Club
1751:"Gliding In France"
1636:. A & C Black.
1312:Gliding competition
1210:DG Flugzeugbau GmbH
1195:Major manufacturers
1143:competition classes
1126:Competition classes
944:Comparison of types
911:gliding competition
471:Glide slope control
461:competitive gliding
175:Hannover H 1 Vampyr
2310:balloon helicopter
1943:on 27 October 2013
1688:"MacCready Theory"
1329:Unpowered aircraft
1301:Gliding as a sport
1295:Schweizer brothers
1139:
1011:are also possible
967:Gliders/Sailplanes
907:
784:artificial horizon
760:airspeed indicator
750:In addition to an
733:lift and sink rate
717:
582:Schweizer SGS 2–33
465:lift-to-drag ratio
425:
417:
406:
327:
251:
179:
110:
67:
47:
2363:
2362:
2345:flettner airplane
2281:
2280:
2053:978-3-9808838-1-8
1937:"Brochures Ozone"
1643:978-0-7136-6148-4
1440:978-0-11-790501-6
1240:SportinÄ— Aviacija
1238:in South Africa,
1236:Jonker Sailplanes
1226:Germany also has
1175:World Class (The
1123:
1122:
804:search and rescue
613:Auxiliary engines
509:lift-induced drag
453:convergence zones
390:Launch and flight
189:Sir George Cayley
58:
16:(Redirected from
2393:
2386:Sports equipment
2356:
2313:
2301:
2229:Tethered balloon
2186:Lift: Fixed wing
2165:
2164:
2140:
2133:
2126:
2117:
2116:
2058:
2057:
2037:
2031:
2030:
2022:
2016:
2011:
2005:
2004:
2002:
2000:
1985:
1979:
1978:
1976:
1974:
1959:
1953:
1952:
1950:
1948:
1933:
1927:
1926:
1908:
1902:
1901:
1899:
1897:
1882:
1876:
1875:
1873:
1871:
1865:
1859:. Archived from
1850:
1842:
1836:
1835:
1833:
1831:
1816:
1810:
1809:
1802:
1793:
1792:
1790:
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1762:
1747:
1741:
1729:
1723:
1722:
1710:
1704:
1703:
1701:
1699:
1690:. Archived from
1684:
1678:
1677:
1675:
1673:
1654:
1648:
1647:
1627:
1621:
1620:
1618:
1616:
1610:
1603:
1595:
1589:
1588:
1586:
1584:
1569:
1563:
1562:
1560:
1558:
1553:on 16 March 2015
1549:. Archived from
1543:
1537:
1536:
1534:
1532:
1523:. Archived from
1517:
1511:
1510:
1508:
1506:
1500:
1489:
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1475:
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1472:
1470:
1451:
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1418:
1413:
1404:
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1401:
1399:
1393:
1386:
1378:
1363:
1358:
1357:
1356:
951:
950:
694:
682:
670:
658:
643:
627:
562:drogue parachute
150:military gliders
118:long, thin wings
59:
21:
2401:
2400:
2396:
2395:
2394:
2392:
2391:
2390:
2381:Glider aircraft
2366:
2365:
2364:
2359:
2337:Flying Bedstead
2319:
2307:
2291:
2282:
2158:
2144:
2110:Wayback Machine
2100:Wayback Machine
2080:Wayback Machine
2067:
2062:
2061:
2054:
2038:
2034:
2023:
2019:
2012:
2008:
1998:
1996:
1987:
1986:
1982:
1972:
1970:
1961:
1960:
1956:
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1923:
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1895:
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1796:
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1749:
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1744:
1739:Wayback Machine
1730:
1726:
1711:
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1544:
1540:
1530:
1528:
1527:on 26 July 2011
1519:
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1514:
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1502:
1498:
1487:
1483:
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1466:
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1421:
1414:
1407:
1397:
1395:
1391:
1384:
1380:
1379:
1375:
1370:
1361:Aviation portal
1359:
1354:
1352:
1278:Military glider
1273:List of gliders
1264:
1203:
1201:list of gliders
1197:
1128:
1020:
1001:Pilot position
987:Wing structure
946:
892:
705:
698:
695:
686:
683:
674:
671:
662:
659:
650:
644:
635:
628:
615:
572:
551:pitching moment
473:
398:
392:
228:primary gliders
220:
197:Wright Brothers
193:Otto Lilienthal
186:
168:
99:
79:glider aircraft
49:
35:
32:Military glider
28:
23:
22:
15:
12:
11:
5:
2399:
2389:
2388:
2383:
2378:
2361:
2360:
2358:
2357:
2353:hybrid airship
2315:
2314:
2303:
2302:
2287:
2284:
2283:
2279:
2278:
2269:
2264:
2254:
2249:
2245:
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2241:
2236:
2231:
2226:
2222:
2221:
2218:
2209:
2204:
2198:
2194:
2193:
2190:
2187:
2184:
2180:
2179:
2174:
2169:
2163:
2160:
2159:
2150:by methods of
2143:
2142:
2135:
2128:
2120:
2114:
2113:
2103:
2089:
2088:
2084:
2083:
2072:
2071:
2066:
2065:External links
2063:
2060:
2059:
2052:
2032:
2017:
2006:
1980:
1954:
1928:
1921:
1903:
1877:
1837:
1811:
1794:
1783:on 30 May 2013
1768:
1742:
1724:
1705:
1679:
1649:
1642:
1622:
1590:
1564:
1538:
1512:
1501:on 6 June 2011
1476:
1459:magazine 1954"
1446:
1439:
1419:
1405:
1372:
1371:
1369:
1366:
1365:
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1343:
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1298:
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1292:
1286:
1285:
1281:
1280:
1275:
1270:
1263:
1260:
1242:in Lithuania,
1232:Lange Aviation
1224:
1223:
1218:
1212:
1199:Main article:
1196:
1193:
1192:
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1188:
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988:
984:
983:
980:
977:
974:
973:Undercarriage
970:
969:
964:
959:
954:
945:
942:
891:
888:
884:
883:
880:
877:
874:
871:
868:
865:
862:
855:
836:Wolfgang Späte
832:Paul MacCready
704:
701:
700:
699:
696:
689:
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684:
677:
675:
672:
665:
663:
660:
653:
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645:
638:
636:
629:
622:
614:
611:
602:final approach
571:
568:
567:
566:
558:
555:
547:negative flaps
532:
529:
515:
512:
501:
498:
490:
472:
469:
404:Double aerotow
394:Main article:
391:
388:
368:center of mass
364:center of mass
219:
216:
167:
164:
132:. In contrast
98:
95:
26:
9:
6:
4:
3:
2:
2398:
2387:
2384:
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2379:
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2049:
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2028:
2021:
2015:
2010:
1994:
1990:
1984:
1968:
1964:
1958:
1942:
1938:
1932:
1924:
1922:1-85310-504-X
1918:
1914:
1907:
1891:
1887:
1886:"FAI records"
1881:
1862:
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1854:
1847:
1841:
1826:on 9 May 2011
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1265:
1259:
1258:in Slovenia.
1257:
1253:
1249:
1245:
1241:
1237:
1233:
1229:
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1219:
1216:
1215:Schempp-Hirth
1213:
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1202:
1189:
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483:ground effect
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457:cross-country
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373:ridge soaring
369:
366:. Moving the
365:
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130:undercarriage
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88:
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77:is a type of
76:
72:
64:
45:
41:
37:
33:
19:
2216:autorotation
2087:FAI webpages
2042:
2035:
2026:
2020:
2009:
1997:. Retrieved
1983:
1971:. Retrieved
1957:
1945:. Retrieved
1941:the original
1931:
1912:
1906:
1894:. Retrieved
1890:the original
1880:
1868:. Retrieved
1861:the original
1852:
1840:
1828:. Retrieved
1824:the original
1814:
1805:
1785:. Retrieved
1781:the original
1771:
1759:. Retrieved
1745:
1727:
1718:
1714:
1708:
1696:. Retrieved
1692:the original
1682:
1670:. Retrieved
1662:www.sfpe.org
1661:
1652:
1632:
1625:
1613:. Retrieved
1593:
1581:. Retrieved
1567:
1557:11 September
1555:. Retrieved
1551:the original
1541:
1529:. Retrieved
1525:the original
1515:
1503:. Retrieved
1496:the original
1491:
1479:
1467:. Retrieved
1456:
1449:
1429:
1422:
1398:11 September
1396:. Retrieved
1376:
1268:Glider types
1248:Let Kunovice
1225:
1204:
1170:handicapping
1149:. They are:
1140:
1095:Convenience
1052:Turn radius
1019:Speed range
966:
962:Hang gliders
947:
935:
908:
885:
861:restrictions
845:
828:speed to fly
825:
818:
808:
749:
718:
616:
607:forward slip
590:
586:
573:
546:
521:
489:Sideslipping
474:
438:
434:motor glider
426:
423:Glider winch
377:
360:
332:laminar flow
328:
308:Gimli Glider
302:glider, the
280:aerodynamics
277:
256:carbon-fiber
252:
236:aspect ratio
221:
209:
201:
187:
154:
143:
134:hang gliders
127:
120:, a slender
111:
92:
74:
70:
68:
36:
2261:ornithopter
2093:FAI records
1896:30 November
1830:30 November
1761:23 February
1615:19 February
1531:23 February
1505:23 February
1469:20 February
1341:Paper plane
1246:in Poland,
1244:Allstar PZL
957:Paragliders
776:transponder
772:transceiver
478:Glide slope
288:Grunau Baby
284:glide ratio
260:fiber glass
205:Wasserkuppe
138:paragliders
2376:Sailplanes
2370:Categories
2325:hovercraft
2276:helicopter
2239:Rotor kite
2214:, etc. in
2212:Helicopter
1999:18 January
1973:22 October
1947:21 October
1787:22 October
1368:References
1324:Rotor kite
1256:AMS Flight
937:Fibreglass
931:call signs
820:variometer
811:variometer
764:variometer
518:Air brakes
514:Air brakes
445:ridge lift
355:Turbulator
312:Boeing 767
300:open-class
2333:coleopter
2298:tiltrotor
2146:Types of
1698:24 August
1081:Learning
899:Swift S-1
758:, and an
752:altimeter
648:HPH Shark
557:Parachute
449:lee waves
232:fuselages
75:sailplane
18:Sailplane
2318:Note 3:
2306:Note 2:
2294:tiltwing
2290:Note 1:
2272:Gyrodyne
2267:Autogyro
2257:Airplane
2248:Powered
2177:Aerodyne
2172:Aerostat
2148:aircraft
2096:Archived
2046:. Eqip.
1993:Archived
1967:Archived
1870:7 August
1755:Archived
1735:Archived
1666:Archived
1606:Archived
1577:Archived
1463:Archived
1389:Archived
1262:See also
1066:Landing
890:Markings
859:airspace
725:airspeed
504:Spoilers
500:Spoilers
497:control.
441:thermals
351:elevator
343:ailerons
339:winglets
240:winglets
160:take-off
122:fuselage
87:aircraft
65:, Japan.
2341:Avrocar
2252:Airship
2202:balloon
2200:(Free)
2168:
2108:at the
2078:at the
1672:13 July
1583:3 April
1307:Gliding
1284:History
770:radio (
768:airband
766:and an
756:compass
598:circuit
594:pattern
570:Landing
430:bungees
396:Gliding
335:airfoil
292:Libelle
224:cockpit
166:History
83:gliding
2349:kytoon
2263:, etc.
2207:Glider
2152:thrust
2050:
1919:
1640:
1457:Flight
1437:
1228:Stemme
1141:Eight
1009:supine
919:rudder
903:Kemble
539:camber
414:ASK 13
347:rudder
264:Kevlar
218:Design
177:, 1921
141:used.
106:ASH25M
71:glider
1864:(PDF)
1849:(PDF)
1609:(PDF)
1602:(PDF)
1499:(PDF)
1488:(PDF)
1392:(PDF)
1385:(PDF)
1110:Cost
792:FLARM
786:or a
780:ADS-B
737:knots
596:, or
554:roll.
543:stall
535:Flaps
531:Flaps
296:ASG29
273:Flaps
97:Types
63:Gunma
2351:and
2343:and
2323:and
2234:Kite
2156:lift
2154:and
2048:ISBN
2001:2011
1975:2011
1949:2011
1917:ISBN
1898:2010
1872:2008
1832:2010
1789:2011
1763:2010
1700:2006
1674:2023
1638:ISBN
1617:2009
1585:2010
1559:2014
1533:2010
1507:2010
1471:2009
1435:ISBN
1400:2014
1250:and
1230:and
1217:GmbH
917:and
905:2009
739:and
731:for
727:and
723:for
721:km/h
526:spin
494:slip
380:EASA
349:and
310:, a
262:and
238:and
146:soar
136:and
114:drag
2296:or
1252:HpH
1147:FAI
915:fin
848:GPS
800:ELT
745:min
729:m/s
451:or
304:Eta
73:or
2372::
2355:).
2339:,
2335:,
2292:A
2274:,
2259:,
1991:.
1965:.
1855:.
1851:.
1797:^
1753:.
1719:57
1717:.
1664:.
1660:.
1604:.
1575:.
1490:.
1461:.
1408:^
1387:.
754:,
741:ft
492:A
467:.
447:,
443:,
345:,
258:,
242:.
207:.
69:A
2139:e
2132:t
2125:v
2056:.
2029:.
2003:.
1977:.
1951:.
1925:.
1900:.
1874:.
1834:.
1791:.
1765:.
1702:.
1676:.
1646:.
1619:.
1587:.
1561:.
1535:.
1509:.
1473:.
1455:"
1443:.
1402:.
798:(
743:/
715:)
634:.
528:.
185:.
34:.
20:)
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