Gliding

Simple Aerodynamics and How Gliders Fly. The diagram below shows all the parts and primary controls of a basic glider. Full explanation of all the details would be beyond the scope of this web site but short explanations can be found in the glossary.

You may have seen elsewhere in our web site the word "soaring". This basically means using the energy present in the atmosphere to stay airborne. There are three main types as explained in the diagrams below.

Thermals are formed by the sun heating the ground, which in turn heats the air above it, causing it to rise. Gliders can use this rising air to gain height.

When wind blowing across the country meets a hill or cliff it is forced upwards to flow over it. This upwards movement can be used by a glider to stay aloft by flying up and down the length of the ridge. Under certain conditions, (wind strength & direction in relation to a range of hills), a wave system can be set up in the atmosphere. The upwards flowing air can be used to reach great heights in a glider.

Using these types of natural lift, allows us to extend the time spent airborne and also to cover sometimes large distances on cross country flights and in competitions.