Soaring Academy Blog
Soaring is Learning
Soaring is about learning all the time. Here are some tips on becoming a better soaring pilot. Brought to you by Southern California Soaring Academy.
Glider pilots often release tow at arbitrary altitudes, sometimes in sink or past lift. Aim for a climb rate of 300 feet per minute above the tow plane's average. Beginners should tow higher; experienced pilots may release sooner for a challenge. Always ensure clear space before releasing.
In soaring, mental readiness is as crucial as physical safety. Every moment demands acute attention, from pre-flight checks to securing the aircraft. It's about engaging with every detail, adapting to uncertainty, and making informed decisions with precision. Embracing the endless learning curve ensures not just immediate success, but also lays the groundwork for future triumphs in the soaring journey ahead.
Progressive wear (on hinges, canopy seals, brake discs and pads, tires and tip wheels, skid plates, fabric, cracks in Gelcoat, etc.) may not prohibit this flight, but if you fail to inspect them today, you’re more apt to forget next time
A silent glider overhead lured me to a hidden airstrip, where twenty dollars bought my first, thrilling step into soaring. With Ed, a pilot as calm as a school teacher, we danced above a quilted landscape, turning me from a curious bystander into a soaring devotee.
In my final New England autumn, I embarked on a pilgrimage to Hunger Mountain, known only from the skies. Climbing through humid woods, I lost my shirt to a dust devil on the summit, an unexpected twist in my adventure.