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Reordered the "how to" before the theroy, so its more prominent and also where the other how-to tips are
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=== Choosing the right airspeed === | === Choosing the right airspeed === | ||
The rules derived from these examples are: Fly slower than optimum speed in rising air, faster than optimum speed in sinking air. If your minimum sinkrate is equal to the lift, you do not lose any energy at all. Consequently, in any airmass providing net lift, the glider is flown at the velocity of minimum sinkrate (which is always lower than the optimum speed) to maximize the altitude gain. This makes it also easier to fly tight turns in small thermals. | The rules derived from these examples are: Fly slower than optimum speed in rising air, faster than optimum speed in sinking air. If your minimum sinkrate is equal to the lift, you do not lose any energy at all. Consequently, in any airmass providing net lift, the glider is flown at the velocity of minimum sinkrate (which is always lower than the optimum speed) to maximize the altitude gain. This makes it also easier to fly tight turns in small thermals. | ||
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To help in choosing the right speed, you can also read up on the ''McCready'' theory. He also developed a ring, often attached to the VSI. When adjusting the ring mark to the anticipated lift rate of the next thermal (a good starting point is the average lift rate of the current thermal), the VSI needle will point roughly to the speed you should aim for (but don't hunt the needle!). Leave the current thermal already at good speed - don't speed up when you are leaving, but before, in order to cross the zone with downdraft around the thermal quickly. | To help in choosing the right speed, you can also read up on the ''McCready'' theory. He also developed a ring, often attached to the VSI. When adjusting the ring mark to the anticipated lift rate of the next thermal (a good starting point is the average lift rate of the current thermal), the VSI needle will point roughly to the speed you should aim for (but don't hunt the needle!). Leave the current thermal already at good speed - don't speed up when you are leaving, but before, in order to cross the zone with downdraft around the thermal quickly. | ||
=== Learn the theory === | |||
For those wishing to gain a more in-depth knowledge of correct glider operation, the [http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aircraft/glider_handbook/ FAA glider handbook] makes good reading. | |||
Also there is plenty of material on the internet, and also YouTube has some good videos: | |||
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVpb2wuk83s YouTube: Choosing the right glider speed] | |||
* [https://www.how2soar.de/index.php/vom-schein German extensive HowTo's and Tips&Tricks] from a seasoned real glider pilot | |||
=== Tips for beginners === | |||
To be able to stay in the air longer, it is crucial, that you have a basic understanding of the theory. | |||
After that, practice, practice, practice. Start to try to fly near the cloud caps (let you be towed, or use {{key press|Ctrl|U}} to get a quick cheaty lift), so its more easy: the thermals usually are wasp tailled. | |||
* It is important that you can control the glider effectively: fly exact and don't let the bank or speed drift away. Also be sure to do coordinated flight to minimize energy loss from drag. Don't go overboard with bank angles. | |||
* Be sure to control your speed, always fly around the "best glide speed" mark. Especially watch out for underspeed, which will be costly in lost altitude and also prevents you from utilizing that thermal. Remember that if you bank, you need to add a bit speed. | |||
* Learn to fly exact circles and control your ground position by temporarily altering your bank angle a bit. Try to keep the airspeed stable around the best-glide-mark. | |||
* Fly gently, don't make aprupt control inputs. | |||
* If you hit a thermal and then bank into a circle, it is a common thing that you will get into the downsink region around the updrift. Don't be afraid: keep flying the circle, it will lead back to the core. Then try to bank a bit less to reposition yourself better into the core. Rinse and repeat :) | |||
* What also helped me alot was using the insim moving Map, which showed me my flight path. They helped in remembering where the thermal was spotted, and also to centre it with my circles. | |||
* The VSI is late in reporting the lift (as in reality), so [[Property_browser#Tips_and_tricks|monitoring the property]] <code>/environment/local-weather-lift-fps</code> can also help (ridge lift is reported in <code>/environment/ridge-lift-fps</code>). | |||
{{Appendix}} | |||
== Sources of lift == | == Sources of lift == | ||
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Advanced Weather has a working model for wave lift, but so far no way of automatically detecting the conditions which lead to a lee wave, thus in order to use it, some Nasal coding is required. | Advanced Weather has a working model for wave lift, but so far no way of automatically detecting the conditions which lead to a lee wave, thus in order to use it, some Nasal coding is required. | ||
== Related content == | == Related content == | ||