Aerobatic Glider video

http://www.aircraftowner.com/videos/view/aerobatic-gliding_2996.html

This is some precision flying.

That's awesome.

They need to adjust the pilot-cam to show that he's clearly holding the airplane's control stick, though. I'm just saying. Between the hand motion, and his "glider face" it looks like he's REALLY enjoying his soar.

jg

really making me want to look into gliding instead of finishing up my pilot's license

Get the power certificate then add the glider qualification. It's faster (depending how far along you are with the power cert anyway) and you can fly a bunch of different types of aircraft in different airspace.

The different aircraft part is the fun. There's all sorts of neat stuff for rent.

Also, that video was really cool.

In reply to mad_machine:

I am going to take some glider instruction this summer. Many of the best pilots I know recommend that all pilots get some time in a glider.

that.
was.
AWESOME!

Wish there were more views from the ground - the in cabin stuff was fun, but the visuals from the ground were my favorite

Very cool. That guy has some big brass ones doing that low inverted pass with no engine to pull him out of it!

I'm still having some Holy Crap moments, but getting better. Spins, stalls, endless turning up a thermal after a Mexican Sampler Platter for breakfast?

I won't say glider pilots are better or worse, but any pilot can gain from the experience. Imagine touch & goes without a throttle.

One shot.

What the HELL was that lomcevak (sp?) looking thing he did at 1:40?!?!

My natural instinct to have empathy for machines kicked in..I thought about the wing spars, and my shoulders hurt. I also noticed that it had a shorter wingspan than a lot of sailplanes..do they have to wait for a really, really hot day (more thermal lift, IIRC) to have the contest?

If one has to make faces like that dude, I'll pass on acrobatic glidering.

I didn't know people did that type of flying in gliders though. Cool video.

Wow. Just wow.

that move at 1:43 is cool!

The opposite of aerobatics; two guys spending the day running a ridge.

BTW, 97 knots = 112 mph.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=aob5JxEFTw0

In reply to 914Driver:

That is very cool. Have you done any ridge soaring?

Yes, a glider in Miflin, Pa. A hang glider in Ellenville, NY.

In reply to 914Driver:

I played around with a Cessna 172 along the Lake Michigan shore. A few times I could maintain level flight with the throttle closed. I never had the nerve to shut it down.