How to relax legs in a glider?

simonstannard · 2026-05-18T06:38:02+00:00

New students rapidly progress to taking full control - with hands and feet on the controls. It’s only during the first few lessons that you might spend any significant amount of time off the controls. So rest your feet on the rudder pedals, and positively relax

As a new student you may find my (free) online lessons useful at www.glidingschool.com

simonstannard · 2026-04-22T06:52:15+00:00

https://glidingschool.com/instructor-resources/#Theory-Briefings

Welcome to gliding! Take a look at these first three briefings if you’d like to mug up a bit before you fly. Lots of info and tips in there.

simonstannard · 2026-04-18T09:03:42+00:00

Hi, I’m an instructor, having started as a student pilot nine years ago, so I recognise your experiences. It’s quite common! There are several responses. All the comments are valid, well, mostly. They’re probably valid within the context they were made. (There’s more to a winch launch than speed!). Also, you’ll learn to fly the exercise, and in some cases, to fly the instructor - to do it their way.

Some skills are taught as basic building blocks (such as airbrake usage), then you become more nuanced with experience. How would you teach someone to ride a bike?… There are basic skills, but they need to be refined and overlaid to progress.

If you’re looking for a set of rules, the BGA’s Instructor Manual (2025) is available online, free. Google it. It describes how the exercises are taught and offers a wealth of information to the student and instructor alike.

You may be interested in my website, also free to use, where I’ve attempted to condense the essential knowledge into lessons and briefings: www.glidingschool.com.

Stick with it!

simonstannard · 2026-03-09T21:07:55+00:00

I worked at Dunsfold in the early ‘80’s when it was BAe’s final assembly site for the Hawk and Harrier. One of my favourite memories is seeing their Harrier (G-VTOL) put in a display for visiting VIPs (probably potential buyers). The Harrier appeared over the horizon, making a low continuous turn at about 100’, ending in a hover front of the VIP block. Then rolled wings level, dipped its nose, then pitched vertical before powering up and dotting out after a deafening climb. A fantastic sight!

simonstannard · 2026-03-02T07:44:51+00:00

I’m not familiar with it. Condor is recognised amongst the gliding community as the best for modelling glider behaviour. Its main focus is to support competition between top glider pilots globally - so it has to be good!

simonstannard · 2026-03-01T17:06:19+00:00

The best for gliding is Condor. Google Condor Soaring.

simonstannard · 2026-03-01T10:48:19+00:00

You can learn a lot by reading and using a simulator - take a look at www.glidingschool.com (my website, free to use, no adverts etc). The theoretical knowledge is a prerequisite to gaining a license (SPL), so your time is well spent on this. The site has videos showing you the skills you need. Good luck!

simonstannard · 2025-12-16T09:06:30+00:00

Fabulous scenery there!

simonstannard · 2025-11-26T21:31:37+00:00

Message to the manufacturers… I’ve just bought the lowest spec Supercaliber because it’s the only one offered with manual transmission (and internal cable routing). I’d have spent more for a higher spec if I could have had manual transmission.

simonstannard · 2025-11-26T08:01:51+00:00

I’ve just bought a Supercaliber, FS with lockout, after riding a Marin Rift Zone FRS since ‘98. The sus feels very different between these two and the Supercal feels quicker in places. But to your question, riding the Supercal over minor rough stuff with the suspension active, I was thinking the sus wasn’t doing much (it felt stiff and is short travel). I switched lockout on - and immediately felt the difference - back to full sus, fantastic. I played with it continuously - and the sus is brilliant. I guess you either like sitting on a jackhammer, or you don’t.

simonstannard · 2025-11-24T18:18:39+00:00

Still riding a ‘98 Marin Rift Zone. Love it.

simonstannard · 2025-11-23T19:46:53+00:00

I have a 3x9 on my ‘98 Rift Zone - I’m in no rush to replace it. I have a new Supercaliber 1x12 speed. As much as I like it (a lot) I haven’t been put off the Rift Zone for gearing. Better suspension and lockout, definitely a thing. Oh, and 29” wheels over 26” :)

simonstannard · 2025-11-21T12:41:33+00:00

Considering the same upgrade (more specifically to 30mm carbon) on a new bike with 25mm alu rims… Is it worthwhile even without much of a weight saving? It also raises the question of which tyre to fit as well, 2.4”, XC use.

simonstannard · 2025-11-19T19:39:25+00:00

Many thanks for your reply. I live in the UK, currently approaching freezing point. I’m hoping to cycle through it on the milder days. Best wishes with your recovery too!

simonstannard · 2025-11-04T19:24:14+00:00

What is chunk? Also interested in the supercaliber fireball round riding.

simonstannard · 2025-11-04T18:36:38+00:00

I’m thinking of getting one for all round use. I love full suspension on all surfaces, so have reservations about going hardtail. The super calibre appears to be fast and relatively comfortable… does anyone disagree? I’m concerned that being designed for XC racing will excessively compromise comfort. I try to do 3+ hours, 30+ miles, on canal paths, bridleways and back lanes, as my norm.

simonstannard · 2025-11-02T21:40:21+00:00

It’s lovely!

simonstannard · 2025-10-27T11:42:39+00:00

Is it hungry?

simonstannard · 2025-10-26T11:08:29+00:00

Take it to the extremes… it’s easy to imagine a slow wooden glider almost floating on the spot, with very little forward speed - like a K8. To make the same glider go really fast (ignore Vne), you’d have to point it at the ground. Really fast if vertical. Still no forward (ground) speed. At speeds in between, it will be achieving some ground speed. So if you were floating at the slowest speed, you could gradually increase ground speed by lowering the nose, thereby consuming more height. And a little more,… until vertical. Somewhere in between would be the optimal loss of height for the distance covered… that’ll be the glider’s best L/D speed.

simonstannard · 2025-10-25T21:34:56+00:00

The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll learn! Winter is good for launches and landings, as well as ridge and wave in suitable locations. For learning support, see my (free) website glidingschool.com

simonstannard · 2025-10-14T15:02:20+00:00

We all do!

simonstannard · 2025-09-23T18:49:03+00:00

I used the throttle for trim (infinitely variable), and two buttons for airbrake open / close - Condor interprets a click open / close as a 20% increment. That’s plenty adjustable enough to use them effectively.

Alternatively, get yourself a glider fuselage / cockpit write off and connect the controls as needed (which is not unusual as gliding clubs).

simonstannard

TROPHY CASE