Aeroclub Phoenix Brüggen

Segelfliegen im Kreis Viersen

Gliding

FAQ

People often have the same questions about gliding. Some of them we like to answer here. If you have other questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Gliding

  1. What if there is no wind?
    Gliders do not need wind to fly, but vertical winds (upswing) are helpful in order to gain height. The wind affects only the altitude at which the cable is released and the glide path during landing.
  2. What happens when an air hole is encountered?
    Nothing, because there are no air holes. Only rising or descending airflows that a glider traverses without any problem.
  3. What if no rising air can be found?
    One lands on the airfield.
  4. What if you cannot make it back to the airfield?
    Then you’ll land on a suitable field. Every glider pilot is trained for this procedure and gliders are specifically designed for this. Landing outside the airfield is quite common when flying cross country.
  5. Is gliding dangerous?
    • Gliders are exhaustively inspected by a licensed examiner every year
    • they are thorougly checked by trained glider pilots every day before flight operations
    • before every flight, the pilot checks the instruments and steering controls.
    However, a slight risk due to human failure can not be completely ruled out.
  6. What happens in case of a collision or a technical failure?
    If the pilot is no longer in the position to land safely, you can leave the glider and come down safely with the parachute that is put on before every flight. All parachutes are inspected regularly and thoroughly.
  7. Is gliding expensive?
    At least, gliding is no more expensive than other sports such as skiing, surfing or sports shooting. Through dedicated work (eg, in the winter months), it’s even cheaper. For adolescents, there are special tariffs.

Training

  1. When can you start gliding?
    At the age of 14. Or, by specialpermit of the parents, at 13.
  2. Are there any prerequisite?
    Yes. You need a police certificate of good behaviour and a brief medical examination.
  3. How long does it take until you can fly alone?
    There is no simple answer to this. It actually depends on yourself, how fast you make your first solo launch. This may take from a few weeks to several years.

Some of the questions are copied from the DAeC-Homepage. Thank you for providing this.