I was 'checking out' a former HG pilot
new to soaring. We flew the L-13, and I figured it
would be kinda fun. Three hours later I determined
I had done a very improper preflight, as I had forgotten
to use the bathroom before the flight. I didn't think
we'd be up that long, but this 'newbie' knew his thermals
well.

The only thing that was clearly quite new to him was
the penetration and how to estimate landouts. HGs
just don't penetrate well into wind, and of course
selection of landouts is completely different.

I suspect there are a LOT of HG pilots who eventually
get old enough that they want a bit more enclosure.
I know several who gave up HG after a body-bending
accident or too many scares. Two of them are now happy
(older) glider pilots.

This one guy 'sailed' right through the rating, no
problem. I think there's a lot to be said for the
commonality of basic airmanship...

At 18:00 23 April 2005, Stewart Kissel wrote:
Any ex or current hg's care to comment on their experience
getting a sailplane ticket? I have a friend considering
this, he is a very experienced HG type...with zip for
powered or sailplane experience. I explained to him
that he quite likely will be able to out-thermal his
instructor...but that is not the point for trying to
get the ticket. I figure things like trying to figure
out what to do with your feet, and staying behind the
towplane, may be two of the more challenging aspect
of this. But I don't hang glide...so input welcome.




Mark J. Boyd