On Nov 19, 10:17*am, wrote:

You don't need any of that stuff to master most of the important
elements of soaring.
Learn to stay up reliably when weather is "reasonable'. Then start
some short cross countries
that you have laid out with a chart- Yes some people still use them.
If you are not flying with
sufficient margins to not nee glide computer stuff, you are too low.
Then, go do your Silver badge.
After that- think about adding extra stuff.
It is a huge confidence builder to know you can get home when all the
tools die.
FWIW
Good Luck
UH

Walt, UH is absolutely correct - focus on the basics (and get some
good books on advanced & XC soaring and study them) then practice
until you are comfortable in both weak and strong conditions.

When you are starting to venture out into unknown areas (or getting
ready for your first contest - kinda the same thing, really) then is a
good time to start looking at glide computers, moving maps, etc.

They (flight computers) are a lot of fun to use, if setup
intelligently, but cannot replace basic skills; to use them
effectively your flying has to have progressed to the point that it is
becoming instinctive.

Good luck!

Kirk
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