What is a slope flying? 1. Flying The basic requirements for slope will be a hill with a prevailing wind on the face .This wind will create a lump of rising air directly in front of the hill which may extend quite a distance outwards from its face . The wind will take the shape of a wave which resembles the shape of the hill the higher the hill the better the standing wave of air. We use this standing wave Hence forth known as slope lift to keep our gliders airborne the fact is that the glider is always descending but the slope lift is rising faster than the glider sink rate . Airfoils we use for gliders are to many to mention .But most early trainers will carry a flat bottom Clark Y type of section which are a high lift sections that will preform well in lighter lift

2. Where not to fly : For the beginner search out an experienced flyer for your first outings to ensure that you will be taking home a one piece glider and not the re-kitted version . Make all turns away from the hill in the beginning .Never fly behind you . Unless you are into Dynamic soaring but that’s another article .

3. Aircraft type and materials: A huge range of slope soaring gliders are available so the choice is up to you .But think carefully before you buy study the internet for the discussion groups such as this one for new idea’s. the basic requirements for the first aircraft will be that it will fly in lighter air is responsive to control input and is auto stable .Meaning it will level it self out if left untouched dihedral or polyhedral wings are well renowned for this characteristic . This style of glider is more common to the thermal gliders used for flat land glider using rising current of warm air. They also lend them self perfectly to training on the slope but once the wind speed increases about 10knots its time to keep it on the ground . EPP Expanded Poly Propylene These gliders are also great to learn with due to the resistance to impact damage. EPS Expanded Poly Styrene is great for making foam wings but is more brittle and subject to damage. Glass fibre glass and composite gliders where as the look fantastic and can be expensive they would not be a choice for 1st off aircraft . Balsa models are one of the first models most people come into contact with and many RTF gliders are on the market (Ready To Fly) that suit the first time flyers needs however this can be devastating when you do suffer damage as there is no instructions on how to repair the breaks which can be an art in its self. But the choice is yours .

Examples of planes

A slope glider can also come in many shapes and sizes

Wing: General Plane: PSS (Power Scale Soarer) : Planes that are as close to possible a scale replica of a traditional plane. Glider: Other:

4. Whats it all about? : Fun is the big issue we fly slope because it is an enjoyable past time for all not only do you get great views but depending on what you fly it can be a most relaxing or physically active day you have ever had .

This has been a very basic introduction to slope flying . There has been many many books written on the subject that will take you deep into the realms of aerodynamic theory but all that can be put to one side once you stand on the hill and throw you latest plane into the wind.

5. Different styles of flying Depending on the wind conditions and the type of plane you have, there are a number of different styles of flying. Some of these include combat,Thermal,Ridge racing Dynamic Soaring to name a few.

Combat : is usually flown with EPP models as mentioned before due to their impact resistance,Each flier is trying to knock the others aircraft physically out of the air .A kill is scored only when the opponents aircraft hits the ground if a hit occurs and each aircraft recovers and remains airborne the kills or hits are null and void. This is a lot of fun and can get the blood pumping you will suddenly be doing manoeuvres that you did not think you or you aircraft could do.

Thermal : This is one of the more relaxing forms a gliding .Unless you get into the competition arena and then it can become a very serious business. You can fly thermal from the flat field using a number of launch methods winch, hand tow or the well proven bungee launch system . Then it’s a matter of flying big circles looking for thermals (rising currents of warm air ) these are created by good old mother nature due to uneven heating of the earth surface. You can also use thermal aircraft on the slope however it’s recommended for light lift days only . Using the slope to launch a thermal glider has produced new terminology which is slermal a mixture of both slope lift and thermal activity away from the hill face .

Ridge racing : This sort of speaks for it self really there are a number of different types of racing but basically you are either racing over a set course against other aircraft or racing the clock .Not for the faint of heart !!!

Dynamic Soaring: This style of flying is relatively new to us mere mortals but the birds have always known about it the albatross is an absolute master of this style of flight . its known by many as flying the dark side or the down wind side of the slope great speed can be obtained flying this method of slope but the right model is also required as extremely heavy loads are placed on the aircraft in the sling shot effect that happens with this type of flying .

Information supplied from my web page:http://swenban.rchomepage.com/ with my full permission . Steve Wenban.