| RC gliders are afun and challenging segment of the | | | | launchtechnique. |
| radio control hobby. These airplanes can stayup for | | | | The slope glideris actually thrown over the side of hill! |
| hours, powered only by nature! They fly silently and | | | | This sounds like a silly thingto do, but if there is |
| gracefully, likesailboats of the air. In addition they are | | | | sufficient wind and slope, the airplane will start flying. |
| among the simplest and mosteconomical type of rc | | | | Seagulls use the same principles to fly without flapping |
| vehicle to build, maintain and operate. There are afew | | | | their wings. Ifthe wind direction and speed cooperate, |
| different types of rc glider. | | | | flights of one (1) hour are well withinreach. Slope gliders |
| Winches or "hi-starts"are generally used to launch large | | | | can be light and stable airplanes, or heavy |
| thermal gliders, from a flat field,and into rising currents | | | | monstersdesigned for strong winds, racing or |
| of warm air ("thermals"). Thermals arecreated by | | | | aerobatics. |
| uneven heating of the ground. The challenge is toride | | | | It's an acquired skillto read what the air is doing to get |
| these currents to stay up for a pre-determined time. | | | | good flights, but when done correctly,there is a real |
| There areinternational contests that test this ability of | | | | feeling of accomplishment. This is a large part of |
| the pilot, as well asspot-landing skills. | | | | whatmakes RC gliders such a unique and fulfilling |
| Handlaunchairplanes are thrown by hand from a flat | | | | hobby. |
| field, and also flown into thermals. | | | | Visit the RC Airplane Advisor for more information |
| Here the pilot needs good launch technique, as well as | | | | about |
| flying and landingskills. Launch technique has borrowed | | | | RC Gliders. |
| from the track-and-field world, withoverhead javelin | | | | This article may be reprinted if proper credit is given |
| launches now being replaced by the discus | | | | and all links leftintact. |