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 ideas. 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 gliding using rising currents 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 RC Gliders
A slope glider can also come in many shapes and sizes
Flying Wing |
Scale Glider / semi-scale |
PSS (Power Scale Soarer) : Planes that are as close to possible a scale replica of a traditional plane. |
Conventional Airplane |
Other types of gliders |
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