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 and dynamic soaring to name a few.
Fun
Just casual flying at the slope. Including aerobatics if you want to or just floating around the sky enjoying the day.
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 . |
