Yes, we all know that our beautiful country is blessed not only with spectacular scenery but also with amazing weather. It is no wonder then that Gliding in SA is right up there with the very best in the world leading to a number of world records being set in the country. The terrain particularly in the Karoo and the Northern Cape spawns outstanding thermals and this coupled with uncrowded skies and the aforementioned sunny blue skies, makes for an outstanding gliding environment.
Gliding is to powered aircraft as yachting is to motorboats. Launching of the craft can be performed by one of two methods: Aero Tow or Winch Launch. Using the former, a tow line attaches the glider to a tow plane which then takes off and, upon reaching a suitable altitude, uses an auto release mechanism to detach the two. A Winch Launch uses a ground based engine to power a winch which is connected to the glider. The winch pulls the glider towards the engine at high speed until it reaches sufficient speed to be launched into the air.
Once aloft, the most immediate sensation is the eerie silence except the swoosh of air around the glider and the sense that the glider is motionless until glancing at the terrain below. Several clubs such as the Magaliesberg Glider Club based at Orient in the Magaliesberg offer flights to the uninitiated. How long does it take to become a pilot? That will depend on a number of factors such as other flying experience, innate flying ability etc. Joining a club and the SSSA are the first steps required before qualified instructors take a pupli under their "wing"!
http://www.sssa.org.za/
http://www.mgc.org.za/page.php?9
Friday, January 1, 2016
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