Part 1 - Learn The Basics First!

Don't be in a hurry to attempt those landings - learn the basics first!

Its taken me many years to get to a point where I can land an RC glider roughly where I planned , but saying that ,it still goes wrong at times. I want to share the thought processes which I use when landing an RC glider on the slope. 

I am no expert and every time I land I hopefully gain a little bit more understanding of how and why things have happened.

We learn through repetition and we learn through mistakes along the way and unfortunately there will be many mistakes made but the main thing is that we learn what and why things went wrong and try to get it better the next time.

These days you can choose from a wide range of EPP foam flying wing gliders which are relatively cheap to buy and simple to build. They offer stable flight and a good base to start out when learning the basics of RC soaring. They are also most importantly fairly rugged.

So, when you start slope soaring it is very wise to join a club and have an instructor with you for your initial flights. Your instructor will also be able to safely land your model for you until you are ready.

Before we get to the landing stage of RC slope soaring you need to get the fundamentals right first. You need to have gained sufficient experience and stick time out in the lift in front of the hill. Don't be in a rush to learn to land. Learn to control your glider and when you start flying in a proactive manner rather than a reactive one then that's the point that you can start to look at your landings.  

Now what do I mean by reactive and proactive flying?

When you first start , someone else generally gets your model established in the lift and in most cases you will crab back and forth trying to keep the model in front off you and turning away from the hill. To win this part of the battle you need to learn the basic stick inputs to keep the model in the air and to keep in the lift. This type of flying is generally called reactive. 

As your experience and confidence grow you will start thinking ahead, moving the model around the sky and putting the model where you want and at the height you want. This type of flying is generally called proactive. 

You have the control and experience to fly the model confidently on the slope. 

Your reactions start to become automatic in difficult situations. 

This is where you need to be before attempting your landing - being in control will take away one of the elements you need to worry about when trying to land.

When you are feeling reasonably in control of your flying in the air and you feel confident having the model flying where you want it and at a fairly constant altitude and speed then it might be time to try and think about those landings.

Now move onto Part 2 of our briefing notes........