These hi-tech machines with their elegant
silhouettes achieve by far the best performance of all modern
forms of non-motorised flight. They are capable of travelling
phenomenal distances, powered simply by the natural elements:
air, sun and wind.
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Their aerodynamic design
is suitable for conventional flight and even aerobatics,
flying at speeds up to 250 km per hour and carrying out
manoeuvres that only birds can imitate.Nowadays even the
difficulties associated with launching this type of craft
have largely been resolved, as more and more gliders are
fitted with auxiliary retractable engines which enable them
to take off without external assistance. A few years ago
new lightweight gliders were developed which are very easy
to transport, and inexpensive to buy and to use. This has
made gliding much more accessible to clubs and to individuals
and is likely to lead to a resurgence of interest in this,
the most effective form of non-motorised flight.Gliders
can indisputably travel further from any given initial altitude
than any other type of non-motorised craft.
Si les planeurs sont les champions du
vol libre, c'est parce qu'ils sont les plus performants pour
transformer leur hauteur en distance parcourue.
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Unlike parachutes or paragliders,
gliders are able to travel substantial distances without losing
much height. Gliders can travel 30-60 km from a starting altitude
of only 3,000 ft. A light aircraft without the power of its
engine, a delta-wing hang-glider and most conventional parachutes
could, at most, travel a dozen or so km under such conditions.
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A glider can be manoeuvred
through all three rotational axes: pitch, roll and yaw. By
controlling the movement within these rotational axes, the
pilot can execute all standard flying manoeuvres (straight
and level flight, turns, accelerating, slow flight…).
The pilot uses the joystick and the rudder pedals to adjust
the pitch, roll or yaw of the glider.
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By using the joystick
and the rudder pedals, the pilot can move the control surfaces
of the glider (ie wing flaps and tail fin). The change in
airflow and the associated change in air pressure on the re-configured
aerodynamic surfaces of the glider cause it to rotate in the
desired direction.
