Gliders
From Hang Gliding Wiki
As you might expect, there are some gliders that are suited to Novice level pilots, and some that are only appropriate for more advanced pilots.
[edit] Novice/Intermediate vs. High Performance
A glider that is appropriate for a beginner will have some different flight characteristics than will a high performance glider. Novice/Intermediate gliders will be more forgiving of mistakes and are easier to turn than are high performance gliders. High performance gliders will have a higher glide ratio, that is, they will glide farther forward for each foot the glider descends, especially at higher speeds. They are harder to turn, harder to land, and more susceptible to unwanted yawing. They are also heavier, more expensive, and more effort to set up and break down.
[edit] New vs. Used
Here are a few things to consider:
- Money - A new beginner wing will cost around $3300 US dollars, while good quality, airworthy used wings can be had for as little as $1000. The money saved on the purchase of a used wing could be put towards the purchase of a harness, parachute, or lessons.
- Level of Commitment - If you can dedicate a lot of time to flying (several days a week), chances are you may 'out-grow' a beginner wing in a few months, leaving you with a desire for more performance. If you are not able to fly as often you may not want to risk damaging a shiny new wing with your lack of experience.
- Time - It can take a month or more to get a brand new glider. If you are anxious to get flying right away, a used wing that is available immediately may be a better solution. If you are going to buy a Wills Wing Glider, check the inventory on their web site for availability dates.
- Availability - You can get exactly the new glider that you want. With used gliders, since they are difficult to ship, your selection will be limited to those gliders in your local area.
[edit] If you do buy a used glider
- You will want to get a professional "sail off" inspection, and will likely want to replace the flying wires. The inspection will cost around $200 US Dollars, and a set of flying wires should cost less than $100. In Germany, all hang gliders are required to replace their flying wires every two years, which is a good example for us as well. Buying a used glider means you don't know whether the wires have been pinched during assembly, so it's best to replace them.
- Hang gliders use a sewn piece of webbing known as a hang loop to attach the pilot's harness to the glider. You may find the hang loop is either too long or too short. If so, do not improvise to get the right length! Instead measure the required length and order a new hang loop and backup loop. If the existing loops show any signs of wear, replace them.
[edit] Single vs. Double Surface
Hang gliders can be placed in three categories:
- Single Surface
- Double Surface
- Rigid Wing
A single surface glider is one that essentially has one layer of fabric that covers the top surface of the airfoil, and uses battens or ribs to maintain the airfoil shape. These are the lightest of all gliders, the quickest to set up and break down, and the easiest to land. For this reason, almost all training is done on single surface gliders.
A double surface glider has one layer of fabric that covers the top surface of the airfoil, and a second one that covers the bottom surface, with battens or ribs that mantain an airfoil shape on the top and a flat surface on the bottom. While it is true that what we have defined as single surface gliders do have a small amount of double surface, for our purposes, if the bottom surface does not cover the cross bar (that long hinged tube that goes from wingtip to wingtip) and does not have bottom battens, then that glider is single surface.
Rigid wing gliders are the heaviest, most complex, and most expensive of the three types. They require advanced skills to fly, so we won't discuss them further here.
[edit] Which One for You?
While you will almost certainly fly a single surface glider for your early training, there are double surface gliders suitable for most Novice pilots. If you are going to fly a lot, have some natural aptitude, and are in good physical shape, you will probably be happiest with a double surface glider. It will have a superior glide ratio, which is useful for flying in higher winds and for getting from thermal to thermal. It will also be heavier, harder to turn, harder to land, and will take longer to set up and break down. If you are going to fly less frequently or occasionally have long breaks in between flying days, or have had to work a little harder than the average student, you will most likely want a single surface glider.
For double surface gliders, there is one more feature you should know about: variable geometry, or VG. This refers to a pulley system that some double surfaced gliders are equipped with that allows the pilot to change the amount of tension on the sail while in flight. There are relatively few VG equipped double surface gliders that are appropriate for Novice pilots.
Different gliders are appropriate for different pilots. Here's one pilot's account of why he chose a double surface glider, and another pilot's reasoning behind his choice of a single surface glider.
[edit] Primary Single Surface Gliders
These are the type of glider that you will have used for your training. They are the simplest and most forgiving, and are appropriate first gliders for everyone.
Aeros Target
Very popular in Europe, and one of the few European gliders seen frequently in the United States.
Years built: 2000? - current
Manufacturer's page: Aeros Target
| Size | Pilot Weight, lbs | Pilot Weight, kg |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | 110-165 | 50-75 |
| 16 | 143-230 | 65-105 |
| 21 Tandem | 185-420 | 85-190 |
Airborne Fun
Finsterwalder Lightfex
Finsterwalder Perfex
LaMouette Atlas
North Wing Ezy
Wills Wing Falcon
The most popular training glider in the United States. If you are in the United States, chances are that you will fly one at some point during your training.
Years built: 1995 - current
Manufacturer's page: Wills Wing Falcon
| Size | Pilot Weight, lbs | Pilot Weight, kg |
|---|---|---|
| 140,145 | 110-140 | 50-64 |
| 170 | 140-170 | 64-77 |
| 195 | 170-220 | 77-100 |
| 225, Tandem | 220-450 | 84-227 |
[edit] Advanced Single Surface Glider
Only one glider in this category so far. This is a somewhat higher performance glider than those in the primary single surface category, as it has a higher aspect ratio wing (wider from wingtip to wingtip) and a streamlined control frame. (the part the pilot holds) Most pilots would also find this a very agreeable first wing.
North Wing Freedom
[edit] Double Surface Gliders Appropriate for Novices, no VG
These gliders have approximately 60 percent of their bottom wing surface covered. These are appropriate first gliders for many, but not all, novice pilots. Ask your instructor if one of these would be a good wing for you.
Airwave Pulse
Airwave Calypso
Airwave Vision Mark IV
Avian Rio
Moyes Sonic
Moyes XT145
North Wing Illusion
Pacific Airwave Pulse
[edit] Double Surface Gliders Appropriate for Novices, VG Equipped
These gliders are very similar in form to the double surface gliders listed above, but are equipped with variable geometry (VG). The VG gives these gliders the extra capability of a superior glide ratio when the VG is tightened, but good maneuverability and the same relaxed landing characteristics as those gliders without VG. Many new pilots would be happy for many years with one of the gliders in this group. Again, ask your instructor if this style of glider is right for you.
Airborne Sting II XC
Moyes Sonic
North Wing Horizon
