Did you know you can spy on the best pilots? Learn how to compare tracklogs when reviewing your own flight performance. Sometimes you might only learn one thing, sometimes it reinforces things you already knew, sometimes it helps you find out how others got through a difficult patch of terrain. Learn more about tracklogs
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Small cumulus clouds can indicate lift, but large ones can suck you up and spit you out as an iceblock. How can you tell which ones are safe? ‘Wider than it is tall’ is a good rule of thumb. Look at the top: if it’s crisp and towering, stay away. Look at the shadow: if it’s bigger than you’d expect, the cloud has hidden vertical development.
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How much space do you need for a safe 360? When going downwind near the hill, beware of the insidious trap that catches even experienced pilots. Don’t get caught out! Learn more about the downwind devil
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Trying to go far in the flatlands? Going directly downwind (going for distance) is often a trap! Divert to high ground, warmer terrain, or clouds forming to either side of your track. Look for lines that link multiple sources of lift. Learn more about flatland distance flying
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Wind strong on launch? Try running at the wing. Not just allowing the wing to drag you back (which is inevitable); the trick is to run before the wing yanks you. It does this at 45 degrees as it bites into the wind. Your running speed reduces the relative wind affecting the wing, giving you more time to react and reducing the control input necessary.
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Air like a roller coaster? If your toes are rising relative to the horizon, keep your hands up. As they sink, pull your brakes down to shoulder height for a second, to dampen out the dive.
Learn more about active flying.
Cross wind launching: If the wind is across the slope, take a step uphill before pulling up or pull the downslope riser first. This encourages the wing to rise pulling uphill giving you more time to control it. Learn more about crosswind launching.
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