Gliding - an Introduction
A brief history of the sport of gliding- flying an airplane without an engine. What factors affect a glider's performance.
Mathematical Modelling
The role of mathematical modelling in gliding, focusing on The British Overseas Nationals, a modern racing competition held in Le Blanc, France.
A Lesson in Flying: Gliding Performance
Ann Welch explains how to actually fly a glider. The Rhonsperber and Primary gliders are compared, with relation to glide ratio.
Clouds and Thermals
Ann Welch explains what a thermal is and why they are important in gliding.
Performance Penalty: Speed
A test flight demonstrates the performance penalty associated with speed, and how the results are plotted to generate a polar curve.
Design for Headwind
The materials used to build a glider, focusing on the weight of the wings and how this affects performance.
Launching and Tracking
Brian Spreckley explains how gliders in the British Overseas National will be tracked.
The Art of Flying
The constant process of modelling whilst flying, focusing on lift and glide speed. Pilots at the British Overseas Nationals discuss their flight.