h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi interested readers of this article!
I have also written an entry about the topic "gliding". If you liked this one, you eventually find my one not too bad (this formulation is intended; English is not my mother language!) The small list in both articles first occured in my article, but Metal Chicken now has my agreement.
And Metal Chicken, please visit my entry again, I replied to your message (Indeed two times because of my silly computer). You can also write a message similar to this one; I think your article deserves more attention than mine!

I've often thought about doing an entry on flying - and the one on gliding shows how it can be done really well. Enough information and lots of feeling. Thanks.

Glad you enjoyed the entry
I think I read in your journal once that you fly microlights - that must be a very different experience to gliding. I'm sure there's still room for an article on powered aircraft.......

The Colditz beastie, was finally assembled on the day the castle was liberated (but no one used it) in a recent UK terrestial TV prog about Colditz they did build one to the original plans, but the bonding agent? (I am not sure of the correct term, but basically what they painted over the canvas to stiffen it? make it airtight?) was not to the original specs, they used was a modern one (saftey concerns). But it flew, it actually flew - truley incredible to see
BCNU - Crescent

I really enjoyed reading your Entry! But I have 2 questions: Is there any danger involved? How is gliding in a fixed-wing aircraft different from hang gliding?

I suppose it can be dangerous but not very! I did a short gliding course at the tail end of the last war with the ATC. We were towed into the air in a Kirby Cadet glider by a cable winch. The Cadet used to glide like a brick but it was fun.

Crescent - good to know the Colditz crate did actually fly in the end. Wish I'd spotted that TV show.

As to danger, well yes there's always going to be an element of risk as in any sport but we're very safety conscious and keep those risks under control. We make every effort to ensure both aircraft and pilot are in good condition for every flight.
I'll probably get hang-glider pilots correcting me on the following but it's my understanding that fixed-wing gliders are faster, more manouverable, more robust and less susceptible to poor weather conditions. Admittedly we do need a whole team of people to get each glider airborne whereas a hang-glider pilot can just jump off the nearest cliff.
But really it's all down to personal preference and I feel happier (and warmer) enclosed in my glider cockpit rather than dangling under a bit of cloth

I've been away (sort of) for a few days, but I just wanted to note that I'm glad this entry made it's way into the guide after all!

Highflyer, I think you were supposed to be credited on this one too, as I pulled your list and incorporated it. I'll try and check into it...

This was one of my favorite entries to sub, congratulations (three days late) on it MC!