Introduction
A 2-channel (rudder+elevator) polyhedral glider or powered glider is just about the easiest way to learn to fly, and is highly recommended. Once you can handle that you can move up to rudder - elev. - spoiler - flap competition ships or (on the slope) rudder-elevator-aileron-spoiler aerobatic ships.
Don't think glider flying is just "launch, glide back" - It's very easy to get 30+ minute flights and about 1000' altitude. Remember, power flying is limited by the size of the fuel tank (about 10 minutes) and gliders are limited by the receiver batteries (about 2 hrs). And no fuel costs, no starting hassles, no cleanup afterwards...
Are most gliders hand launched?
Gliders are usually launched by a "bungee" - a section of rubber with about 500' of line. The rubber end is staked to the ground with a stout spike. The other end of the line has a ring that is hooked on the towhook on the plane. Walk the plane back until you have about 10 lbs. of pull - this will depend on the high-start, the weight and strength of the airplane, and how deperate you are for a good launch! The airplane is launched at about a 30 degree angle - the rubber then pulls it up kite-like. (It is NOT like a catapult launch!). Launches of heights up to 500' can be obtained on a good day. The launching procedure is simple - keep the elevator neutral (for now) and keep it flying straight. At the top the glider will just fly off the line. A electric small engine can also be used with a folding prop.
Winches are also used - it's very similar to a high-start except that you (the pilot) always have control over the line tension so you can usually get better launches. It does take more skill, though; as a beginner you don't need to worry about winches just yet.
Flying at the slope you just chuck the plane into the wind - that's it! How do sailplanes stay up?
Since a sailplane has no engine or not much of one, it follows that it must always sink through the surrounding air. The trick then is to find some air that's going up faster than you'll sink through it... and for our purposes, there are two kinds of such air:
air heated locally will tend to rise. The heating could be by the sun on a parking lot or a bonfire or a .... This is called "thermal soaring" - the columns of rising air are called thermals. This needs some skill/experience, and mostly involves smooth flying and a good idea of how your plane reacts. An easy way is to just follow more experienced fliers (some of which are birds) into them.
Wind striking a slope will rise to go over it. You just fly in front of the slope where the air is going up. With a steady wind this is easy to fly in, with challenges provided by aerobatics etc. This is called (surprisingly) "slope soaring." Landing is more challenging while at the slope unless you have a large field or something at the top. Recommendations
Sailplanes:
6' or 2m class:
These are all polyhedral ships with rudder and elevator controls. All are highly recommended.
100" or standard class:
These models fly better but are more cumbersome to launch and transport, and are also slightly more expensive.
Costs
What kind of cost am I looking at for a solid training glider or powered plane, with all gear?
£180 is in the ballpark. £120 for a 4-ch radio, £60 for a 2m glider, covering and other supplies. ARF Gliders - £100 + radio + supplies.
Powered planes: about £150-400, £120 radio, £70 plane, £50 engine + supplies.
(By "supplies," I mean things like rulers, knives etc.) Where can I mail-order stuff from?
Try Sussex Model Centre in Worthing, 01903 207525. Also look in modelling magazines for ads.
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