This is kind of cool if you like/want to learn gliders and thermal techniques. I fly handlaunch gliders and thermaling out from a hand launch is the ultimate: Here's a simulation for the same, but from a slope instead of flat ground:
1. Choose a glider (I like the Diamant).
2. Choose the Switzerland_Slope Scenery. This puts you way above the landing strip (but no worries).
3. Set the Thermal Options (in the Simulation menu) to around 60% for both settings.
4. Press R to hand launch the glider. The glider is all of the sudden in front of you and flying straight out.
If you find lift and make efficient turns, up you go. The good news is if you "get drilled" (no lift, glider lands), you don't need to chase it, just press R again.
Hints:
- Trim the glider first. Set the Thermal Option settings to minimum and fly around a bit. For the Diamant, adjust the elevator trim tab for around 8 m/s airspeed (Press A to turn on the speed display).
- If it's too easy to spec out, reduce the thermal option settings. Too tough, turn the options up. As you improve, reduce the settings again. Also try a higher abundance with reduced strength.
- Use Speed/Altitude/Vario (Press A) at first to see amount of lift.
I currently have Thermal Options set so that I have one shot at finding lift: 40% Updraft (lift strength) and 45% Bubbles (abundance of lift). I just started this stuff so will see just how low (and high) I can go,
Rules:
- No Chase Mode, and leave Zoom and Pilot Positions at the default settings. One thing about glider flying, you need to get used to flying with the glider far away from you. This is especially true when your glider is at cloud base…. 8~). If you move the stick left and you see a spec move to the right, then the glider is coming towards you (or is upside down). Get used to it, the glider you save might be your own.
Next challenge:
- Choose the scenery named Islet_Sunset. This places you on that little grass bump above the landing strip and better simulates low-level flying. Now, if I could move those pesky palm trees. I reached 300+ m from this launch.
- Use your Tx's timer to see how long you can stay aloft at low thermal settings (till glider stops). Good practice!!
To come down from way up above, hold full right and full up elevator and spiral spiral spiral.
And remember: Lift increases, decrease bank angle; lift decreases, increase bank angle. Keep it smooth!!!