The term "sailplane" and "glider" are interchangeable, although "sailplane" is often reserved for the more efficient gliders, charcterised by their higher aspect ratio wings. Owing to their simplicity, slow flight and gentle flight behavior, gliders are arguably the easiest way to learn how to fly R/C model planes. The lack of engine, fuel system, and landing gear also means they're quite a bit cheaper. Once "mastered" one can easily (more or less) move onto the more advanced gliders, or try power planes. Learning first on gliders also gives you an advantage when the engine quits unexpectedly on your power plane since this effectively turns your power plane into a glider (an inefficient one). With power planes, the more critical phase of dead-stick flight is usually learned only when the engine quits, whereas with gliders, dead-stick flight is the norm. Click on the thumbnails to see more photos and information on the "fleet", including some of my friend's aircraft.

2 Meter sailplanes, great for beginners and sports fliers alike.	100" ASW-15 semi-scale sailplane	Slope soarers!

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last updated 07/07/2000