Gliders in Ireland, Flying RC Gliders on Irish Slopes, Slope Soaring

Why are Radio Control Gliders so popular?

Daisy

Since some gliders have no motor, you might think gliding around is simple. Not true! Gliders are capable of high speed and advanced aerobatics.

Gliding can be competitive because pilot skill is the main factor. Speed, aerobatic flight and racing are part of glider flight.

Of course, the classic image of soaring like the birds, chasing thermals and flying on a relaxed Sunday afternoon are still the distinctive appeal of R/C soaring. Glider flying is quiet, clean, and lots of fun. You don't descend to refuel, you just stay up for hours!

If you want speed, our German hotliner gliders do up to 235 mph with brushless motors, and 80-150 mph on hot standard motors.

Glider Flying in Ireland

Gliders make excellent trainer aircraft - their slow flight and stability is perfect for beginners. There are different gliders designed to take advantage of the two types of lift.

Slope soaring: is the faster type of gliding. When the wind encounters rising ground, high coastline or a line of trees, it rises to pass over. The rising breeze creates an area of lift above and in front of the hill that lasts as long as the wind blows so slope soaring is very popular in Ireland due to our breezy weather, especially at hilly and seaside locations.
For more info on this Go to Slope Soaring & PSS Ireland

Slope soaring gliders are fast. They penetrate the wind well so they fly in strong wind conditions. Their speed gives them superb aerobatic flight. Visualise swooping & diving on the slope at seagull-eagle speeds.Electric fighters with folding props slope also soar when the motor is off & prop folded.

Fredy

Irish Soaring .... Glider, radio, hill & breeze … that's all you need to slope soar

Motor power gliders are the best self-learn planes because being lightweight, their landing speed is a safer 12 mph versus the 18-20mph for heavy glowfuel trainers. This avoids the worst knocks & bumps from the wobbly landings at the end of those first flights..

My favourite slope soaring "glider" is a jet or a WWII fighter... Yes, that's right. They are the right shape to cut through a big wind on the slope while I fly at speed. No engine required.

High power fast motor glider racers are called hotliners.

Thermal soaring: Thermals are rising masses of warm air that provide the challenge and enjoyment for the thermal sailplane pilot. Thermal sailplanes are slow, gracefully floating across the sky. Finding the invisible lift and using it to climb like an eagle is a source of great enjoyment.

Motor gliders don't need wind, they have propellers, motors fitted to allow climbing up from flat flying sites, with a subsequent thermal & soaring descent flight.