171
(Christchurch) Squadron Air Training Corps.
Wickfield
Avenue, Christchurch, Dorset. Tel: 01202 471671 (Meeting Monday & Thursday
Evenings)
 |
|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Gliding - The Viking has no engine and is accelerated to its flying speed by different means. One method is aerotowing where a powered aircraft acts as a tug and pulls the glider off the ground. As a cadet, it is unlikely that you will experience this method. If you are affiliated to a Viking school you will experience the winch launch. A winch is a series of drums on which are about 1,500 metres of strong, flexible, steel cable. The winch is powered by a powerful turbo engine which pulls the glider along the ground which, in turn, gives the glider lift.
A
series of signals is given from the launch point caravan, instructing
the winch driver when to launch. The cable is initially drawn in slowly
to remove any slack in the cable. When the cable is taut the winch driver
receives another signal called 'all out' at this point the winch driver
applies a lot more power to launch the glider into the air.
When
the glider has reached its desired height the cable is released by the
pilot. The height the glider achieves depends on the wind strength, the
speed at which the cable is being wound onto the drum and the length
of the cable. A
winch launch normally lasts between 5-6 minutes. However, in the warmer months
the pilot can use thermals (warm rising air) to stay aloft for longer periods
of time. The pilot will try to circle in the thermal to gain height.
Click
above to view gliding video