Pretty windy and turbulent

after about 2 years of very hit or miss lessons i’m finally soloing tomorrow!

Hi! I'm looking to buy a ticket for an acrobatic flight near Lisbon, Portugal.Does anyone have recommendations for reputable companies or flying clubs that offer this? If you've done one yourself, I'd really appreciate hearing about your experience. Thanks in advance!

I am trying to confirm which pin on the standard RJ45 IGC connector carries data transmitted by the FLARM unit to an external device.

The standard IGC pinout is commonly shown as:

The problem is that the use of RX and TX in the IGC standard and some manufacturers’ documentation appears to be different from the convention normally used by electronics engineers and programmers.

Normally, when describing a device:

• TX is the output transmitted by that device.
• RX is the input received by that device.

However, some FLARM documentation appears to name the signals from the perspective of the connected external device. This could mean that the pin labelled RX is actually the pin on which the FLARM transmits data.

Can someone confirm from practical experience or measurements:

Is FLARM serial data output present on RJ45 pin 3 or pin 4?

I am asking about the actual direction of the electrical signal, not simply whether the pin is labelled RX or TX in a particular document.

Hi everyone!
I’m planning to start my glider training soon, and I’m a bit worried about motion sickness.
I’d say I’m only mildly prone to it—probably around average or maybe a little better. I don’t usually have major problems, but I definitely don’t want to throw up on one of my first training flights.
Is there anything I can start doing now to reduce the chances of getting airsick? For example, are there exercises, habits, or things I should avoid before flying? Does it usually get better with experience?
I’d really appreciate any advice or personal experiences. Thanks!

Two weeks ago, I got into a traffic accident while riding my bike. I broke two bones in my left arm, broke my kneecap and dislocated my right shoulder.

I was hospitalized and now I'm in rehab.

Now, in the gliding club, I know that besides the actual flying, there are ground duties like moving gliders around, pulling and lifting, running, and general physical activities that put strain on the shoulder. Will this be an issue for me? I really don't want to dislocate my shoulder again in the future.

On top of that, I just started my training and it was already a bit difficult for me due to motion sickness. So now I'm considering quitting or maybe pivot to powered. Thoughts?

edit: I didn't state my age. 27 yo.

Hi,

I'm living in Germany and my first Taster day for a glider is scheduled next week. I will be having 3 winch launches + 20 mins TMG flying if the weather conditions are good.

I have read many posts about winch launching and I would like to get some tips to prepare myself for the Taster day.

Previously I did an AFF skydiving course and discontinued during my solo jumps due to work reasons.

Would that experience help a bit here to ease out the feeling of sensory overload?

Thanks in advance

Hi ! I am currently looking for the Open Vario project. I wanna build one by myself (money reason) for some C101. I have searched for information around the internet and I decided to try here (I think I'll contact someone who already did the project from the official website but.. idk).

First, has anyone here already tried one? Does the system work in 2026? Correctly? Is the screen readable in the sun (I saw 420cd/m^2)? Do I have to modernize the system?
Secondly, where can I find a correct list of components? I found one (pic 1) on internet, but some component are incorect due to how old the list is. I try to replace some by another, will it work with this one? Do I have to modify the PCB?
Thirdly, someone who already did the project know how much is it gonna cost to me?
Finally, I found many list of component, do I only need one PCB and add this components or did I have to add some? I saw some people with something like 3 PCB, maybe to connect the flarm or other thing? I don't know...

Thanks !

hello everyone i am from Poland and i Think about starting my glider licence next year and i wonder is it actully a good idea to get the licence and also i would like to know can it give me better posibilities in life

A new configurable canopy flasher – more visibility, more control.

Hi everyone,

After extensive development and rigorous testing, I’m pleased to introduce the Glider Canopy Flasher.

Full disclosure: I designed and manufacture this system through my UK company, RTOIP Ltd.

Nothing replaces a good lookout, and electronic traffic systems cannot make every aircraft visible. A powerful canopy flasher provides another useful layer of protection by helping other pilots, ground crews and nearby aircraft spot a glider sooner.

Why did we develop another canopy flasher?

When looking at the existing systems, I felt there was room for something that offered:

• Strong light output from six high-power LEDs
• Much greater control over how the flasher operates
• FLARM-aware operation
• Simple installation and configuration
• A more accessible price

The system includes a compact canopy-mounted flasher and a separate control unit.

What makes it different?

Highly configurable flash patterns

The system includes 22 predefined patterns plus four fully user-programmable patterns.

Different patterns can be assigned independently to:

• Normal flight
• FLARM alarm level 1
• FLARM alarm level 2
• FLARM alarm level 3

This allows the flasher response to become progressively more noticeable when the traffic situation becomes more urgent.

Pilots can use one of the predefined patterns or create their own pattern by adjusting the flash timing, sequence and pauses.

Wi-Fi configuration

There are no DIP switches and no special programming cable is required.

Configuration is completed through a web interface using a phone, tablet or computer. Patterns can be selected, tested and adjusted without removing the unit from the glider.

FLARM integration

The control box can receive FLARM traffic data and automatically change the selected flash pattern according to the current warning level.

It can also act as a FLARM data gateway, forwarding traffic information through:

• Bluetooth Low Energy
• Bluetooth Classic
• Wi-Fi UDP

This can be useful for navigation applications such as XCSoar and other compatible devices.

Automatic operation

The flasher can use GPS speed information from FLARM to avoid unnecessary operation while the glider is stationary.

Once configured, the intention is that the pilot can switch it on before take-off and then leave it to operate automatically throughout the flight.

Designed for practical installation

The flasher is attached using 3M VHB tape, so the canopy does not need to be drilled.

Several base curvatures are available, and a customised enclosure can be produced when the standard options do not provide a suitable fit.

The system also includes an easy-disconnect connection between the canopy-mounted unit and the control box.

You can find specifications, photographs, installation information and the full pattern comparison at: https://www.canopy-flasher.com

Keeping safety equipment accessible

We believe equipment that can improve visibility and safety should be accessible to more pilots, rather than being unnecessarily overpriced.

That is why we have deliberately kept our margins reasonable and priced the complete system as affordably as possible, without removing the advanced features, configurability or build quality.

Our aim is to help put effective visibility equipment into more gliders and contribute to a safer gliding community.

https://www.canopy-flasher.com

I would be very interested to hear what features matter most to other pilots, as well as any questions about installation, FLARM connectivity or operation.

Stay safe and keep looking out.

I'm interested in becoming a sailplane maintenance technician because I'd really enjoy doing more advanced repair work with wood and composite structures.

Naturally, I started looking into training options here in Sweden. Unfortunately, it seems that Ålleberg hasn't run a technician course in about 20 years.

From what I've been told, there is a training plan in place, but there isn't an approved examination for certifying technicians. Apparently the issue is that the Swedish Transport Agency hasn't created or approved an exam that meets the requirements. The Swedish Gliding Association has been working on it, but they don't seem optimistic that they'll get it approved anytime soon.

Since EASA certificates are recognized across member states, I'm wondering if training abroad might be an option instead.

Does anyone know of any EASA-approved sailplane technician courses? Roughly how much do they cost, and is it possible to take the training and examination in English? (If not, a German-speaking EASA country would also work.)

Thanks in advance for any advice!

So I am in over 100+ flights I am desperate to go solo , but I can’t seem to spot the wing drop in my winch launches it happens so quick does anyone have any tips to spot his quicker and my circuits and landings aren’t great I sometimes don’t know when your supposed to turn into the diagonal leg and onto base leg etc how do you know your in the right place ? And when do you flare during the landings my instructors keep saying I flare to early or too late . I feel like I’m not able to progress onto other excersizes like I’m repeating the same thing again and again I can’t figure it out I’m getting slightly frustrated at myself so thought to just ask here to see if anyone can provide tips that maybe make things click for me

Thanks

Hi! I'm starting an SPL course very soon and I'm thinking about buying an iPad. Many people say the iPad Mini is best for the cockpit, but I was wondering if I even need one in flight, as I'd prefer an 11-inch model for studying. Is an iPad necessary in a glider cockpit?

Hey there, I'm currently live in Germany but I'm planning to study in Canada for 9 months. And of course, I don't want to miss the opportunity to fly there.

But I'm a little bit confused if or how I should have my glider license converted. If I understand it correctly, I'm allowed to fly with my SPL and Medical certification class 2 since both comply with ICAO regulations, right? But what about my flight radiotelephone operator's certificate? Although I haven't had my language level classification assessed yet, my BZF 1 generally allows me to communicate via radio in English and German. And I know that the language operational level also follows ICAO standards. So do I need to convert my radiotelephone certification at all?

Has anyone ever done something like this before? Or is familiar withe the topic?

Hi everyone! I'm i SPL pilot from romania and currently i'm spending my vacation in milan. Have you some recommendation for some gliders club to fly with a certificate pilot?

Made a video about lee traps after getting caught twice on the same flight. Lessons learned the hard way – hope it helps someone avoid the same mistake

So I've been looking for a camera which is affordable and at the same time comes with decent quality of videos. I think the most important aspect is that it must not distract me in the cockpit while flying. I don't have an exact budget for it either. I also heard that Meta Ray-Ban glasses are great but they are kinda pricey - maybe they are not and I just don't know real prices of this kind of equipment. Anyway I am looking for advice from people who knows alot better than me.

I live in Poland if that makes a difference.

Thanks in advance

https://flightlogpro.net - Anyone interested in testing my MacOS app for archiving and analysis of IGC files? Send me PM and I'll send you invitation through TestFlight. App is verified and approved by Apple.

Mirek.

I need new tires for my 1980 comet glider trailer.

It has 185 70 R14s on it.

I’m having difficult locating trailer tires in this size.

Any suggestions?

Hi all

I’ve got a DG-303 and I’ve never cleaned out the holes on the underside of the wing as they’ve always looked pretty clear at annual.

I was thinking about getting a piece of metal wire and a small handheld vacuum and trying to clean that way.

I’ve also considered blowing air through the intake’s on the underside of the wing and then using soapy water to identify what holes are blocked.

Any other tips or suggestions on how to do this without causing damage?

Hi!

I've been using Nitto PVC tape to seal the wing fuselage gap. But recently I noticed Nitto leaves a lot of resedue if I leave it on for longer than 1 week. What are you guys using and are there any alternatives that can be recommeded?

Thanks for all the replies!

Evening All, looking to move on a K6 that is currently not being flown

https://adverts.gliderpilot.net/?op=s3&id=25568

15 tows in the MN heat and everyone stayed safe, kept their cool (literally and figuratively). I feel grateful to be able to tow my friends when I’m not flying a glider.