Glider Cockpit Tour While Flying Between the Clouds

Shot inside a modern high performance glider cockpit at 12,000 ft and explains the basics of glider instruments and soaring in a sailplane. If you have ever wondered how gliders work and how far they can really go then this video is a great help. The video was taken above Cedar Valley Airport just 20 miles south of Salt Lake City, Utah by pilot Bruno Vassel IV flying in a 15 meter ASW-27B sailplane (glider). Hope you enjoy and it answers a few questions about how gliders work!

[@BrunoVassel]

Thanks for watching! Yes, I wear a parachute. You don't really have the problem of a wing breaking. The biggest risk for needing a parachute is a mid air collision with another glider. They are rare but you don't want to be up in the air wishing you had one. You have to give a full glider a try! I tried paragliders and really enjoyed it but imagine being able to fly many hundreds of miles a day easily at ground speeds often over 150 miles per hour! Go take a ride and see for yourself. Bruno

[@madjoemak]

Finally someone who explains everything in an understandable way! And actually in a glider too! Thanks!

[@simongault2117]

Bruno u r a great ambassador for the sport, keep it up. Love ya work.

[@codeman1979]

You definitely got me interested in gliders

[@sorakojootti2725]

You definetly got me intrested to this video

[@zompanda2]

For a guy that makes under 12k a year.... your glider is like a dream... yet its weekly thing for you. you sir... are a hero of mine and i wish i was as lucky as you were with the draw of life and life choices. please keep posting videos because i will keep watching a dream. thank you.

[@nothing_burger]

MOST comprehensive and informational video on soaring/gliders on YT!!! Thanks so much, you answered so many questions I've been building up since I began researching gliders.

[@otsokivivuori7726]

12 000 ft. That is just amazing. Where I fly getting thermals up to 2500m, or around 8 000 ft, is pretty much the best day of the year. Flying there must feel amazing.

[@jacekpiterow3135]

Bruno is the best. It took for me more than 3.5 years, but I never give up. I got that licence! There are awesome to fly gliders. That is not just takeoff, cruse and landing. Every time it is a challenge, adventure, and new experience. Each flight creates memory you can talk about, or just cherish your experiences.

[@aldwynbrian1]

Just rekindled my love of Gliding.Was a pilot for 25 years. Can't wait to get back.Thankyou.

[@skimbo72]

'...and that's the best sale pitch I've got...' Sold to the man at the back😀

[@coma13794]

As someone who only flies powered aircraft, I can tell you this looks incredibly liberating and relaxing. I think I'll work towards a glider rating at some point.

[@NicholasLittlejohn]

ssa.org, the add on isn't much and will make you a much safer pilot.

[@DerekFromBK]

I agree. As a Private Pilot I had no clue that gliders went so high and can soar so far. Very eye opening video and now I will plan on taking a discovery glide.

[@BrunoVassel]

Sounds about right. At 55 miles out I was 6,000 ft AGL and felt like I needed 2000 to make it. At 15 miles out I was 1500 above the ground and circled with some gulls for 30 minutes until a little thermal popped up in the last bit of sun on the ground around for miles and I got home. Exciting!!! This is why I keep coming back year after year. The thrill of not knowing if you are going to make it home is so addicting. Thanks for watching and yes, Utah is amazing. Fly safe, Bruno

[@IHaulBoxes]

Man your video's make me so jelly! We don't usually get the kind of weather you seem to have all the time... Clouds usually are at FL050 or lower (we measure in flight levels above 4500ft here in Belgium). And our max altitude before going in to controlled airspace is FL075. It's a joy watching your videos! Please, keep 'em coming!

[@BrunoVassel]

Wow great questions. Here are my responses. I look outside to make sure I don't hit anything including birds, other aircraft (of all types), UFO's, etc. :) I have seen around a dozen or so HG and PG over 18 years above 15,000ft. It is great fun to go circle around one and see the difference in speeds between the two. Again, a sailplane can often cruise at 150 mph+ in between thermals! 6'5" is the max. A few gilders can handle you. There is a relief system. Chute always yes. Birds go above 18k.

[@alexarnoldy]

Kind of a late reply but I noticed that your camera mount was "suffering" under the G-loading. It pulled down at the end of the loop. Kind of funny. Love the tour and explanation. I learned some new stuff. Thanks!

[@BrunoVassel]

Sounds like you are well on your way. I started training and within 3 months had my license without having flown anything before so if you stay dedicated you can actually go quite quickly. Best of luck and have fun. I did all my training in the 2-33. I love that old bird. Lots of very fond memories in her. Bruno

[@BrunoVassel]

Gliders can range from $10,000 to well over $250,000! The glider in this video is right around $100,000. If you are interested in gliding you can find a glider that will match your available budget. Go give it a try. Bruno

[@BrunoVassel]

So glad you are enjoying my videos. Congrats on starting to learn how to fly!!! My glider has both trim and flaps. With a flapped glider you adjust the flap setting based on your speed and often don't need to adjust the trip because the flaps are doing their job. In a flapless glider you are adjusting trim much more, Have fun and be safe. Bruno

[@glathoppa]

Great video, as always. Many thanks. Safety comment for any budding pilots: If you need to report your flight level to Air Traffic Control, set 1013mb on the alitimeter and call the number of hundreds of feet. To clarify that statement, 11000 feet on an altimeter set to 1013mb would be called as 'flight level one one zero' to ATC (because one hundred and ten hundreds of feet = 110x100 = 11000 feet). A 1013mb setting is the compulsory standard for actually flying flight levels. It ensures that everyone who is flying flight levels is on exactly the same pressure settting. If one or more pilots fails to set 1013mb, they could be flying at dangerously low, or even nil, vertical separations from other aircraft who are correctly using 1013mb. Of course (as Bruno knows) 1013mb must not be used for checking terrain clearance unless 1013mb, by sheer coincidence, is the applicable QNH for the area you're flying through. Again, as Bruno knows, when set to QNH, your altimeter reads vertical distance above notional mean sea level. If the applicable QNH is 1013 then its your lucky day! Otherwise, don't forget to change from 1013mb back to applicable QNH when terrain clearance needs to be monitored. For landing, some pilots (e.g. some airline varieties) set QNH (altimeter reads airfield altitude on touchdown). Alternatively, some pilots (e.g. most glider types) set QFE (altimeter reads zero on touchdown).

[@mbitr1001]

And another example of why I love this channel. Excellent, Bruno, keep them coming.

[@jarederhardt]

Awesome video and clear instruction of all controls. I especially liked the loop at the end. Great job.

[@bumper52]

Bruno, great video! Nice to see another of my MKIV "high tech" yaw strings has a good home and is appreciated by a great pilot (grin) thank you for the endorsement. bumper

[@BrunoVassel]

Thank you for the gentle reminder of how lucky I am. You are so right. Thanks.It is fun to hear of others enjoying these soaring videos put up and I look forward to sharing more with with you. Take care, Bruno

[@MilamWarrior]

I have never thought anything of gliding but this just changed my mind! Most certainly looking for a class now!! Awesome video!

[@jimscouten4616]

Well done, a great spokes man for the sport of gliding. Thanks for taking the time to share. Cant wait for our club to start the 2015 season.

[@BrunoVassel]

Jim Scouten Thanks for the kind words Jim.

[@neastop]

I'm going to show this to all my friends who ask about gliding. Its a great intro film!

[@hossstevens9854]

Awesome ... what a great video, Bruno. Thanks so much for explaining what everything on the inside is and how it all works. Also, thanks for taking your time to share your super cool video collection!!

[@BrunoVassel]

LOL - I never said 12k a year. That was someone else. Thanks for watching. Bruno

[@benjaminedwards3086]

these videos of you flying make me so excited for my first solo flight. i just started but it should be in about two months

[@BrunoVassel]

:) Thanks so much for the support and glad you enjoyed it.

[@BrunoVassel]

Cedar Valley which is 25 miles south of Salt Lake City. Thanks for watching. Bruno

[@GregoryBrown6283]

What a great video. Thank you Bruno. I really enjoy watching you glide. I’m now at 5 flights and have 2 hours in my logbook. I’ll get there.

[@arcangelkq]

As usual Bruno,a great helpful video. Looking to start my gliding adventure very soon back her over the pond in the UK, at a very sought after location in Cornwall England. Have watched your videos for a few years now. Top skills my friend.

[@BrunoVassel]

Awesome! You will have a great time and learn a ton. Enjoy the view and the feelings of freedom up in the air. Bruno

[@AttentiveDragon]

Thanks for the great explanation. I'd always wondered how gliders can actually ascend without engines, but you did a great job explaining how everything works and what all of the instruments are for. I'm definitely tempted to try it out someday!

[@katobaggins]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make your videos. I have been enjoying them the last couple of days. My first flight in a small plane was in a glider. I hope to get back into in a finally get my license. You have really inspired me. :)

[@BrunoVassel]

LOL, kind of...but it isn't as bad as you make it sound. In the close to 20 years I have been flying gliders I have ended up not making it back to my home airport and landing in a farmer's field 9 times and at another airport 5 times. None of these field landings put a single scratch on the glider. Gliders are made to do this. Not knowing if you are going to make it back home is one of the main things that keeps this sport exciting for me and so much fun. You never know what will happen! Bruno

[@BrunoVassel]

It is called a yaw string. Since you don't have an engine pulling you along it is easy to fly sideways in a glider. The yaw string is a simple device to help you to fly straight into the wind.

[@TimotejHofbauer]

And BVIV, thank you for all the videos you have made! You became virtual instructor :) Love your flying!

[@wwiding]

Thanks for the cockpit tour. I love videos like these. I probably won't be gliding until next year, but I'm learning as much as I can now. I may pick up a few books and videos this weekend.

[@Snakehealer]

The best glider tour ever, thumbs up.

[@whoisddr]

Your explanation is so good and easy to understand!)) Thank you so much for your videos! In Russia initial flight course costs around $3500 and includes 20 hours of flights.

[@douglasbailey9679]

Great video! I used to own and fly a Phoebus B (N22RF) so I really enjoy all of your videos.

[@managainstwar]

I can't thank you enough for this incredibly informative-and inspiring-video and for all your careful replies to the comments. I've already found my local club!

[@BrunoVassel]

Thanks for the kind words. I would love to someday get down there and fly with you guys! It is already on the bucket list. Take care and I am jealous since your season is just getting going! Bruno

[@nathan198200230082]

One of the best videos I have seen on youtube in a very long time. Thanks for sharing, I really enjoyed it!

[@ryanlewis5611]

ok thanks. i am 15 and new to the world of soaring and just started flying in june. I hope to solo this weekend and your videos make me want to be able to fly like you one day!

[@muziky2k]

Amazing video, dude. It's amazing how far you can go. I had no idea gliders could travel so far.

[@jorger2583]

Thanks for explaining the panel and just listening to you talk brings clarity to whole flying a glider process. It’s Pretty Cool. Thanks. Like!

[@BrunoVassel]

Yes, the beeping tells you if you are going up or down without having to look at your instruments. It is annoying on video but incredibly helpful while flying. Bruno

[@BrunoVassel]

Absolutely!!! :) One of my favorite pieces of equipment on the glider. Could not fly without it. Even have a spare just in case...no joke! :) Take care, Bruno

[@PeterArnold1969]

Great video, Bruno. I haven't done real soaring, but I soar sailplanes regularly on Flight Simulator X with thermals add-on like Cumulus X which make the experience a whole lot more realistic. I understand all about thermal flying and ridge thermals which makes my hobby all that more realistic. My favourite sailplane in my "kit" is the LS8-18 from the Wolfgang Piper website. Keep soaring and enjoying your wonderful sport.

[@JanPBtest]

Same as in paragliding! A very useful noise. Thanks for the video.

[@davidg4474]

great commentary as usual. lol. without paying too much attention, because you were explaining things, you were gaining altitude like crazy!

[@BrunoVassel]

Funny - you're right. If only it was always that easy. :)

[@MajDisaster19]

Thanks for the great video! Just started glider flying lessons at Sandhill Soaring Club in MI last weekend. With a family membership we're all learning to soar. Can't wait for our second lessons this weekend!!

[@hottsteel]

good job on promoting this beautiful sport

[@BrunoVassel]

Oh how I love the Phoebus! Great glider and oh so fun to fly!

[@AstrAustralia]

Bruno, all your videos are fantastic:-) Happy soaring MJ-Australia

[@coptotermes]

Thanks for the very informative video. The loop at the end gave me vertigo! lol

[@DCGULL01]

Bruno! Thank you very much for the simple explanation of the controls, speeds, methods for finding lift, etc... Your channel was the 1st one I fell in love with to watch gliding. Did you get a new glider over the winter? I forget what you had before... A side note- Balleka (Mr. Wright) was my other favorite glider channel, and, I will miss his antics on the air, and, amongst his friends. He made great videos, and, I honestly thought he was at a private school with a glider program! He was like a child (commercial pilot no less!) when it came to gliding with his fellows, laughing, giggling, playing (safely) in thermals, waves, and cliff soaring. I will miss him, this community lost a real asset. Thank you again for sharing your experiences with us on the ground. Dave

[@BrunoVassel]

Thanks Dave for the comments. I have kept my 27. I will likely get something new in the next few years, but for now, I am still in love with my girl. She can completely outdance my skills for many years to come. Take care, Bruno

[@matthewq2365]

Beautiful and Awesome. Majestic and Powerful. Tech is cool too. Keep Soaring!

[@begisek2]

Bravo Four - you're the gliding Evangelist!

[@127TROOP]

Will be taking my very first flight in a couple of weeks, ( at 50 yrs old...man, guys my age buy red sports cars don't they?) I want to get my glider pilots license, so excited doesn't come close. I have joined a club here in the U.K., (20 minutes drive away...that's a bonus...) and Your explanation of the various dials and controls is a huge help (even the yaw string,) your relaxed delivery of each one is excellent, and each of the videos I have watched of yours are inspirational to the aspiring pilot so thank you......

[@BrunoVassel]

Sooooo? How did the flight go?!?!?! Did you ever make it up for a flight? Please share.

[@SkylarkBlue_RGC]

Beautiful descriptions sir. You've reinforced my motivation to keep training. 👍

[@dicku19]

Great video! It was nice to hear your explanations of everything.

[@BrunoVassel]

It really depends on the conditions and weather. In some areas of the world 60 miles per hour average ground speed is very good. In other places you can average over 100 miles per hour. That includes stopping and circling to gain lift! If you look at my other videos you will see one where I averaged 87 miles per hour over a 300 km triangle course.

[@BrunoVassel]

Great question. I usually put on the oxygen somewhere between 10,000 and 12,000 feet with most flights going up to 18,000 ft where oxygen is not an option.

[@diamondmidnightgardener]

Great pilot, great video, great resource.... thanks!

[@RDYS]

Nice video, lots of info and well spoken. Enjoyed it

[@svyt]

Great video, Bruno! Really nice commentary and explanations. I'm a PPL, and I've got a week scheduled to camp out down at Estrella to start working on my glider rating - really looking forward to it. Maybe I'll catch you out along the way somewhere.

[@BrunoVassel]

Since you already have your private license you just need to get the glider add on. I think the minimum requirement is something like 10 landings. I have known people who have dedicated a week's time and got the add on. It is great fun and will make you an even better pilot. Careful though, gliding is extremely addicting. :) Take care, Bruno

[@Macsgrafs]

great video, very informative Bruno. Not to steal any light from Bruno I will give you a practical demo on how a glider stays up. Next time you're out for a walk in the hills, take a paper plane & throw it off a hill top, if the wind is straight onto the hill face...the plane will climb up, thats the wind going up the hill faster than the plane is coming down. We do this form of flying (slope soaring) with radio control gliders, as well as full size.

[@flyshacker]

Great sales job, Bruno! I have watched over 100 videos of soaring on KZbin, and yours is the best! You pushed me over the edge. I am going to look into soaring. One question: What BRAND of glass panel do you have in the center that displays thermals, etc.???

[@1krr]

Very cool! Been kicking around the idea of trying this out and this was good inspiration!

[@BrunoVassel]

Go do it! It is so worth it to try gliding. You will have a blast!

[@K0S0s]

Great video Bruno, it's cool to see you set up compared to some of the 27s down here. Heck of a machine.

[@HatCreekRimPioneer]

Thanks for sharing that info. Other than a few things like superior glide ratio, sink rate, inverted flight capabilities, enclosed cockpit, etc.,etc., I'm not too envious as a hang glider pilot ;). We do have it on you when it comes to foot-launched capabilities :). BTW, I know all to well about 'air-debris' - I've seen all sorts of stuff floating around on a good unstable day. Thanks again for sharing the inside of your beautiful soaring machine...

[@flynomo]

Very cool video. Sitting here not sure if I'd be scared to death or thrilled to death....but looks fun.

[@soar8hours]

I really enjoy your videos. I fly in NC in my Russia sailplane & our terrain is not a scenic as yours out west. Highest I have been here was 9K. No need for oxygen. Some folks do fly the Mt Mitchell wave in March though. I loved your loop too.

[@BrunoVassel]

+TOM CAT :) Thanks for watching! Enjoy the colors this Fall back east.

[@BrunoVassel]

John, great news! Please share back how your first lesson goes. It will blow your mind. ;) Don't worry if you don't get everything right away. Do another lesson as quickly as possible to follow up. Have a great time and tell us how it went. Bruno

[@Neolith100]

That was awesome! I am totally going to do this! Thank you for the video!

[@WORRO]

That's so cool. I want to do this so much! Thumb's up video buddy!~John

[@Hvtesla]

To us non glider types it's a very interesting video with good explanations. Having said that they would be too claustrophobic for me personally!

[@redieye]

Bruno, Love your videos! Vastly different from our East Coast scenery (and altitudes!). This one is superb... What a great idea! Why didn't I think about doing it?

[@LarryHockensmith]

Nice pith control! You are a natural!!

[@peterpause2491]

great video and narration. very clear

[@BrunoVassel]

We usually always talk in MSL terms so 12,000 ft above sea level. That would most often then mean 7,000 above the valleys and on level with the mountain tops. Not as high as it sounds at first! :) Bruno

[@mxcollin95]

Just found your channel and it’s awesome! 🤙

[@DomAviationChannel]

You are a great salesman ;-) If I wouldn´t already be hooked I´d be now.

[@Forese83]

Great tour, thanks for sharing your experience!

[@BrunoVassel]

It is so worth it! Go take a flight in a glider and get hooked like the rest of us! :)

[@AcuraDude44]

Great video! You're a true champion of the sport!

[@flankerskioneniner4290]

Thanks for the knowledge. Safe flight

[@indestructible419]

Cool video. Thanks for sharing!

[@n7ton]

Bruno, excellent video for anyone interested in flying but have questions before undertaking this great hobby. I used your earlier videos to get an idea on what this was about before joining a soaring club. I just recently flew my solo flight. There's no looking back now. I am an addict that is looking for some puffy Cu's outside my office window as I type.

[@PaulJoseph247]

I liked the video but one question always bothers me, What happens when you need the BATHROOM up there?

[@ianjohnson4987]

Excellent video - thank you

[@AstrAustralia]

Brune, you are fantastic, feel like flying with you:-) unfortunately not flying ASW 27 as You but only Jantar and now I'm waiting for ASW20b I really like you videos:-) MJ-Australia

[@tppurdy7]

That's really cool and I am looking forward to flying a glider

[@bedeorama]

Heh damn you, went and did a test flight and got a 3 month temporary membership. Prices can actually be some what reasonable, and its more getting the time off that is hard. anyway looking forward to seeing your next video's

[@BrunoVassel]

Yahoo!!! Another convert to our amazing sport. I love hearing stories like yours. Congrats on taking the leap and enjoy learning how to soar. It only just keeps getting better! :) Thanks for sharing. Bruno

[@8rboy]

I will be testing this on this sunday for the first time in my life :D