How not to fly a glider

[@StefanoBorini]

**Note: the video and the audio are desynchronised. It used to work correctly. I already reported the problem to youtube** For context as this video apparently got very popular for unknown reasons. This was in my early flights (probably around 60 as I am doing aerotows and landing practice). Here is a list of the mistakes, besides the ones I report at the end of the video: 1. I did not have the glider stand on the main wheel on ground run. 2. I held the release, albeit loosely. While this is a BGA requirement for winch launches due to the risk of cartwheel, tow pilots don't like that during aerotow. 3. I towed a bit too low, ending in a lot of turbulence, especially at the beginning. 4. Once released, I didn't slow down quick enough. This could potentially lead to hitting the rope. 5. Poor control coordination. 6. My workload handing was still not refined to talk and fly at the same time. 7. Radio call was messed up. 8. Round out was too late (although the root reason is that visibility was poor due to canopy reflections, as you can see) 9. A lot of bouncing as I didn't full hold the landing. Probably speed was not perfect so I also ended up rolling quite a lot. 10. I heard the motorglider call, but I didn't listened to it. When under a lot of workload, hearing is not the same as listening. You hear, but you don't parse the information. Today, almost 3 years and 500 flights later, it kind of feels nice to see that I am able to fly a glider with not more effort than driving a car.

[@gedgar2000]

You are being to hard on yourself. I hear your voice and expect to see horrible things on my screen and I don't. You should be critical of yourself though, so it's better to be too critical than not critical enough. If you're not feeling confident, the result may end up turning out OK, but if you feel like the glider was flying you. and you ended up OK in the end, you should practice until you feel like you were in control the whole time mentally. Then you can take credit for the result, and the resultant confidence is justified. My first flight after a long absence will look fine, but feel shaky. I know by now that on the second flight I' know that be feeling good again -- that I was running the show.

[@gedgar2000]

That's a great feeling isn't it, when you're flying with little effort like you're driving a car? Then it starts to get extra fun because your reflexes and muscle memory are taking the workload off your brain and you can be thinking of more important things. And less important things like what a nice day it is, and how much fun it can be to fly a glider. LOL

[@manwinkler]

I think you’re learning and having fun .... think that’s great! Congrats.

[@lewismackinnon9286]

it got popular due to thumbnail and name, ppl were expecting some sort of fail

[@StefanoBorini]

Thing is, I don't really care that much about views. Some of my videos became very popular, others were pretty much not watched at all. I upload stuff for myself and my friends, as well to free my hard drive. Some people find some of my videos entertaining somehow. It might be the odd accent, or maybe the fact that I publish mostly the innocence of flight youth.

[@sam_xtreme7674]

This shows my knowledge on flying Nothing looked wrong in this video

[@tunalev9390]

hahahahahaha so true!

[@Fuuq2]

Your fuel mixture was a little rich, engines could have been feathered out a bit.

[@nemo227]

Devon Billy, I'm still laughing. It reminds me of back in the sixties at Sky Sailing Airport, Fremont, California. The tow plane would sometimes return with the engine off but they didn't feather the prop either. The Piper Super Cub didn't have a prop that could be feathered.

[@windshearahead7012]

Sorry but that’s not a sep

[@minutewithmitch7609]

You know nothing!

[@clavis82]

I love the fact that you are not afraid of sharing your flights, even if they are not perfect.

[@PiloteBoeing747]

So, this is a good pilot 👍

[@vistaworx634]

Here is a list of the mistakes, besides the ones I report at the end of the video: 1. I did not have the glider stand on the main wheel on ground run. 2. I held the release, albeit loosely. While this is a BGA requirement for winch launches due to the risk of cartwheel, tow pilots don't like that during aerotow. 3. I towed a bit too low, ending in a lot of turbulence, especially at the beginning. 4. Once released, I didn't slow down quick enough. This could potentially lead to hitting the rope. 5. Poor control coordination. 6. My workload handing was still not refined to talk and fly at the same time. 7. Radio call was messed up. 8. Round out was too late (although the root reason is that visibility was poor due to canopy reflections, as you can see) 9. A lot of bouncing as I didn't full hold the landing. Probably speed was not perfect so I also ended up rolling quite a lot. 10. I heard the motorglider call, but I didn't listened to it. When under a lot of workload, hearing is not the same as listening. You hear, but you don't parse the information. But apart from that, you did fine!

[@gliding_soaring]

"tow pilots don't like that during aerotow" ?

[@oog2008]

he is also very tense and has his hands wrapped around the flightstick

[@resedent2009]

@@gliding_soaringthat confused me too, the tug pilot doesn’t know and doesn’t care. You should always keep hold of the release

[@andrewdalby4918]

No reason to be ashamed, especially if you learnt from the experience. All of us who have flown have made mistakes. I enjoyed this video. You also have a good instructor giving you just the right of amount of input, debriefing and letting you get on with flying the aircraft. Well done!

[@SandyZoop]

That's how you learn. You had a good instructor--my dad was an instructor from the 60s through the 80s. As long as you learn, that's the important part.

[@numbnerve]

I had one instructor with zero patience for anyone that didn't think just like himself...made for miserable lessons until I found a better one.

[@fifthape2119]

Instead of feeling ashamed, feel happy that you got me excited to want to learn to fly a glider! To me, that was beautiful!

[@maxdieters2880]

Fifth Ape It really is a beautiful hobby but this guy flew really dangerous

[@andycopland3179]

I used to fly daily with work, I was a professional parachutist. I never realised how much I'd miss the flying until I broke my back. Enjoy it while you can buddy, we aren't all promised another go.

[@EleanorPeterson]

That's a perfect example of what SHOULD happen when one's learning. A keen student desperate to know more, and a calm instructor who understands that you NEED to let a student get things slightly wrong here and there in order to improve. One of the best things about learning in this way nowadays is the use of an on-board video camera. Simulators are useful for all sorts of reasons, but what a treat for both guys to be able to sit down with a cuppa immediately afterwards and examine the whole flight in detail. It's of value for everybody else at the club, too. A great video. :-)

[@wrenchrad]

Stefano, looks like a normal pilot learning experience to me, remember good landings are the ones where you can walk away, and great landings are ones where you get to use the aircraft again!

[@BluCat86]

You call this how not to fly a glider? I’ll show you how to not fly a glider!

[@MaynardFreek]

I’d be the first in history to make it do cartwheels

[@StefanoBorini]

😀

[@elkcircle7245]

Very good instructor - little bits of calm pertinent advice while letting you get on with it.

[@fingerhorn4]

It wasn't that bad. Your voice suggested you were unconfident but your flying resulted in a decent final approach and a safe landing. I think you are being a bit hard on yourself. It was ok!

[@cal-native]

Nice calm instructor. He let you make the needed adjustments, and you really didn't do that badly. Yes, you were skidding here and there, but you had plenty of airspeed and you made the necessary corrections. You'll be fine😊.

[@lbowsk]

You said "hard on".

[@tntkop]

Sounded like your Flux Capacitor was running a little rough. That’s usually a pretty easy fix: just use a 12 gauge shotgun blank to blow out your left magneto and it’ll smooth out right fast. If that doesn’t work, check your Halogen Fluid level. If that’s low, you can turn your Tube Amp up to eleven. It’ll sound like a Seismic Anomaly at first, but after the Barometric Pressure warms up, you’ll be able to Cat Launch off the third wire right away. Hope that helps.

[@ocvegasproperty]

tntkop nah, It’s all ball bearings...

[@Nandan0907]

I am so impressed by your knowledge on the topic

[@jonashermann7092]

I agree with the common opinion. A good pilot is allways determined to improve himself. Even the best of us make simple mistakes, the important thing is to honestly accept your mistake and ask yourself, what whent wrong, why and how you can do it better next time. Stiff upper lip, you did well!

[@davidinnes8754]

Every one has to learn, what is worse is if people dont make mistakes... Not everyone would have posted it, so well done for your honesty.

[@xXOxIdEXx]

That was very good lesson for you. I am not sure if that is just my impression, but your instructor seems to be a great guy. When I started my PPL on Cessna I had ex-military pilot as an instructor. He used to reduce thrust completely out of nowhere and pretend to be incapacitated. Literally, 2000 feet altitude, guy closes his eyes. I was asking „sir, what the hell” and he was like „I’m dead now, save yourself”. When I think of it now, it is pretty funny, but back then I had goosebumps :)

[@tectorama]

As they say....."Any landing you can walk away from is a good one "

[@npbarnett]

This is an example of both HOW to fly a Glider glider and how to instruct. I think you’re flying was actually very good in many ways. That was a really slick take off however your workload went through The roof with you being released into low cloud, very disorientating! - However I think your instructor was really calm and helpful, just pushing your thinking without overloading you. - You’ also made a number of sound airmanship decisions about the circuit under extreme pressure. Clearly you did alright and showed that you do know how to fly a glider (despite the crap title of this video, remember , those that can do, those that can’t criticise!) Any minor tweaks that are pointed out by your instructor were very much down to high workload induced , situation awareness issues. These are the bugbear of all pilots, regardless experience.

[@rodmakermagazine7117]

The ground portion of aero-tow is very difficult. But once mastered, it is very rewarding.

[@michalprzybysz1695]

That was kind of ok. When I was student I found extremaly difficult to fly and explain myself at the same time. Basically my brain can do 2 things at a time 1) Fly 2) look around. If I have instructor behind No 2 is replaced with explainig to him/her what i'm going to do and than all magic is fucked.

[@planes1997]

Did you ever experience the moments where you hit updrafts on your finals for landing or when coming downwind? I had that problem, i think, about ten times in five flights. I kept hitting updrafts on the downwind or finals leg (before i could deploy my air brakes) and had to abandon and try again. As much as it was fun it was rather annoying to begin with. But I was learning well and quickly (apparently) to apply the skills of visual handling in the aircraft. Bearing in mind I had two other gliders flying around in my cohort as well as me all at different stages of the circuit.

[@hectorpascale1013]

@6:32 to the right there are these small "Hangars" (Party sheds) for each plane. I thought about it, but have never seen it before till now. A close up would be cool!

[@HavanaSyndrome69]

Where are you going to land Stefano?!

[@Fimpiekijke]

Good video and instruction, it is always good to see the learningprocess, and see both pilots working hard, and I think also having fun. Many happy landings!

[@davegoodwin1848]

I saw on our local news maybe a couple years ago that a very young girl...I think they said 11 was doing her first solo flight. I was impressed and when I see vids like this I wish I had this opportunity. Thanks for sharing!

[@AhmedRaza-si7ip]

Which place is this I would love to visit

[@DrLI-rb6mg]

Is that a white line dragging your plane to fly?

[@MoonWalkersbin]

i like your vids! self irony is a huge bonus!

[@richardking6066]

I thought the instructors voice was familiar... Not to mention that it looked like you were in a K21. It really started to come together when you mentioned landing in 'the diamond' - and of course the final clue was the call-sign KFY. I've recently started flying at Gransden Lodge myself, and have flown this very glider - although I normally seem to end up in HTV . BTW I still only aspire to be able to enter the circuit and land as 'badly' as you did in the video!

[@richardking6066]

Today (in HTV) I was , at last, able to make the same circuit and landing!

[@rohanstephens8559]

Being hard on your self... you landed in one piece and seemed in control the whole time. nice one !

[@keegan773]

We have all been there. It's difficult to coordinate everything at the outset but with practice you will get there.

[@douglasrodrigues332]

keegan773, the best way to achieve excellent control is not to focus on controlling the sailplanes or airplane, but to become one with the machine. If you ride motorcycles, being coordinated with the rudder and aileron becomes second nature. That yaw string never gets too far from where It's supposed to be because you already know where the center of gravity is by riding your motorcycle. It's the same feeling of up and down. Relax and feel what's happening rather than controlling the airplane or sailplanes as though it were a computer game. "Feel" what You're doing. After a while you become one with the machine. The sailplane or airplane becomes you. Everything becomes second nature. You are flying yourself, not just controlling the machine.

[@wmfife1]

​@@douglasrodrigues332 Good advice all around! I wish more instructors saw it this way. Just one thing I learned flying with my father in a no-radio Aeronca: learn to *visualize* the air. Meaning letting your mind "see" how the air flowing over the wings keeps you aloft and how changes in airspeed and /or attitude affect the craft's performance. Atmospheric density changes with altitude and temperature but are predictable and readable so inform yourself of density altitude before each flight and behave accordingly. If you do these things and learn them instinctively you will experience what it is to be a bird in flight and forever avoid those pitfalls brought on by pilots still trying the drive the plane as if it were a car. Many accidents are traceable to just this human error. Never overload your plane no matter if you promised your brother-in-law a ride. If he weighs 300 lbs tell him about weight and balance. It could mean both your lives.

[@dowrh2]

What fun! Gliders are great fun to fly.

[@BuddySpike101]

I’m halfway through my glider course and I think that the only way to get better at it is to have bad flights. I’m sure next time he will learn from his mistakes.

[@charliedenny1]

Where is this?

[@BigFiveJack]

Thank you for posting this video. I appreciate the learning that I derive from people who share as you do!!!

[@TimMatrix]

Could I please ask what camera and type of head gear did you use for this shot?

[@StefanoBorini]

Just a gopro session, the 1080p model. I did not do any adjustment. Just downloaded it from the camera, stitched the videos together with iMovie and uploaded.

[@059echo]

So ... What waa wrong in your flying ? All went well

[@scaamraam]

Is the glider pilot not expected to radio the tow plane that he is about to or has just released the towline? If he did, I didn't hear it.

[@kevinrhodes9329]

Where were you flying at ? I love that green scenery that you were flying over that was nice thanks for sharing

[@euanclark4671]

I know this is really late but he was flying at Gransden lodge in Cambridgeshire England

[@elsden722]

You did alright. Less than ideal weather conditions but given the circumstances you seemed safe and calm, you and your instructor both walked away and the aircraft was fine - successful landing

[@lordauriel8724]

I don't understand why some instructors teach their students to keep the nose down until 2m AGL seriously, you can do a much more pronounced round-out and then keep it off the ground for as long as possible I really do have to criticize this style because if you land like that in something like an Ls8 or whatever.. well it's basically a wheel landing and I don't see the benefit of that.

[@SalemikTUBE]

Dude! You did great. I have a long list of things such as flying a plane and wingsuit flying that I will never ever do cos of being chicken. I could hear the brain cogs grinding but you still managed it.

[@lbowsk]

Almost 35 years of professional flying and I've never landed without power. You did OK in my view. Lots of A-holes on YT. Ignore them.

[@TheInterestingInformer]

dont worry, youll get better, besides, you arent even bad!

[@SapereAudio]

Nice flight dude but I have to ask - do they instruct you to keep your hand on the rope release throughout the whole tow? Instructors at my club don't make us do that. I can understand during the ground run but once you're in the air aren't you just increasing the chance of an accidental release if you hit some big turbulence? Any instructors have an opinion?

[@JeffreyOsb]

I think it was nerves mixed with being harsh on yourself. That being said, you don't need to fix everything in a single flight. Pick 2 or 3 to work on during your next time up. If you master all of those, pick another 2 or 3 until you start making mistakes again, then drill the steps you've learned into your head until you can take another few steps.

[@78XT500]

Instead of focusing on what you did wrong, also focus on what you did right. Your attitude control was great, good airspeed awareness, good control under tow and in the correct position. Of course looking out for traffic and being aware of their position is critical but that will develop with time as your task load decreases. You did fine for your experience level. Just remember that one day when your are as experienced as your instructor is, you will find student pilots also struggling with traffic awareness, and you will use your experience to avoid them. Fly safe!

[@GeoffroAU]

I feel like I got a free flying lesson, thanks!

[@lancelottheknight7126]

Excuse me sir, may you tell me how much does it cost to fly a glider? Because having an actual plane to fly just for it to fly looks expensive. Thanks

[@StefanoBorini]

to learn, it costs around 2000 pounds. To rent, around 60-100 pounds per hour depending on the model. To buy, it depends on model and age. Like cars, there's a wide range. It can go from 10k to 150k. A brand new single seater is around 90-100k. On the plus side, they remain viable for 20-30 years. I would never buy a glider. Too expensive. Most people don't own a full glider. They team up and split the cost.

[@dalroache]

I'm not a glider pilot but from all the comments take comfort as EV one is saying it wasn't that bad and we learn from our mistakes just make sure that you do learn as with things like flying making to many big mistakes can be fatal etc stay blessed PEACE

[@RalphDratman]

What was so bad?

[@carsonp.7009]

he was not paying attention to his surroundings mostly, listen to the end of the video for the overview by what im assuming is the instructor, but he is very good overall

[@sule.A]

He made a comment recently explaining

[@lucky-pl6895]

was that mach 2 ?

[@henrikgormsen1020]

For a training flight, its' ok. The glider can be reused. Just remenber, the 21' is very very forgiving ;-)

[@guilhermecabral4578]

Very well done, you are alive!

[@gonagain]

Great instructor and you seem to be a good student. Nothing wrong here.

[@RandoWisLuL]

tow runs are hard man. you got this. man I need to go gliding again.

[@piwiwipi5233]

The plane, the passager and the pilot are safe, this is for me the definition of a good landing 😜

[@Muhfuckaa]

Every landing you can walk away from, was a good one :)

[@Chief-Instructor]

Looks like GRL. Fly with Rob Bryce-Smith. Best instructor there, bar none.

[@SeegzB]

You did ok mate, don't beat yourself up over it. We all had to learn and we all have flown worse circuits than that...

[@balazsmarton8516]

What kind of glider is this? Ask21? I mean i am flying with an ask and it looks a bit same

[@StefanoBorini]

Yes, a K21

[@tvflight7858]

Well, it wasn't the best landing, but it wasn't bad.

[@PeterPaul175]

Which airfield?

[@richardking6066]

Gransden Lodge - Cambridge Gliding Club. Highly recommended!

[@soremakes645]

Simon Cowell now a sailplane instructor?

[@johnenglish1080]

Not a good practice to keep your hand on the tow release during take off & on tow. Makes for the possibility of an unintended release if turbulence encountered.

[@StefanoBorini]

I agree, to a point. While on the ground run, it's good practice to hold it loosely so that if you drag a wing on the ground, you can release quickly. It's of course not as dramatic as in the case of a winch cartwheel, that can kill you, but it's going to take a very quick turn, and the faster you can release, the better. Once you are airborne, I now put my hand on the leg, close to the release but not holding it. I discussed at length both at the club and especially with very experienced tug pilots, and they all favour what you said. Close to the release, but not on the release. In practice, I am very skeptical of turbulence that can lead you to unintended release. The cable under tension requires a lot of force to release, and even then you can hold it very lightly without closing the fist but still being ready to pull. This is what I do during the climb of a winch. During the winch ground run I am holding it tightly because, as I said, cartwheels can kill you. If I accidentally release on winch ground run, it's an ultralow cable break and I know how to deal with those.

[@ben_jamin160]

try holding the yoke with the end of your fingers and making micro adjustments with a lose hand

[@DavidKozinski]

Another day of learning. Every moment we can improve on our techniques and put them to work to make us better pilots and human being's. Thanks for sharing.

[@skydive1424]

Well, don’t beat yourself up so much. I’ve been an instructor for years and I think you did just fine. The tow was nice and stable, yup, you could have pulled away from the tug after release. Pattern was a bit iffy but landing was safe. Few little things but safe in general. No disorientation and lack of confidence mostly. You’ll do just fine

[@HotelPapa100]

I am confused. Sound doesn't match the video AT ALL.

[@markmorrow9596]

Is that a Blanik?

[@StefanoBorini]

K21

[@markmorrow9596]

Cool. Not an expert, but soloed in Schweitzer 2-33 when I was 14, (almost 40 years ago!) and shortly after I got my solo ticket the club I flew with got a Blanik. Can’t remember which model, but it was MUCH higher performance than the 2-33. (Isn’t everything?)😉 Only got the opportunity to fly it a handful of times, but it was such a great feeling being up there in something with such vastly superior performance. It went so much faster when I had to go through sink it would lose very little altitude compared to the 2-33. Ironically, the airport I was flying out of was only about an hour away from Elmira, home to Schweitzer and also called the “glider capitol of the world”. Great videos and nice flying. Don’t be so hard on yourself. 👍

[@davidkey5531]

everyone was at your sage at one time. Good job and you'll get better.

[@0nem1leh1gh]

Low ceiling, so just a short flight without any updraft. Make a clear turn away from the towing plane after releasing the towing cable next time. Everything ok so far, you will make it.

[@hobiegal]

I had trouble following what was happening since the audio and video were not in sync.

[@jeroenjansen2709]

Normal flying lesson. Good instructor.

[@j_music_8779]

Good job sticking with it. I'd probably shit my pants.

[@douglasrodrigues332]

Looks like the tow position was a bit low? Wow, with that low overcast there definitely won't be any thermals. This looks like european weather.

[@MrBirgerB]

I think he was a bit high tbh. Also I think it is nicer to proper stall out the glider when you land.

[@richardking6066]

It's Gransden Lodge Airfield, near to Cambridge. I've flown this very glider - but usually in better visibility (I live just a few miles away).

[@tommy35ss]

I thought you did well. I am a commercial airplane pilot, and have not flown a glider, but other than some minor issues you did really well. More practice and studying, and you'll get it down

[@fjb4750]

Hey man I look at it this way. You flew and landed safely 😳🤣🤣🤣😳 No Crash No worries 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 then again the closest I ever came to flying was on a commercial airline and i flew a helicopter “kinda” more like he let me take control and let me maneuver while keeping his hands ready to take over. 😁

[@stevekemp3842]

Perfect my friend.. All the way from Bonny Scotland..

[@BradfordGuy]

No shame! You landed well, you listened to the instructor, you did not have the instructor take the controls back from you to save you AND you did not crash. If you learn something from each flight there is no shame. Don't be too harsh on yourself. It has been three years now, how are you doing? How has your flying changed since this video?

[@DangerousWordsPodcast]

I'm really confused at what was wrong with this flight other than what the instructor mentioned a couple little things you got into the air you flew around and you landed and no one died seems pretty successful.

[@pierredehhais]

the more you fly etc. My coach put me under massive stress and old general in the air force wa hard but will never forget

[@heatmoon]

In your defense your flying the most minimal aircraft in the sky, no motor, 2 point landing, at the mercy of thermals and changing wind. You were a bit nervous, that's never good omen

[@wmfife1]

Bad thing about going up on a cloudy day in a sailplane is once you release 100% of your thoughts are where am I going to land. To soar you need thermals. Many birds already understand this. Reservations can always be canceled and re-scheduled for better weather. Just some thoughts.

[@Roseland8]

Fair play for showing mistakes

[@jgmendes3664]

I´m a glider instructor and did not see anything so wrong on your procedures, considering there was that "terrible" guy behind you, judging every thing you do... Fine flight !

[@kevincharlton2208]

Bit hard on yourself I think. Like your instructor said, your lookout needed improving on ALL of the flight, obviously this is apparent with the go pro on your head. You didn't look at all when you released from the tug. Any turn you do you should be craning your head around looking up and down. Never fly with your head in the cockpit. But a very smooth flight with coordinated turns. well done. Think that's a ASK 21 if I'm not mistaking, lovely glider.

[@uwerothe6017]

Well done, the rest comes with experience!

[@paguk2000]

Always try to learn from your mistakes and watch others as they also make mistakes and learn from them. Remember your there to have fun enjoy this amazing sport

[@boulder89984]

Turning final takes on a whole new meaning when you don't have any power. You were apprehensive and focused on straight ahead. Look around, great view up there. It's gets better, I promise.

[@DudeManBoroMan]

Lol compared to the training mess ups i have had, you seem to be more aware of your mistakes.

[@Cab-xb4kx]

What was wrong with it ? You looked good !

[@OriginalThisAndThat]

Perfectionist never does 100%

[@J_GoTTi]

I wonder how much a nice glider costs. Also, THIS IS A 2 SEATER???

[@decnijfkris3706]

what's wrong with that flight?

[@201Pete]

not too bad-will learn from your mistakes

[@maniot9720]

Nobody wants to see a Perfectionist, you are good, but watch your mistakes

[@researchcapt]

Don't worry, your mistakes are how you learn.

[@kennethhelm2429]

I thought you did a decent job. It's tough to balance all that's going on when you're new to the game. you got lined up nicely on final, decent glide angle, and kept airspeed under control. Not much of a flare, and yes, a little skidding on the turns to base and final. But, for someone new at this, pretty good. Keep at it!

[@zot3371]

Kenneth Helm Is that a Janus? In the affirmative not the easiest of gliders

[@kennethhelm2429]

We had a Janus when I flew in AZ. Great glider, but jeez, you had to keep an eye on that yaw string at all times!