How to pilot a glider or sailplane

In this series of videos you'll get expert advice from a glider flight instructor on what it takes to pilot a glider or sailplane. Gene Franklin takes you along on a flight, demonstrating the pre-flight checklist and the universal hand signals used by glider pilots around the globe, how to take off and detach from the tow plane, and how to make various flying maneuvers once you're airborne. Gene shows you how to determine your airspeed, wind speed, and set your barometric gage, deal with g-forces and stalls, and how to find and use thermals to fuel your unpowered aircraft. He also offers tips on formation flying and competition flying, how to obtain your student license, as well as how to tow your glider with your vehicle.