Video. Glider pilots dream - climbing without circling

**HenryLuebberstedt** · Jul-11-2021, 14:42

Hi folks. Long time no see

What a nice little flight that was! Streets of clouds ahead and on our way some other gliders joind us. The meteorlogical briefing, MET briefing for short, is part of the last third on the way to SPL-license. I could not have wished for better weather. My instructor Marcel and I didn't get airborne until late afternoon. After our winch launch, the Duo Discus XL (20 meters wingspan+winglets) was at about 400 meters. I caught a small thermal right at the field and cranked up to a good 1100 meters, then headed towards Geesthacht and from there along the Elbe canal towards Lueneburg, Uelzen and back again. Thermal circling was rarely necessary. Under so many clouds we flew relaxed several kilometers and were lifted up. It could not have been better. On the way, some other planes turned in for formation flying with us.... After 2 hours and 30 minutes we touched down in Hamburg-Boberg.

**TWC_Birdtail** · Jul-12-2021, 12:45

Very cool.....I got to go up in one in Air Cadets as a teenager. I had to work all day picking up and attaching tow ropes....but it was all worth it in the end. I was one of the last to go up and got more time in the air as we had to land at different spot...so bonus.

**HenryLuebberstedt** · Jul-12-2021, 14:57

Originally Posted by TWC_Birdtail

Very cool.....I got to go up in one in Air Cadets as a teenager. I had to work all day picking up and attaching tow ropes....but it was all worth it in the end. I was one of the last to go up and got more time in the air as we had to land at different spot...so bonus.

Oh yes, work all day for ten minutes in the air ... I know that very well. Glider flying is a ugly time eater. At leat you had your fun! The next two weeks I'm going to be in Poland for an intense flight training. Our neigbours are just as mad for gliding as we are

**TWC_Birdtail** · Jul-12-2021, 16:08

How about "Intensely Rewarding" time eater...........

**TWC_SLAG** · Jul-13-2021, 01:20

I once owned a Phoebus B1. Sold it and bought a Libelle201B. After a couple of years, I developed an eye problem and had to sell it. Still sad about that. I loved soaring. Now, all my flying is in the sims.

**HenryLuebberstedt** · Jul-17-2021, 01:58

Originally Posted by TWC_SLAG

I once owned a Phoebus B1. Sold it and bought a Libelle201B. After a couple of years, I developed an eye problem and had to sell it. Still sad about that. I loved soaring. Now, all my flying is in the sims.

Oh, I'm sorry to her that, Slag! Thats one of my biggest fears, groiunded forever because of some stupid medical issues. Did you get a good price for your Libelle? Today this bird is a real classic!