Kent Gliding CLub

When you give the signal, you are winched forwards and upwards until you release. You are flying! For a climb to two or three thousand feet you will be towed up behind a tug aircraft. You fly behind the tow plane and release when you are at the required height.
You are now flying. How do you stay up? In simple terms, you first find parcels of rising air called "thermals", gaining height by circling round in them enjoying a fine birds' eye view of the countryside. The top of a thermal is usually marked by one of those fluffy white clouds you associate with summer, so they are not too difficult to find, and your instruments will tell you have successfully located one! There are other methods which involve the upward movement of air over ridges and mountains, but more of that later. Flights of long distances and of many hours duration may be achieved in the right weather conditions.