bildan wrote:

I'm a big fan of Condor but wing balancing isn't one of its strong
suites due to the limited peripheral vision afforded by a computer
monitor. Many "wing leveling" problems can be traced to students not
using their peripheral vision - tunnel vision tends to develop under
the stress of a takeoff roll.

Fair enough. Though the horizon in Condor is a darn good indicator (I
just checked with mine) and you *will* know it if your wings aren't
level and likely be punished (possible ground loop, not staying behind
the towplane, etc). Seems to me that after a few hours on a sim one
will *not* have a problem with right vs left aileron. I'm not
suggesting that the horizon should always be used to check wings level
during ground roll-out. I am saying that a sim like Condor *will*
solidly teach you left-stick from right-stick.


In fact, PC flight simulators demonstrate just how hard it is to
control a glider without peripheral vision. You really need a 3-
monitor set up to use A PC flight simulator in a training environment.

I have to disagree. While 3 monitors would be nice a TrackIR device
works marvelously. Even the coolie hat switch isn't that bad, but for
serious work like coring thermals the TrackIR is the way to go.


Wing down 'no-wing runner' takeoffs are mostly a relic from 2-33's
with tip wheels and should be used sparingly. I'm not saying it's not
a skill to know but I question teaching it to a primary student
considering the glider types any new student can be expected to fly
these days. Wing down takeoffs should NEVER be used with a CG hook or
on a winch.

Who suggested 'no-wing runner'? Not I. Condor runs your wing for you.


The "simulated" ground roll practice using a glider facing into the
wind allows logging hours of practice doing something you pass through
in seconds on a real flight. I'm thinking a lot of broken fiberglass
could be avoided if all of us would spend an hour doing this each
spring.

Agreed. If you have all that readily available it seems like a fine way
to go.

I am just suggesting a simulator as a possible alternative if using that
is more convenient.

Living in Michigan it is common to not fly anything (real) from October
through April. I once had to take my flight review as my very first
flights after a long winter layover. I was complemented on how well I
kept the turns crisp and coordinated. I attributed that to "staying
current" using Condor.

I would also strongly recommend that a sim be used with rudder pedals. I
think it is a bad idea to get in the habit of using the stick without
your feet pressing the pedals properly.

Will the "simulated" ground roll practice using a glider facing into the
wind teach proper use of the rudder? Condor will.

Regards,

-Doug