Current Issue

Find out what makes the Nimbus 3 the diva of the skies, and the cross-country potential of North Macedonia in the April/May issue of S&G. Discover the additional functionality of the latest Condor 3 update, and learn how accepting minor risk can avoid serious accidents

‘There Is No Substitute For Span’ describes what could be a perfect glider for someone looking to develop from flying 15m single-seaters without breaking the bank. With a wing span of up to 25.6m, Stu Naylor says you’ll need decent shoes and extra time for the walk-round, as the wingtips are practically in a separate postcode. He says that the Nimbus 3 will frustrate you at first – every poor decision is amplified – but you’ll quickly learn to avoid them and your flying will progress dramatically. Miles Bailey has never regretted owning a Nimbus. He says that if his DG-200 taught him how to fly cross-country, the Nimbus 3 taught him to fly cross-country fast. He says it’s an awesome glider that will thunder along at 90kts with JS1s for a fifth of the price.

Greek pilot Thanos Giankou first learned that North Macedonia had gliders in 2014. Intrigued he decided to experience it, crossing the border and finding a warm welcome and a lively, active gliding community. North Macedonia is full of cross-country potential, with mountains and flatlands, plus plenty of safe outlanding options. Over the years, Thanos has returned several times, always finding the same welcome and experiencing memorable flights.

While the Condor 3 flight simulator is a vast improvement on Condor 2, a recent update has added significant extra functionality for instructional use. David Innes describes the benefits, which are saving instructors a lot of time. He concludes that if you haven’t bought Condor 3, not upgraded recently, or not included it as a part of a training scheme, do it. It’s an even better bargain now.

BGA safety records reveal at least five incidents in which a radio call about the undercarriage caused an experienced pilot to lose control of the glider, resulting in substantial damage and in one case a minor injury. Further accidents occurred when pilots responded to an undercarriage warning alarm, or simply realised at a late stage that the undercarriage had not been lowered. Two of these pilots were seriously injured. In contrast, when pilots ignored any call or alert and concentrated on a decent wheel-up landing, any damage was generally minor, confined to the forward fuselage and reported injury slight. The BGA Safety Team advises against fitting undercarriage warnings without very careful consideration, and never to warn the pilot of a glider seen approaching the landing area with the wheel up.

Also in this issue: Tim Scott is in the spotlight for our pilot profile. Andrew Watson provides the annual Airprox update. Pete Whitehead reveals a wood and fabric challenge. Dartmoor’s wave box is delivering for Andy Davey and John Allan. Nick Barnes reports on a gift that keeps on giving. Kevin Atkinson looks at the yaw string. There’s a report on the 2026 BGA Sporting Conference. Alison Randle looks at what makes a great gliding day. Pete Stratten highlights the role we can all play in safer airspace. Andrew Jarvis reports on the opportunities to time-travel back to the early days of soaring. Plus, many more of your stunning images in the Gallery pages.

Fly safely and have fun