Day 8 is all about two milestones in your pilot evolution: using the speed bar without losing control and taking off in moderate winds with a clean, safe technique. You’ll practice on the ground, adjust the bar correctly, and apply safety routines and abort strategies.
Table of Contents
- What the speed bar really does and when to use it
- How to set up and check your speed bar
- Progressive drills: from ground to air
- Common mistakes with the bar (and how to fix them)
- Reading and evaluating moderate wind conditions
- Step-by-step take-off technique in moderate winds
- Ground handling that makes the difference
- In-flight management with bar and wind
- Pre-flight checklist
- FAQ
1) What the speed bar really does and when to use it
The speed bar reduces the angle of attack by shortening the front risers, which increases speed.
✅ Use it to:
- Escape sink or lee-side zones.
- Gain speed in transitions with laminar air.
- Improve penetration against moderate headwind.
⚠️ Avoid or use with extreme caution if:
- Flying low and close to terrain.
- Air is turbulent, broken thermals, or shear layers.
- Your glider is not certified for full bar in those conditions.
2) How to set up and check your speed bar
Initial setup (harness + glider):
- Ensure lines run freely, no friction or twists.
- Stops: bar reaches full travel without forcing pulleys.
- Length: seated in harness, you should easily reach first step and firmly reach second step.
Pre-flight checks:
- Pedal free of twists, pulleys clean, no knots.
- Maillons/soft-links fully closed.
- Test on hang point: full travel + smooth return.
3) Progressive drills: from ground to air
- First step: 2–3 sec, then release and stabilize.
- Extend to 5–10 sec sequences, focus on pitch/roll.
- Second step: only brief and with altitude + clean air.
4) Common mistakes with the speed bar
- Holding bar in turbulence: release and stabilize first.
- Over-braking while on bar: increases stall risk; use tiny, fast inputs instead.
- Looking at your feet: always keep eyes on horizon.
- Harness not trimmed correctly: will twist you when pushing bar.
Quick fix: push progressively, release quickly if the glider surges, stabilize with microbrakes.
5) Reading and evaluating moderate wind conditions
Practical cues:
- Anemometer is useful, but trust visual signs more.
- Steady pressure on face/ears, vegetation moving continuously, dust/foam showing stable direction.
- Gusts: if big peaks or swings in direction → wait for a smoother window.
Traffic-light rule:
- Green: smooth, stable, moderate wind.
- Amber: frequent shifts or gusts.
- Red: strong gusts or shear → no take-off.
6) Step-by-step take-off in moderate winds
Preferred method: reverse launch (better control and visibility).
- Setup & layout
- Wing in clean half-moon, lines clear.
- Light brake tension to anchor.
- Controlled inflation
- Pull A risers progressively, step towards the wing.
- If it surges, brake down + step towards to stop it.
- Overhead check
- Wing overhead, centered, no lean.
- Load test: small step forward, feel solid traction.
- Turn & go
- Turn smoothly, keep tension.
- Run with decisive steps; don’t sit early.
- Abort if needed
- Release A’s, brake down progressively, step into wing.
- Use rear risers to “kill” it safely.
Alternative: cobra launch (inflating from one tip) for stronger winds — but only under instructor guidance.
7) Ground handling that makes the difference
- Static hold: keep wing centered 60–90 sec.
- Slalom walking with wing above head.
- Quick kills with C/D risers.
- Micro-corrections: wrists, not shoulders.
8) In-flight management with bar and wind
- Keep a healthy speed: use first bar step in smooth transitions.
- Air reading: release bar if pitch/roll increases.
- Minimum safe height: give yourself extra margin before experimenting with full bar.
9) Pre-flight checklist
Gear
- Speed bar routed and tested ✅
- Harness trim adjusted ✅
- Helmet, radio, reserve secure ✅
Conditions
- Wind steady in direction and force ✅
- No obvious rotor zones ✅
- Clear take-off + abort plan ✅
Procedure
- Lines clear, risers in hand ✅
- Ground signal check ✅
- Wing solid overhead before turning ✅
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10) FAQ
Is it safe to use the speed bar close to terrain?
No. Use it only with altitude and in clean air.
When to move from first to second bar step?
When you control pitch, have altitude, and air is laminar.
Reverse or forward launch in moderate wind?
Reverse is safer and more controlled. Forward is possible but requires fine handling.
When should I abort a launch?
If the wing isn’t centered and solid overhead, or wind suddenly gusts/changes.
Want to practice this with real-time feedback? Join us for Day 8 and see why so many call this the best course in Europe. Book your spot and take your flying to the next level.