Gliding

Gliding - The Viking has no engine and is accelerated to its flying speed by different means. One method is aerotowing where a powered aircraft acts as a tug and pulls the glider off the ground. As a cadet, it is unlikely that you will experience this method. If you are affiliated to a Viking school you will experience the winch launch. A winch is a series of drums on which are about 1,500 metres of strong, flexible, steel cable. The winch is powered by a powerful turbo engine which pulls the glider along the ground which, in turn, gives the glider lift.
A series of signals is given from the launch point caravan, instructing the winch driver when to launch. The cable is initially drawn in slowly to remove any slack in the cable. When the cable is taut the winch driver receives another signal called 'all out' at this point the winch driver applies a lot more power to launch the glider into the air.
When the glider has reached its desired height the cable is released by the pilot. The height the glider achieves depends on the wind strength, the speed at which the cable is being wound onto the drum and the length of the cable. A winch launch normally lasts between 5-6 minutes. However, in the warmer months the pilot can use thermals (warm rising air) to stay aloft for longer periods of time. The pilot will try to circle in the thermal to gain height.