A Flight Simulator Odyssey

by Charles Gulick

The Great Glider Chases

4. Elmira
Chart: Detroit
Title: ELMIRA GLIDER
En Route Coordinates:
   Aircraft: N17486, E20080
   Tower: --
Altitude:
   Aircraft: 1374
   Tower: --
Heading: 129
Time: Daylight
Note: Again, the simulator may misread altitudes. If target is not above your altitude, SLEW up or down until it is (until the glider is visible in the sky well above the horizon).

In the Elmira situation, you are opposing the glider at an angle of less than 90 degrees, but you are below it. Contact altitude is about 2275 (in prototype scenario).

Frequently, in glider chasing, you'll have to level your wings and look out all sides of the aircraft if you hope to spot the target. When banking, it is more often than not hidden by your wing. Sometimes, on the other hand, a steep spiraling turn will reveal it with an out-the-front-windshield view.

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