Interest in Soaring Simulators ?

At the recent SSA Convention there were some very interesting presentations on Soaring Simulators such as Condor.

Scott Manley has been exploring ways to utilize it in flight training. Advantages include recording student simulator flights for review, demonstrating and practicing maneuvers before doing them in the glider, the ability to stop the program and discuss what is happening, and the ability to hit the button and immediately start over if things become hopeless. It is possible to have the instructor and student looking at the same screen with an internet link. He has used this to discuss and practice the next lesson at a convenient time during the week, and avoid the rush at the airport on Saturday.

Scott worked with someone who had never flown a glider using the simulator and an internet link. The student then flew to Wisconson to take a real glider flight. He flew the second aerotow and flight without the instructor touching the stick.

Frank Paytner, who frequently comes from Caesar Creek to get out trophy, has been participating in weekly on-line glider contests to keep his contest skills sharp.

There are also opportunities to practice cross country in a more relaxed atmosphere.

I think there is a huge opportunity and am in the process of dusting off my largely unused Condor software.

Soaring Magazine is going to start running a new column called "Condor Corner" covering this emerging technology.

If anyone else is already using Condor, or has some interest in exploring the opportunities, please send me an email, and we can work on some ideas on how to proceed.

jke4034@aol.com