Instruments of a Sailplane
ALTIMETER:
- Shows height in feet, set to read altitude above sea level.
AIRSPEED INDICATOR: Shows speed in knots
- ( a knot = 1 nautical mile per hour).
COMPASS:
- For directional guidance, together with map reading, or perhaps
a GPS unit !
VARIOMETERS:
- To show whether your aircraft is gaining or losing altitude:
this enables the pilot to thermal by staying in a patch of rising
air, thus gaining height.
Many varios incorporate an audio device
so that you can monitor progress without looking at the instruments.
Some incorporate a computer to advise the pilot on the optimum
speed to fly between thermals.
TURN & BANK INDICATOR:
- To show rate of turn, and whether rudder is being used correctly.
RADIO:
- Most gliders will be fitted with a VHF radio which operates
on aeronautical frequencies.
This is to maintain contact with the base station at the airfield,
with other aircraft, or occasionally with Air Traffic Control.
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