Recognizing Walkalong Gliding as a Separate Model Aircraft Discipline
		Classes of model aircraft discipline are recognized by the aeromodelling branch of the FAI. So where would walkalong gliding fit among the existing aeromodeling classes? There is a class for indoor rubber band powered models: http://www.fai.org/aeromodelling/F1+synopsis+indoor Yet walkalong gliders are generally in control of the pilot at all times, such as the radio controlled soaring classes: http://www.fai.org/aeromodelling/rcsoaring/synopsis Is the paddle a mechanical (more like a pneumatic, open) connection to the glider? The paddle really modifies the motion of the air in the vicinity of the free flying glider. Conversely, the glider is flown by manipulation of the motion of the surrounding air. There is a class description for ridge soaring, but the ridge is not controlled by the pilot, control being provided by radio contact with actuators on the glider's control surfaces: F3F - Slope Soaring Gliders Possibly, a subclass could be created under F3F where the control method is via a slope in control of the pilot and the glider flying free, having no controllable surfaces. So a good name for the class might be "Controllable Slope Soaring". In other words, the class involves slope soaring where the slope is controlled by the pilot. Using the word "controlled slope soaring" results in confusion with "radio controlled slope soaring" at least when searching on the internet. Return to Build your own walkalong glider copyright Phil Rossoni February 19th 2009