Throughout my years of flying and testing gliders, pilots from around the world have asked me one question: “What is the best glider?”
The answer is not as simple as naming one wing. The best glider is not the same for everyone — even within the same category. It depends on your experience, your abilities, the conditions you normally fly in, and what you expect from your glider.
This application is Part One of the project. It helps you understand which glider level suits your abilities and gives you a clearer picture of the risk involved in your choice.
Think of this application as a mirror of your own flying ability. If you answer the questions honestly, it will help you see where you really stand. If you choose a glider slightly above your abilities, the risk level will increase. If you choose a glider far above your abilities, the application will show you that you are moving much closer to the danger zone. An accident may not happen immediately, but you will at least know that you are flying a glider above your current level.
Later, Part Two will take this further. Your result from Part One will be linked to detailed comparisons of gliders within the appropriate category — for example, EN-B or EN-C. You will then be able to tell the application what matters most to you. Do you prefer more comfort and stability? Do you prefer more dynamic handling? Are you looking for a particular balance between performance, handling and comfort?
Based on those preferences, the application will narrow the selection and give you about five gliders that could suit your profile, so you can compare them and make a more informed choice.
The purpose is not to make the decision for you. It is to give you better information about yourself, your abilities, and the gliders available to you, so that you can make a more informed and safer decision.
In the end, you are the pilot, and the final choice is always yours.
The app is already online and on the right side of your screen!
Enjoy and fly safe :-)
Ziad
