Even the ASI is optional if you are used to the sound profile. During my training it was common for the instructor to cover the student's ASI for training flights. (The Instructor kept his accessible for security.) I wouldn't want to fly withot a vario, though. I'm even uncomfortable if I don't have the beep-beep of an electronic vario.
Engineless flight has always been my favourite, I used to fly gliders many years ago, and in recent times it has been hot air balloons. I am back making model aircraft, and these are all gliders
I wouldn't call gliders "silent flight." Everyone who's flown them knows they're noisy as hell.
Realistically glider pilots don't need any instruments for safe flight apart from the ASI 😆 only done it once without any instruments - good fun!
Even the ASI is optional if you are used to the sound profile. During my training it was common for the instructor to cover the student's ASI for training flights. (The Instructor kept his accessible for security.)
I wouldn't want to fly withot a vario, though. I'm even uncomfortable if I don't have the beep-beep of an electronic vario.
With experience even the ASI is not “needed”
Engineless flight has always been my favourite, I used to fly gliders many years ago, and in recent times it has been hot air balloons. I am back making model aircraft, and these are all gliders
Air France 447 probably would not have happened if that Pilot had had a few hours experience in a glider.
yawn