Walkalong Gliders

The concept of walkalong gliding may seem a bit off the chart to some. But it really can be done just with a bit of practice.

The science behind walkalong gliding.

A walkalong glider is a lightweight, slow flying model aircraft designed to be kept aloft by controllable slope soaring in the rising air generated by the pilot who walks along with the glider as it flies, usually holding a paddle. Hands or even the forehead can also be used to create an updraft. This type of soaring differs from other types of slope soaring in that the orographic lift (or "hill") is following the plane as it flies in the air and thus no other wind is required.

The first walkalong glider was created by Tyler McCready.

For more information about walkalong gliders visit sciencetoymaker.org