Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-07-20
BULLETIN SPURS
GLIDING IN j. S.
Called Stepping Stone to
Training in Engine
Driven AirpIaneS.

Gliding not only is a great enter
tainment and great sport, but offers
q stepping stone to training in the en-
gine-driven airplane, it is stated by
the aeronautics branch of the Depart
ment of Commerce in q bulletin on
gliders and gliding made public yester-
day. The bulletin has been published.
1t was announced, for the purpose Of
encouraging the development of GID
ing in the United States, not only as a
sporting and recreational activity, but
as a medium for furthering interest
in all phases of aeronauticS.
In announcing the publication Of the
bulletin, Clarence M. Young, Assistant
Secretary Of Commerce for Aeronautics,
said:
THE glider movement in the United
States is attracting the attention of
hundreds of people, many of whom are
in search of information concerning the
construction, operation and licensing
OF gliderS, as well as information in
volving instruction, student permits and
glider pilot licenses. Our new bulletin
endeavors to furnish information on
these subjects although it is not an in
struction or technical publication"
The subjects covered in the bulletin
include the history of gliding, the pur-
pose, types of gliders, methods of in
struction and operation, safety prin-
ciples to be observed and the policy of
the aeronauticS branch with respect to
the licensing of gliders and glider pilots.
Purposes Are Outlined.
"The glider and the art of gliding
abound in historical significance" it is
stated in the introduction to the bulle-
tin. But it was not until the early
nineties that the glider took on serious
proportions. At that time civilization
sighted individuals saw the age OF
human flight in powered craft just be-
yond the horizon
In outlining the purpose of gliding,
the department says in its bulletin:
Gliding is great entertainment and
great sport. But it goes further than
that It offers a stepping stone leading
to subsequent training in the engine
driven plane. Specifically, primary
gliding is a training for advanced stages
of gliding and the most difficult and yet
most fascinating Of all phases of this
notwithstanding.
when the glider pilot graduates into
soaring, he enters the field of meteorol-
ogy, topography and expert airmanship.
To remain aloft for hours at q time in
motorlesS heavier-than-air aircraft calls
for a working knowledge of these sub
iects. The rewards for the efforts ex-
pended are the accomplishments"
Glider Students Cautioned.
The department cautions the glider
student to be wary In learning to fly.
He should be thoroughly drilled in the
manipulation and effects of the con-
trolls before making his first flight, it
was stated. The bulletin describes the
launching of gliders by shock cord, au-
t0mobile and speed boats. Towing of
gliderS by aircraft, it was pointed out, is
prohibited without special permission
from the Secretary of Commerce.
"Airworthy gliders under the super
vision of experienced glider pilots who
are competent to give instruction" it
IS stated, serve to bring about reali-
zation Of all the good points in gliding
activities. Without competent super
vision and instruction, gliding may be-
come exceedingly dangerous even though
no doubt exists as to the elders condi-
ton of airworthiness.
''If gliders are to be constructed by
INDIVIDUALS, clubs or other groups in
terested in gliding, skilled aeronauti-
cal designer and constructor should be
obtained to supervise the work from
the drawing board to the test flight If
such assistance is not available, then the
gl1ders should be acquired from reputa-
BILE and reliable sources"
Copies OF the bulletin, which is
known as "AeronauticS Bulletin No. %.
Gliders and Gliding" may be obtained
Tree upon request to the aeronautics
branch, Department of Commerce.