Not exactly Kingy
Radio equipped gliders are allowed to cross class A in VMC if they obtain clearance.
SS
140
Where did you start on gliders? you certainly weren't allowed to even solo before passing an air law exam where I learnt in the early 80's The bronze C exams were not actually much different to the PPL ones exept more emphasis was given to met than in the PPL.
It's been a long time since I flew gliders so I'm fuzzy on the rules. However I do remember on many occassions climbing in in cloud and popping out the side just below controlled airspace which was about FL55 where I mostly flew. On cross countries I very rarely did any cloud climbs as I was too worried I'd lose the plot nav wise.
Thinking logically ... there should be no threat! apart from gliders there should be nothing else in cloud outside controlled airspace above 3000 feet (or below where you are req'd to remain clear) If you fly IFR outside controlled airspace no seperation is provided and therefore flying in cloud would be unwise ... or at least equally as unwise as those "reckless" glider pilots. Over the years I can't think of any occassion where a glider has been hit by another aircraft in cloud ... but I stand to be corrected. What seems to faze most GA pilots is close proximity of other aircraft. You'll find most glider pilots are used to thermalling or ridge soaring close to other gliders and therefore (with some exceptions) aren't to worried about getting close to other craft. Most are very aware of the airspace around them and will usually spot you first and be very aware of where you seem to be going. Unlike a lot of GA who blunder on in a straight line and only scan 180 degrees most gliders only fly in straight lines for limited periods and therefore scan virtually 360 degress all the time.
SS (who looks forward to the day when he can take up soaring again)
Dunno why it's inserted \\ wherever I've added an ' ???
SS