PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - Is it normal to feel better turning one way?
Old 2nd May 2010, 18:11
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ProfChrisReed
 
Join Date: May 2005
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So far as I can discover, all glider pilots have a clear preference initially. From asking around at the club where I learned, roughly 70% of right-handers prefer turning left, 30 % the opposite. I'd guess for left-hander the proportions might be reversed.

There were lots of explanations offered, but none were especially convincing.

As Mary said, it is really important in the long run to learn to turn equally well both ways. Once I began cross-country flying I consciously practised this, and now am equally happy in either direction and my flight traces tend to show a rough 50:50 split between right-hand and left-hand thermals.

However, my first proper soaring flight of this year had me thermalling 70% to the right (my initial preference when I learned), so I guess that the learned indifference needs time to recapture.

As you're only a few weeks into learning, I'd say leave working on this for later - probably post-solo. If you start worrying about right turns, you'll probably lose the ability to turn left!
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