Re bluskis query on how glider pilots watch their rate of climb indicator and keep a good lookout at the same time.
It's done by having an audio output from the rate of climb indicator (variometer) which makes happy noises when you're going up and derisive noises when you're going down.
So they don't have to watch it, they listen to it.
And the sound can be heard, because there ain't no noisy lump hanging on the front of the aircraft.
And personally I fly a red white and blue glider, which as it's made out of wood, doesn't go floppy in the sun.