I've flown a few experienced power pilots in gliders (including some with a lot of "heavy" experience.

Things they do

a) Fail to lookout, especially before turning
I know you can't see much out of a 767 but its a capital crime in gliding.

b) Not using the rudder - you'll get used to rudder inputs because the adverse yaw can be chronic.
Lookout is much easier to forget - and much more dangerous.

c) Turning up late, flying and fxxxxxxg off immediately afterwards.
Gliding's a group operation but some club members don't seem to realise it!
In some of the big clubs you can't even get someone to help rig your glider, never mind fetch you when you end up in a field!

But you'll get used to it. Welcome to gliding!

:D

Here is an interesting article that supports El Desperado's low-key approach to conversion training: http://www.avweb.com/news/airman/182400-1.html

I was involved in reviewing UK glider fatal accident reports during one of our worst years when there were about 6 fatalities, and in almost every case that year there was a conversion involved. Most were conversions from SEP (not heavy metal) to gliding, one was from hang gliding, at least one involved both type and launch method conversion in the same flight, and one involved conversion from male to female. It was an exceptional year in that regard - conversions have not been a prominent fasctor in fatal accidents since then.

In most cases that year the conversion factor was suspected of being significant but could not be proved. There have, however, been enough survivable accidents of all sorts, including that referenced by MLS, to show that conversions are a trap for the unwary.

I think El D's attitude is just right, and I hope he works with instructors who are experienced in and good at such conversions.

The conversion part is just the start - getting to handle the machine right and adjusting to the airmanship requirements where they differ from power/heavy practice. Beyond that, though, soaring is a mental exercise, whereby handling the machine is just the output stage of sky and task assessment and decision making. That is a whole different ballgame from any form of power flying, I believe, and is the subject of the "advanced" books that I mentioned earlier.

Derek Piggott - Understanding Gliding
 

(Old thread resurrection time) ;)

If there's anyone still interested, there's another copy of the Derek Piggott book 'Understanding Gliding' for sale on EBay at the moment (auction closes in just over a day). Current price is £1.50, so may be enough in the piggy bank for that!!

EBay Auction - Understanding Gliding

Friend of mine retired as a TriStar Training Captain with BA, got well hooked on gliding and went on to do far more than I ever did, so you are in good company.

One of my memories is of being barefoot at the launch point in the summer and having to walk on the white lines because the bare tarmac was too hot.

Throughly endorse the Derek Piggott recommendations. "Gliding - A Handbook on Soaring Flight" by him was my bible.

Mike