How to Thermal Your RC Glider

All the basics of thermal soaring. How thermals work, the best thermal soaring conditions, and how to find lift and stay in it.
Video that explains the flight modes that I mention:
• How to Set up Your RC ...
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Setup:
Vladimir's Model Snipe SN Lite
Dymond D60
Dymond D47
Lemon RX 6ch diversity receiver
Turnigy Nanotech 600mah 1S LiPo
30g ballast
Please LIKE this video, it helps my self esteem.
Thanks for Watching!

[@chrisingram5251]

Boy this video has really held up well. You do an absolutely fantastic job explaining the theory behind thermalling. I just got into DLG’s and your video is by far the most clear and informative video on youtube. I wish you made more glider content! Strong work man!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks! DLGs are awesome, enjoy!

[@sledawgpilot]

I’ve always wondered how to do this, by far the best tutorial!

[@TimmyRC]

@@sledawgpilot Thanks!

[@christopping5876]

For someone who has just got into gliders, thank you for a very good, easy to follow video. It is much more informative than many videos on CZcams.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@Buzbud]

Well, I am 78 and flown gliders for 40 years. Most excellent, helpful video. I learned a lot, especially flying perpendicular to line of sight. One additionsl tip, in the old days when we were almost out of sight straight up, hold eleveator all the way up and the rudder all the way over. You spiral down and don't overstress the wing with high speed aerobatics. Maybe the new composit materials can take the stress better. Anyhow, an excellent job, thanks for your time and very clear instruction. Nicely done.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks! I'll try out spiraling to descend; It seems like it will be harder to lose orientation that way.

[@Buzbud]

I just hold the stick at the bottom right corner, when you get low enough just let it go and it stabilizes. Thanks for replying. Best of luck to you.

[@MrFlyingguy]

@Phil M bet that looks brilliant

[@gliderrider]

This hobby got me into hang gliding in the 80’s. Loved to thermal! Kinda aged out of that sport. Might get back to my roots of rc sailplanes. Almost as much fun.

[@yodecaf]

Very informative! You sold me on a non-powered glider. Never wanted one until I saw you fly

[@jimblack90]

Hello Timmy, I have been watching a number of videos on thermaling. I am 68 and must admit that I almost passed yours up because you are young. I am glad that I watched this. You are very organized with your presentation and reviewing things at the end was helpful. I learned a few practical things that I had not picked up in the other videos. I am anxious to go out and try them out.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@raymondhuot1684]

jim black
It is the same for me. You have done a good fob. I have a Gracia so I will try your way of finding thermals. When this winter will end ......

[@timkearsley5320]

Really instructive, clear advice. Brilliant. As a beginner to thermal soaring this is so useful - thank you.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@oldasa]

I'm so good at finding lift that the buzzards crows, Hawk, Storks, and Blue Harings all follow me. LOL

[@SteveNeill]

Thank you I felt like I was there and learned a lot. Been flying RC since 85 and I have flown just about everything. I recently ordered a DLG that's inbound. This helped a lot. And you are right this is an amazing part of the hobby that I'm only now exploring.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@Tickleme3090]

Hi Timmy, loved the video and learned a lot. Really enjoyed; the clarity of your explanations, the bird example, the tips and the recaps, speeding up in sink, the wind is free and environmentally sound. I have a few hundred miles under my belt in full size gliders, same story as you eloquently explain. If you have the opportunity try full size. Keep up the great work.

[@TheFrenchPug]

I was floored when you threw that thing in the air. Im still blown away your plane got up that high with an arm swing launch. You are awesome. Nice work. Hopefully I can do this :)

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks! DLGs are a lot of fun.

[@franciscoduran3688]

Hi Timmy, super great video!
This is my second video about thermals. The first one was a guy from DK. He showed the wind hose. That was the only thing that was missing in your video. But the theory with the practice including launching your plane is great. I have learned a lot to understand what our field guys make and hopely tried it by myself soon :D I can imagine that this sport is very rewarding. Like when I was surfing finding a great wave or perfect downhill flow on the mtb.
Best regards from Bavaria!

[@waynerobinson2656]

Great video Timmy. I have been flying RC and full scale gliders for years. Your tutorial was excellent.
Keep it up, pun intended...

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@peterzingler6221]

Craziest hand launch ever

[@on_the_saddle]

never knew you could launch like that that! that was insane

[@marcosdimoise8662]

@@on_the_saddle DLG planes are made for this, try the category, it's awesome

[@peterleduc9046]

Great video. One of the best I've seen.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@steveaitken5468]

Awesome video Timmy. It's amazing how simple some of your advice is - there's always something to learn. Thanks, Steve.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@moradazez.0359]

5:36 Wow, it's so cool that it's the first time I've seen someone fly by plane that way. This is so good

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@MrFlyingguy]

its called DLG Discus launch glider - start with a foamie dream flight alula and progress to carbon

[@anibalsonera2376]

Hey Timmy; Nice work here. Very easy explained. I learned a lot. I have been into RC powered airplanes for about 10 years. There were no glider pilots in our club until recently, so I got me an electric "Bird of Time" RF to chase some thermals. Like you say gliding is the must pure, elegant, simple form of Model Aircraft flying.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@crashalotfpv2174]

I enjoyed this one a lot. I'm more of a miniquad pilot, but the way you organize your content is always interesting and educational. Thank you for this. Man, now i might need to get a glider..

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks! I would definitely try gliding if you can; it is the purest form of flight in my opinion.

[@alpenjon]

It was this video that got me interested - two weeks later I caught my first thermals with an F3K plane. That and catching the plane off the air is indeed really rewarding. Thank you so much! For those interested: Get PicaSim, a free RC soaring simulator, and an USB RC controller (if you have a real RC controller there are USB dongles to connect it to your computer). I learnt how to handle the glider and apply the knowledge from this video there, but in reality it is way nicer - standing in the sun, "feeling" real wind etc. When you go for real, consider getting a Spektrum AR6610t receiver, as it supplies a variometer and an altitude sensor that are a good aid to start with. I had to take the plastic casing off and shrinktube it so it fits into the fuselage of my Soaring Models "Kite".

[@guisblacio]

Thanks, I learned more watching your video that I have ever learned about Thermal RC glider.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@fpvcruzer]

Thanks for making such a clear and informative video. I am just getting into planes and the thought of flying with thermals would be a goal for me, once my piloting skills are developed. Thanks for your clear explanation of thermals and how to look/fly into them.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks! Thermalling is a great challenge and is great fun!

[@JohnWallinLiberto_art]

As I’m just getting into gliders, this was awesome, learned a lot!! Thank you!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@zeebeefpv2273]

Good to see this kind of video from you Timmy! Great advice too! I have been flying gliders about 6 weeks now and its more fun than I ever imagined!! Catching a 2 minute flight first time is as adrenaline-pumping as a great pack on my quad!!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks! Glad you also enjoy catching lift!

[@wilddoogie4492]

ZeeBeeFPV

[@stormhansen1499]

Very impressive and very informative! That hand launch is beyond cool!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@GeezerWheels]

Great vid - thanks. I flew models as a kid (55 years ago) and this brought back wonderful memories. Excellent work on a a great topic.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@DesolationAngels]

Really excellent video! You're an outstanding instructor and all of the information is presented in a easy to understand manner.
Thank you and keep up the great work!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@trondaustad8617]

Love it. You get me to have too try a glider for the first time. This looks cool, and the info is very good .thanks mr 😊

[@tomcoryell]

That looks like some really nutrient rich flying! Thanks!

[@fprintf]

Great video! I used to fly RC sailplanes a few years ago and your video is getting me interested again. When it is windy, go sailing. When it isn't, go flying!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@55commodore]

You should get an award for this video, you explained things so well I now feel like an expert on the topic!! Cheers from Australia.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@gt40driver1]

Nice video explaining the basics of flying a DLG. Once you have experienced gaining lift its addictive. Been doing it a few years and enjoyed watching the video and learning some more tips.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@RCPlaneAddict]

This was a solid how to. Nicely done, you truly are a master of your craft.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@iwontreplybacklol7481]

+1

[@peterredlich6322]

Thanks Tim. A really clear and easy to understand video! also for foreigners like me! Furthermore you know how to communicate your passion to your followers! don't stop posting!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@Wilhuff_T]

Beautiful discus throw. 👍

[@nevilleplant4445]

Thanks for the tutorial Tim. As a newcomer to the sport it was very informative & gave me a more succinct understanding of incidents I had noticed when flying. I am sure the vid will help me to be more disciplined in my approach the flying. Cheers Nev Plant.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@craigwatkins7011]

Great overview, very useful, thanks! Your self-esteem should be high, good job.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@henningwagner1099]

Such a good video. Great explanation. A big thank you!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@pyroarch57]

Nicely presented Timmy - thank you!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@CRMayerCo]

I used to fly full scale aircraft, including gliders. I’m a little too old now. This, however, looks like lots of fun! Thanks for the video. I really want to give this a shot. 👍🏻

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@NMdesertracer]

Glad to see young people in the hobby! Nice video...

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@jamtanker8734]

Nice presentation, great flying

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@podoclaste]

Great explanations, excellent skills (launch, wow and flight, oh my), both video and comments are very professional. Thanks for making people want to fly (again).

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@Joyplanes]

Very good lesson, keep doing videos like this.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@fatcharlieuk]

Clear concise and easy to understand advice. Nice. Thanks. I learned a lot from this.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@skanoe4690]

This video really helped. Nicely done. My snipe is ready for its first flight, hoping for lift like you had.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@giovannivitali9536]

Excellent video, very clear and usable advice. Much better than most il other videos I have seen on the subject!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@genegroover30]

Really good job explaining and demonstrating. Very impressive.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@tommuc442]

best introduction to thermal flying one could imagine. thanks!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@phil36135]

Thanks very useful info I am new to Dlg gliders but I used to slope soar 93rd gliders and hang gliders.You are right there is nothing more rewarding than maintaining altitude and prolonging your flight.I just built my first Dlg kit, a libelle and haven't caught a thermal yet so I'm gonna use your techniques and see if I can catch one soon.thanks again for the tips.

[@phil36135]

Sorry for the typo, I meant to say RC gliders.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@EddieEloff]

I have a Bird of Time. Your advice just made it a bit more understandable. For the past 3 days before i found your video, I thought of flying around the lift instead of just passing through. What amazes me the most is how a glider can stay in the air when it's tilted sideways at almost 90 degrees and still rise! You would think it would fall out the sky. BoT hooks a thermal like Mike tyson, I almost went home with no glider. Great video

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks! I have also flown a Bird of Time and I had a lot of trouble trying to get it back on the ground.

[@upperechelon3456]

Great video young man. thorough and hits all salient points.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@chargestate42]

Just getting started, very helpful. Thanks

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@Mike-dc3fp]

Excellent video. One if not the best on the basics.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@luke_atthat]

Very good explanations. I learned a lot. Thank you.

[@gregdetwiler9220]

Great video! I love flying gliders but I’m kind of a newbie. I’ve had to make a couple emergency descents because I got to high before. Great video! Thank you.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@UAMartin7]

Thank you so much for this great informative video. All your tips are so helpful in helping my glider staying up longer!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@danielcarrillo9917]

This video was extremely good very informative! Hats off to you

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@iD3AD3YE]

I realize I am a little late to the party on this video, but I am just getting into Gliders. Been flying for 20 years but have always wanted to do Gliders at some point. I came to CZcams looking for instruction, and this video is by far the best instruction I have found. Great job, great instructions, great demos, and I didn't know (discus (spelling) gliders) were a thing. I found my self look away for 2 seconds and you were already 100 feet in the air with no motor, and I was like, "wait, whhaaat.... Go back" lol. If you are still doing CZcams, keep it up. Great job and thank you!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@GiovanniBausC]

Very useful advice, thank you!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@user-ww9wd8io1i]

thank you for useful Introduction

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@mitchd434]

I can't wait to get a glider. Man, I'd be riding thermals over the blacktop at my park, especially after it rains :)

[@matthewavilez318]

I got the Carbon Wings Medal in FSX for completing the glider tutorial, so I'm something of an expert myself

[@geekroel]

One of the Best Thermal Vid out there. I learned alots. Thanks, Roel

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@jerrymolnar8010]

fantastic video for a youngin! I think that in some larger sailplanes you might find that turning with ailerons mixed to rudder sometimes works better, even with my f5k plane (motorized DLG), I sometimes start a turn with aileron and rudder mix, and sometimes just rudder, but great job, very clear concise instructions.

[@JohnMark61355]

Thanks for the video. I am just starting out and I learned a lot from the video.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@jimbo2629]

Well, it’s obviously very easy to get long flights with a DLG 😀
Great video. RC thermal soaring is wonderful. An electric motor up front helps us less competent glider flyers in colder climates.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@TheNightwalker247]

Thank you so much this was really helpful. I will go now and look up glider Models.

[@biophillie]

Great vid.. I just learned more in a few minutes than I've learned in a long time.. - Thanks!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@barrydunkley9613]

Thanks well explained and demonstrated. I always launch on a slope so I can use the slopes lift to help me find thermals. Slopings fun too.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks! I've always wanted to try slope soaring but I haven't found any substantial hills near where I live.

[@redbearrc6706]

Nice demo and explanation!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@quinnjohnson4695]

That launch 🚀 my word

[@goldenfish77]

Very nice flight in thermal!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@khalidkhan-om8ud]

Too good.Nice workshop.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@w.j.bendellr.c.flying.1037]

“That’s Fantastic” Great Job ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@98-24]

Very good information, Thanks!!!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@dave_s_vids]

What a brilliant video, thank you!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@richconlon865]

great lesson,very helpful

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@fredcork1]

Brilliant and educational Video.
Great Job...

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@garryperrin2408]

Very impressive. Thank you

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@frankartieta7483]

This is one of the best videos !
I build and fly and often lose rubber band catapult launched gliders !
I seem to have very little trouble finding thermals
Not such a good thing to do with free flight !
I actually spend more time building than flying !
Being that a DT no guarantee
A good RC glider seem the way for me to go !
Thanks for the great video

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@johanbergkvist8834]

Excellent video, I learnt a lot. Thank you!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@JohanBesterphotos]

WOW, very well explained. I learned a lot!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@r1dv]

Great video! Learned something new. I would like to see more fixed wing videos please

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks! I will see what fixed wing videos I can come up with.

[@Lozzie74]

I like your comment about "wing goes up in wind, tail goes up in lift". All I would add is that if you encounter a sudden gust of wind (and the wing goes up), it is likely that the wind is going to a thermal, so odds are you are flying AWAY from the lift. Therefore turn downwind and see what happens. I also believe that the air "swirls" in a thermal - it doesn't rise perfectly vertical. A hurricane is an extreme thermal - note the swirling action. It doesn't detract from your video. You're an excellent pilot and have great visualisation of what's happening.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@kusteuber]

Great video. Thank you very much. Indeed. The hand launch is worth another video!!!!!!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@nevillecreativitymentor]

Great video. Love the fact that you love the fact !!!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@MarceloSaba]

very nice and instructive! congrats!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@Lowtohighclearbluesky]

Thanks for the sharing! appreciated!

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@NistenTahiraj]

This was one of the the most relaxing tutorials I've ever seen. The birds know where the lift is...

[@davidrozmanek9877]

Nice video! I learned very much.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@bambamgolf]

Thx man, i learned a lot. Enjoyed it👌👍

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@nityadasa5852]

This is useful for paragliding pilots as well thanks for sharing

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@microgliders]

great explanation 👍 i love finding thermals off tree tops, lots of hot air rising, but taking a chance not to get your glider stuck ;)

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@moejotuber]

That was informative and inspiring. Also very relaxing just following your glider on tape ! Me like and subscribe.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@davidmartin1093]

A very clear informative demonstration and explanation thanks. I used to fly with a mate who seemed to have an extra thermal 'sense' and always found lift. Maybe he'd watched your video..!...👍

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@davidmartin1093]

@@TimmyRC When I lived in the south of England, the more consistent warm weather had thermals popping up regularly throughout sessions. Up here in Scotland, they are still about but less frequent. I usually look for circling birds but your advice of any wind appearing on a normally calm day denoting the direction the air is being drawn to a sucking thermal is gold dust..! We had a british glider team member in my old club and he seemed to find lift all year. It'd be good to experience thermals in somewhere like Arizona..!....😲

[@peterb01]

Good video! I have a suggestion from my years hang gliding over the flatlands of Illinois where we got up by using "static line towing" - 3000' of line pulled by a car or truck. When you fly downwind to search for a thermal, you are riding with the wind and basically staying in nearly the same parcel of air. If you head into the wind, you will go through several such "parcels". Then if you find one upwind, you can then ride it back for a longer period of time, thus getting higher, before pulling out. There are other considerations for heavier craft - the Elf can work the "bug farts".

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@TheBuddha4]

Great vid! Thanks.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@geoffreyjbrown]

Learned a lot. Thanks.

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!

[@johnnydavidauthor]

Nice tutorial 👌 thank you!! 😃

[@TimmyRC]

Thanks!