Episode 162- Clemens Ceipek and Flying Gliders, Seeking Understanding, and playing Chess in the Air

Clemens Ceipek is an Austrian Sailplane pilot who lives in Boulder, Colorado. He’s the president of one of the premiere gliding clubs in the world and runs an absolutely terrific website dedicated to spreading knowledge and improving pilot ability called “Chess in the Air” that is filled with fantastic in-depth articles that cover the full gamut of flying. Why do some pilots improve very slowly and others get good really fast? Clemens says it’s in the approach. We cover the value of using the Condor flying simulator, studying theory, understanding forecasting as well as many of the topics Clemens tackles on his website: assessing risk, complacency, reducing attrition in new pilots, creating sufficient margin, goal setting, flying in rotor, using the correct bank angle, thermal entry, identifying triggers and convergence, flying SPECTACULAR lines, the most common mistakes that end badly, and a ton more. This was a really, really fun talk with a super passionate sailplane pilot who approaches the chase seriously. This one will make you ponder the possibilities. Enjoy!Clemens has an EXCELLENT YouTube channel that is really worth following: https://youtube.com/c/ChessInTheAirTopics we discuss on the show:* Getting into it* Accidents- 90% can be eliminated* It’s all in the study and planning* The Condor simulator* Flying lines and not turning* Wave* Setting goals* Competition* How to see the sky* Flying fast* Flying SPECTACULAR lines* Perlan* The Sierra Nevada* The ultimate crossingMentioned in this show: Gary Osoba, Soaring the Sky, Chuck Fulton, Chrigel Maurer, Eduardo Garza, Stewart Midwinter, Klaus Ohlman