Soaring Simulator - Condor
Flight simulation on a computer has been an excellent way to enjoy and train for flying without having an aircraft. Soaring and Gliding is one of the activities possible with such software.
Microsoft Flight Simulator by Microsoft includes one sailplane and can be used for soaring simulation
Condor is THE software for gliding and soaring. Its webpage where you can buy it and learn about it is Condorsoaring.com
Condor has 14 sailplanes to chose from and has simulated aerotow and winch launch. The thermals and ridge lift are realistic. Competition between pilots is available.
The Soaring Society of America (SSA)SSA has a monthly column in their magazine (Soaring) all about Condor and learning to soar using this simulation software. These have been going for over four years (2014) and the author has created a website where all the articles are available along with other resources. Go to http://GliderCFI.com to see for yourself.
There is also a website for Cross Country Soaring hosted by Frank Paynter called the Cross Country Soaring Center
The SSA has a good pamphlet available in pamphlet available in PDF to get you started in the hobby called Getting Started with Condor Soaring Simulator. You can download and print it from
(http://www.ssa.org/files/member/100215_Getting_started_with_Condor_Soaring_Simulator.pdf)
