Why fly without a motor? 
Motors can be fun, but it can be thrilling to soar without one. Soaring becomes a “game,” testing your skill in a constantly changing aerial environment. This experience is quite different from using gas or battery power. While soaring, external energy provided by the environment is used to gain and maintain altitude. To a glider pilot, altitude is stored energy—like gas in a tank. It takes knowledge and skill to extract this energy from the air. A famous aviator (who started as a modeler), Dr. Paul MacCready, had a motto of “doing more with less.” This minimalistic approach captures the essence of soaring.
Not all sailplanes are created equal. You’ll want to choose a model that matches your skill level and the type of flying site available. Starting with an inexpensive foam or balsa model allows you to learn without risking a costly airframe.
Classes of RC gliders
(based on wingspan): Class A (60” wingspan) Class B (2 meter) Class C (100”) Class D (>100”)
For each type of soaring (detailed below), there will be specific gliders that use specific lift in the air. Determine the type of soaring you’ll be doing and use the following tips to pick your plane!
To pick a flying site you have to understand there are three basic types of soaring based on lift in the air.
Slope soaring
Makes use of lift created when wind hits a hill or ridge and is deflected upwards. As long as the glider pilot keeps the falling glider in air that is rising at a faster rate than the glider is falling, the glider will climb.
The Ideal Flying Site
Lift at any site is determined by wind velocity and the degree of slope in the hill. Slopes free of trees and buildings are best— where the wind flow is interrupted the least. The wind should be 10-20 mph and blowing straight into the slope.
Dynamic soaring
Makes use of a difference in wind speed over terrain to gain energy. It is a more complex process, but it is possible to extract tremendous energy from the atmosphere using this approach. Momentum is gained as the glider moves between the still air near the ground and moving air that is pushed over the edge of a ridge.
The Ideal Flying Site
A ridge with a leeward side accompanied by a bowl is ideal, as the defined boundary line between the fast moving wind and slowing moving ground air is necessary for dynamic soaring.
Join the AMA!
Membership with the AMA connects you with local clubs and flying sites where you could meet your next instructor. It also allows you to compete in nationwide events, disseminates current information on the status of model aviation and provides flying insurance.