This Sunday marked a huge milestone in my journey towards earning my Sailplane Pilots License (SPL). I flew in the Touring Motor Glider (TMG) for the very first time to complete the remaining training exercises: field selection and landing, navigation, and final glide planning. It was one of the most rewarding and eye-opening flights I’ve done so far.
The 100 km Triangle
Our task for the day was a 100 km navigation triangle from Gransden Lodge – Oundle – Earith – back to Gransden. Simple on paper, slightly more involved when you’re actually flying it… especially on your first ever TMG flight!
For the first half of the route, I was on pure map-and-ground-feature navigation. No GPS. Just me, an aeronautical chart, and the world outside the cockpit. It was proper old-school flying: identifying towns, roads, lakes, railways, and confirming each feature as we passed overhead. It was great practice for what would happen if my GPS ever failed on a solo navigation flight – something every pilot should be completely comfortable with.
Switching to GPS Navigation
Once we reached Oundle and headed towards Earith, we changed to GPS-based navigation. This was a different skill entirely – much more about managing the information in front of you, using the GPS as a tool rather than something to stare at mindlessly. I learned how to interpret track lines, look-ahead features, and cross-check the GPS with what I could actually see outside. Modern flying relies heavily on GPS, so learning to use it effectively and safely is essential.
Field Selection and Field Landing Exercises
Along the way, we carried out field selection and field landing drills. The goal was to pick a suitable field from the air, assess it for hazards, consider wind direction, and plan a safe approach – skills that could genuinely save a pilot in an emergency. Doing this in the TMG gave me more time to think, analyse, and talk through each decision, and it helped me feel more confident about real-world decision-making.
Final Glide Training
One of the most interesting parts of the flight was learning how to judge final glide. We looked at glide speeds, how they change with wind, and how to assess whether you’ll make it back from your current height. It was fascinating to see how flying just a little too fast or a little too slow can completely change your final-glide performance.
Reflections on My First TMG Flight
Flying the TMG for the first time was a brilliant experience. It combines the best of powered flying and gliding – giving you the time to learn, reflect and understand what’s happening aerodynamically, while still keeping the feel of a glider.
The training was incredibly valuable. I came away from the flight with a much stronger understanding of navigation, energy management, and how to handle potential field landings. Most of all, it brought me another big step closer to my SPL.
