does learning gliding/soaring make you a better pilot?

Question

if so, in what way? any personal experiences welcome.

thanks,

Answer 1

I've flown sailplanes in competition for years and taught in gliders. Any flying that you do will make you a better pilot but gliders no more so than anything else. If you're job was like mine flying an executive Boeing 727 and you had to find the best way to be a better 727 pilot you'd be better served going out shooting takeoffs and landings in the Boeing than flying a glider. The reverse is also true. There are guys better than me that've never been near a glider and glider pilots that can't even stay on the runway during landing and are lucky to still be alive. Flying a glider does probably help in coordinating turns with stick and rudder and such but the big jets all have yaw dampers to do that for you anyway. I have ratings in airplanes, gliders and helicopters and I suppose if I had stuck to just one of the categories I would be better in that particular aircraft. But the reality is, flying is flying, and the more you do it the better you get. I'm still finding that out after almost four decades in the sky in one aircraft type or another.

Answer 2

Overall, I'd say that it would make you a better pilot. It's just another discipline of aviation. Besides it's great fun.

Answer 3

Yes, it will help you recognize the most efficient flying and it will help you feel when the ball is in the center (better).