[JoeF]

This topic invites continual study and discussion of glide ratios of HGs and comparative aircraft including birds, insects, leaves, seeds, flakes, objects. HGs have their glide ratios; each piloted HG has its glide ratio depending on precise parameters. Measuring glide ratios at best and at differing circumstances. Etc.
Starter:

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Gliding patterns of Siberian flying squirrels in relation to forest structure

However, the reason why gliding mammals frequently perform inefficient glides remains unclear.

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Aerodynamics of the gliding seeds of the Javan cucumber vine

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[Chris McKeon]

I will just come out and t it. I am very envious of Squirrels. I mean that would be so Cool to stretch Membranes between Your Arms and Your feet, then launch. I wonder if a Squirrel can climb. Yea Can they Work a Thermal? I have many times shared, for a short while at least. I have been in the same Thermal with as most of You have also been in a thermal with say a Bird of Prey that is until they decided to simply shift Gears. Amazing Squirrels are, I think.

[Bob Kuczewski]

I will just come out and say it. I am very envious of Squirrels.

Me too!!  

Cool videos Joe!!  

I think I'm going to retire the phrase "fly on the wall landing" in favor of "squirrel on a tree landing".

[Chris McKeon]

Those Videos are really Good to see thanks Joe: Talk about {STICKING A LANDING}. I mean to say, I just wonder if Topless Gliders after having gone through the stalled Development Period. I wonder if Today Topless Gliders have gotten better at: Staying up in the Air? Bob once said: "I just love being up in the Air" So do I , that is why I Fly My Predator,
{Stalled Development} Period where They had been, and very well might be still. I do not know How well. or how Poorly Topless Gliders are Performing. I only know that Topless Gliders back when I was Flying, when They Launched from the same site. They would Land before My Predator with the Predators Phenomenal sink rate would be able to stay up in the Air while Flying My Predator, I My Predator was able to remain Airborne.

BIRD HG COMPARISON TALK:

When I enter a Thermal and say there is s Bird of Prey Circling above Me. Weather the Bird id a Hawk, an Owl, a Osprey, a Turkey Vulture, you name it Flying My Predator even though the Predator as Zack Majors said: "The Predator has a Prenominal Sink Rate". As hard as would try, I always failed! Yes, I could never Core through them. Another aspect of the Predator being such a great Glider is its ability to land. But compared to a Squirrel, The Predator comes up short. When the action of {STICKING a LANDING is CONCERNED}. Yes, those Squirrels are able really to: "STICK THEIR LANDINGS".

Note to Bob: I have been talking about the Glider's ability to Perform. I am not being a Braggadocios Pilot, it is not at all Me why when Flying My Predator that say when was Flying with far better Pilots than Myself that I was able to remain Airborne, while My friends Flying their Topless Glider were unable to remain in the Air while I was Flying My Predator could stay in the Air. The reality was the Predator One Fifty-Eight was a Better Designed Glider. That May sound Harsh, or judgmental to You. But the Cold Hard reality is that John Designed a Better Glider.

I think that when it comes to becoming a better Pilot. I think I have a Much better chance of getting A Sex Change Operation. So that I could Fly My Predator like Kari, or Tammy Would Fly My Predator. Now changing My identity to that of a Rodent. That is another Ball Game entirely.