Which first instrument to buy Without an instrument, it is impossible to know if you are really going up or down!
Our sensory sensors are relative, not absolute, unlike flight instruments.
Away from the terrain, even the best pilot in the world can start to roll in a descending air mass.
To fly efficiently, you absolutely cannot do without a sink rate indicator and thus a true climb!
A visual indicator requires distraction from the flying, but it is essential if you have hearing problems. It is also useful to know the potential of the day in order to choose the right thermals.
An audible indication is the most efficient way to be constantly informed in real time about your rate of ascent or descent.
Variations in pitch and beep frequency provide information on minute changes, which helps to exploit weaker climbs that often lead to stronger ones…
Small streams make big rivers.
Ovide
Which first instrument should you buy?
I advise to buy a small audible vario (about CHF 100.-) for the first big flights.
Afterwards, even if you get a more complete instrument (with GPS, Flarm…), this first vario will be used as a backup instrument and as a light vario for walking and flying and travelling !
If the instrument is powered by a solar cell, there will be no need to worry about the state of the battery, which is a great advantage for a backup vario !
