Summary: You don't need to read my description in order to fly Electra Glide-in Blue, though obviously, I think you should! If you're in a hurry to try it, just remember to eject the engine (button 1) once you reach altitude, then level the glider immediately after.

Electra Glide-in Blue is an exceptional SimplePlanes' glider that travels up to 1.7 miles horizontally for every 1000 feet of vertical decent. With an even attitude near sea level, it averages approximately 54 MPH without air brakes and about 44 MPH with its air brakes continuously applied. From an altitude of only 1 mile, you can glide for more than 10 minutes!

For my "How Slow Can You Go?" Contest, follow this link: http://www.reddit.com/r/SimplePlanes/comments/306621/how_slow_can_you_go/

To see Electra Glide-in Blue's successor, which triples glide-time, go here: https://www.simpleplanes.com/a/zf700r/Electra-Glide-in-Blue-II-EGB-FCM1

EGB-FC1 is easy to fly and balanced enough to land on its own (sort of)! Get some height, line it up, level out, then release the controls and watch it land. For a softer landing, do the same, but continuously apply the air brakes. EGB-FC1 stalls around 38 MPH, so when maneuvering with the air brakes engaged, keep a close eye on your speed.

This glider does not use any type of external launch mechanism. Instead, it relies on an ejectable jet engine to propel itself to the desired altitude. From less than 1 mile up, you can reach any landing area in the game.

Experiment and have fun! But, to make your experience more enjoyable, I do have a few recommendations:

* After releasing the engine, immediately level the glider or you may stall (the glider will continue to climb as it looses speed and could begin a backslide; this is common in SimplePlanes and not unique to EGB-FC1).
* For better control during powered ascent, you should reach at least 200 MPH before liftoff.
* After takeoff, keep your pitch between 25 and 30° until you reach your desired altitude.
* During ascent, try not to apply any roll (EGB-FC1 performs adequately with thrust applied, but really shines as a glider).
* Tap the Activation Group 1 button to detach the engine at your desired altitude (I recommend you do this with the pitch between 0 and 30° and when there is still some fuel remaining).

This is my first attempt at designing my own plane (I just discovered the game); please rate it so I know how I did!

Glide Statistics (based on rough estimates):
HDT = Horizontal Distance Traveled
VDD = Vertical Distance Descended

HDT per VDD = 1.7 miles/1000 feet
VDD per HDT = 586.7 feet/mile
Glide Angle = 6.34°
Grade Ratio = .1111:1
Glide Ratio = 9:1
Glide Grade = 11.11%

EGB-FC1's performance is comparable to that of a real-life, high performance paraglider.