Glider contest flight in Logan, UT averaging 80mph - Part 5 of 10

[triboy46]

There's a lever on the left side of the cockpit. What is it for/what does it do?

[bviv]

@triboy46 It is the flap handle. On high performance gliders you can go into normal positive flaps like airplanes but when cruising fast you can go into negative flaps for even better performance. The flap setting is dependent on speed and angle of attack so that is why I am always messing with it when I am changing speeds. Looks like a lot of work but you soon forget you are even doing it. Kinda like a stick shift in a car. Bruno