As a (unfortunately non-current) sailplane pilot, I’ve always thought we should emulate the Europeans and require that pilots seeking airplane ratings first receive their glider rating. It really ingraines good judgment when every landing is a forced landing and go arounds are not an option. Sailplane pilots also learn good control coordination habits and learn how to manage their aircraft’s energy, all invaluable skills in an engine out scenario.
Most planes I seem drawn to have a glide ratio identical or worse than a brick. I flew a Great Lakes bi-plane for a few months to get acrobatic training and real spin recovery training, but never again care to do so. My stomach does not care for such things.
Altitude and 10’000 foot runways are a man’s best friend.
Second seater: *What clock?
After WWI Germany wasn't allowed to have an air force, and the development of aircraft was severely limited.
But, being Germans, they thought well outside the box. They formed glider clubs, which most young males really loved to fly with.
One serious glider pilot was Erich Hartman who shot down over 500, (mostly Soviet) aircraft. Another was Adolph Galland who shot down somewhere near 200 allied aircraft before he was assigned to administrative duty by Hitler.
This summer I hope to do some glider riding and hopefully dual flying.
Your remarks about the value of flying gliders are very well said.