This is not flight training, instruction, or a performance model of a real glider. The simulation is a lightweight, exaggerated-time toy: it follows the same wind source rules as Hike+Fly (none / user / forecast), the map time bar for forecast hour, Wind Map / spatial wind where applicable, and thermal lift from the Thermal Map–style buoyancy field. Your glide ratio and airspeed come from the Hike+Fly bar when that strip is visible, or sensible defaults when Hike+Fly is off. Terrain is approximated; physics are simplified. Treat it as a way to explore how the map’s wind and thermals might feel in a cartoon glider—not as a substitute for real-world judgment, aircraft limitations, or an instructor.
How to use it. Turn on Simulation in the toolbar (next to Hike+Fly), then click the map to launch. The glider flies in fast-forward (wall-clock time is scaled up so a short session covers more simulated airtime). ← and → steer. Press Esc or tap Simulation again to exit; if you “land” (altitude intersects the ground model), a crash marker appears until you exit or relaunch.
Flight HUD. While flying you get live readouts for lift (net vertical rate), wind speed and a wind arrow (direction the wind blows, north‑up), ground speed, height above ground and AMSL, simulated air time, and distance travelled.
In-flight controls (toggles).
Only available on non-mobile platforms.