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 Glide estimator), 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.