Abstract: Model glider including means for controlling the pitch attitude of the glider between alternative launch and glide configurations and timing means to programmably reconfigure the glider from the launch to the glide configuration a preselected period of time after launching the glider. Also a method in which the glider is launched having substantial kinetic energy with the pitch control in the launch position and, as the kinetic energy diminishes and the glider starts through the top of an arc, the pitch attitude control means is reconfigured to the glide configuration to provide a stable transition to an effective angle of attack for elongated glides. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the timing device includes a distendable member having an elastic memory.