GliderPilot

I'm glad you are interested in the subject. I will gladly answer your questions.

Q1. Yes, a self launching glider has a small powerful engine that folds out of a compartment behind the cockpit and allows the pilot to be independant of ground helpers. You can just get in, start and take off. When high enough, stop the motor and fly like a conventional glider. If you run out of lift, get the engine out again and climb to a better height or return home/continue to your destination. However in the UK you need a different type of licence to fly this type. There is another type of glider called a "sustainer" or more popularly known as a "turbo" that works more or less the same way but the engine isn't as powerful and will not develop enough power to get the glider off the ground. It has to be towed off the ground by a tow plane but once airborne, if you get low, pop out the turbo and either motor home or climb to a higher altitude and then start gliding again. Aerotow launches require a tow plane with a pilot and someone to hold the wingtip to level the wings and run alongside the glider until the controls become effective and the pilot can balance the glider on the one wheel during the ground run. Self launchers don't require either.

Q2. Triangles with two turning points are the most common, however 3 or more can be used, but each one usually only once if the flight is for what is known as a "badge flight" (More on this later)