Avoid Fake Thermals with HAWK
The more I fly with the LXNAV HAWK, the more I realise that I almost can't fly without it now. It has become an essential part of my decision-making process in flight, refining how I choose my climbs and ultimately making me a more efficient and effective pilot.
At the recent nationals, I lost count of the times I pulled up, hopeful of a climb, only for the HAWK to signal me: "No, don't bother." Time and time again, I would have been tempted to turn in the weaker lift or the strong gust, but the HAWK provided instant feedback that saved me from wasting valuable time. I haven’t fully analysed my flights yet, but I strongly suspect that the number of unnecessary "tries" I avoided added up to significant time savings throughout the competition. And in racing, every second counts.
My usual technique when entering a climb hasn’t changed much—I still rely on all the classic methods: feeling the surge, listening to the audio cues, and assessing how the glider reacts. But now, just before fully committing to a turn, I take one final glance at the HAWK. That momentary last-minute check often makes all the difference.
If the HAWK confirms what I’m feeling—showing strong lift or exceeding my expectations—I commit to the turn and lock it in. But if the HAWK is already showing a decline in strength, even before I complete the turn, I don’t hesitate to roll out and continue my search elsewhere. That kind of instant validation (or warning) is incredibly valuable, particularly in high-pressure racing conditions where making the wrong call can be costly.
One of the biggest advantages of using the HAWK is that it helps remove doubt. So often, we second-guess ourselves in flight—was that just a bump, or is there something better nearby? Should I keep circling, or should I push on? The HAWK adds an extra layer of confidence to my decisions, helping me avoid getting stuck in climbs that are weakening off, or passing up a turn because it’s a gust, rather than an actual climb. Instead, I can stay focused on the bigger picture: maintaining speed, finding the best energy lines, and ultimately improving my overall performance.
Of course, no instrument is perfect, and I still trust my instincts and experience when deciding whether to stop & turn or roll wings level when leaving a thermal. But the more I use the HAWK, the more I appreciate how much it refines my flying. It’s like having an extra sense—one that can instantly validate or challenge my assumptions in real-time.
For me, the HAWK has gone from being a useful tool to an indispensable part of my flying. It’s simply awesome.
Safe circles, always!
Banner photo by Sean Franke
Adam Woolley was born into the gliding world, being the 3rd generation in his family. Going solo at 15, his thirst for efficiency in soaring flight & quest for a world championship title to his name has never wavered. One big passion is sharing his experiences & joy with other glider pilots all around the world. Adam is an airline pilot in Japan on the B767 & spends his off time chasing summer around the globe. He has now won 7 national Championships & represented Australia at 5 WGC's & 1 EGC.
