Dominate Your Next Thermal

Thermal entry You're approaching an area of lift, you can either see it, or you can feel it approaching, you slow yourself down to heighten your senses, hear the air better, feel the wings coming alive, listen to that audio become more excited - but which way do you turn? How do you attack that area of lift?

Attack the Area of Lift

Let's start off with the second question, as it comes first! You're tracking to your climb, a few kilometers out is when I start planning my precise attack at it. Where is the sun coming from, what about the wind, where is my task track past the cloud, how big is the cloud, do I really need this climb if it doesn't meet expectations? Don't just aim at a cumulus, identify at least two specific points where the thermal is likely to be. Then work backward from your line out to the next area of lift or cumulus, back to your position now as you approach it. At this point, I don't believe deviations matter, what is important is Netto & maximizing your chance to find lift! If my attack on an area of lift was 45° to (my now) the right, followed by another point 30° to the left of that point, followed by skirting the edge of the cumulus 45° to the right, before setting off the next cloud. Then I would put myself on the right-hand edge of the first point by approximately 200m. Why? To keep it simple, I would pull up, do my best to feel the thermal, then turn LEFT. Why? Because if I don't hook the thermal within 45°, then I can simply roll out to the next point on my left, saving 25 seconds of a wasted turn & get the benefit of extra Netto enroute to the next, & the benefit of less distance - naturally then repeat the above process for the rest of the CU before either climbing or tracking back on task.

Which Way to Turn

Which way to turn? Well, I just touched on that subject, but clearly, there is always more to it than that. One technique I use is to actually let the thermal push me out - I can hear you, say what!? The tail comes up, speed is maintaining even though you're pulling back on the stick, the thermal can & will let you be pushed out (let's say to the right) with a little right bank. Let it happen, the thermal is clearly on your left. Relax & heighten those senses. When you get the next gust or absolute feeling that you've intercepted a climb you want, bank over hard left - full control deflection & simultaneously pull back on the stick! It will snap in quickly, you’ve just slammed on the brakes & if you've calculated the approach well, you'll be centered within a turn! If you feel another gust or improvement of the climb at about the 90° mark, release the stick to widen the turn, let it take you there, then rack it back in! Takes practice of course, but it can really save you a lot of time & is super rewarding.

Banner photo was taken by Sophie Mahieu

 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.