Glasflugel Libelle
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think clearly under pressure think clearly mindset

I’m currently competing at the Australian pre-worlds for a place on the world gliding team, so while I’m relaxed and focused on it all, there’s still an element of tension, anticipation, and pressure to perform.  I’m starting every day the same, routine for me is important, from breakfast time to getting the glider ready the same way every day, to preparing for the flight weather and tactic wise.  This allows me to conserve energy pre-start, so I can give it my all once in the cockpit for the day.

On the second day of the competition, we were faced with a 314 km racing task with blue conditions forecast for the whole flight.  Pre-flight planning suggested that there was going to be wave about with thermal climbs stopping around 6000’.  I release off tow into a weak 2 kts without any feel at all.  I climb until I’m at a safe height and go looking for better, to help build up my thermal structure map of the day.  I didn’t find a climb, and now I’m low again, looking up at others, I’m forced to take another 2kt climb while the time is ticking down.  Add to this pressure, we are using the PEV (Pilot Event Start) procedure.  I climb back to 5000’ and seemingly stop at the top of convection, I’m the only one down this ‘low’, while the rest of my class had seemingly found the blue wave!

I search it out looking for the wave, but I’m tense, unwilling to chance any big moves, I need help to find it, but no one is around.  I’m approaching the end of my start window, 3 minutes to go, the problem is that I’m at 3000’agl and everyone else is at 8000’ and starting!  It was a day that was predicted to shut down early. What do I do?

I think as clearly as I could at the time, do I press the PEV marker again or do I swallow my mistake and just start low?  I decided to press the PEV one last time and try to find a climb to get me up and away.  The following points are what was going through my head for the eventual 20 min later start...

  • Today is a blue day, usually, blue days go longer than forecast.
  • The day was predicted to go to 9000’, usually high days go longer too
  • I could only find 2kts in the start area, I figured I could find at least 2kts for my final thermal at worst, so I’d be no worse off.
  • A low groveling start would be a disaster, I’d be on the back foot from the start.

I’ve just pressed the PEV again, it is time to reset my mind.  I find a regular thermal downwind of the line, climb to 7000 and eventually start at 6300’ within 30 seconds of my start window.  It’s go time Adam, do not feel sorry for yourself, fly as cleanly and as focused as you can, and make up the time on the others in the stronger conditions.

This is exactly what happened and I was able to finish just 81 points behind the day winner, a perfect result considering the circumstances.  The key takings to my day's lesson was that a positive mindset is worth its weight in gold, plus thinking clearly when the time comes, usually, decisions aren’t as urgent as we first make them out to be.

Don’t forget your T-CUP, Think Clearly Under Pressure!

Banner photo by Holger Weitzel, aufwind-luftbilder.de

Adam Woolley  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.