Efficient Gaggling
One of the best things that can happen to us whilst we are climbing, is to be joined by another glider. Better again if it’s a similar type as the one we are flying, and a pilot of a similar or better standard than ourselves. This rings true when both pilots know how to take advantage of one another, and can see each other all the time. Why is this true? Because we are able to compare our rate of climb with theirs and make precise and quick observations as to where the strongest lift is at that very moment in time. When we can see each other all the time, it turns both of us into the best variometers one could ever hope for. The other glider can show us where the best part of the thermal is, equally, if we go through less buoyant air, we are able to maneuver the glider to avoid it for the next circle, the end result is a faster climb rate and more fun!
See the Best Lift and Worst Sink
As I touched on above, if the pilot skill level is different, the wing loading of the glider is substantially different, a flapped glider versus a standard class glider, all of this will result in differing rates of climb. So don’t be disheartened, try to weigh it all up, but for sure one thing is important, to keep your eye on the other glider, as they’ll still show you where the best lift and worst sink are at all times.
Don't Fly Directly Behind
If a glider gets themselves into a position of flying directly behind someone, which is often the case, then this advantage above is lost for both pilots. Two problems arise, the following pilot is only seconds behind the other pilot and therefore flies into the same good or poor air, but it isn’t recognizable nor useable, secondly, it makes for a safety issue. When we can see each other, it’s both safer and we are able to notice the subtle climb rate differences, so always aim for this!
Lookout and Be Predictable
Safety! Not only can sharing a thermal be super rewarding and fun, the more gliders that join the thermal, the more the risk of a collision increases. I remember being in a gaggle at the junior world gliding championships in 2005, where there was an inner, middle, and outer circle, stacked three or four high – everyone remained predictable, but gosh our heads felt like they were on swivels! Keywords: Lookout and be predictable. The risk of course goes up with others in the thermal, but by being predictable and having a good lookout, this risk can be mitigated if we do our absolute best to never lose sight of the other gliders in our vicinity.
Have fun and happy circles!
Banner photo by Holger Weitzel, aufwind-luftbilder.de
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.