Getting Low
It happens to all of us, but how we deal with it is very different for everybody. Some will roll over & resign to an out landing far too early, others will get hyper-focused & climb away in the smallest of bubbles. You make your own luck, though occasionally there's nothing you can do & you'll be on the ground regardless. So what can we do to avoid getting low? What can we do to deal with being low? How do we get away from being low?
Low while flying XC
Avoidance while racing. Looking out the window & being observant is the absolute key to this one. Whether you're on a task or seeking your 5hr duration for silver C, it's critical to your soaring success. On task, I'm looking well ahead, 50-100km if the visibility allows. You should have a target cloud ahead to climb in, then back up plans past it. What if the backup plans past your target cloud are possible 2-3kt looking scraps for 20km, then worse after that before it gets better again? Simply, at your target cloud, your target climb strength should be adjusted to 3kts (even though you're hoping for & should get 5kts!). Be patient, stay higher, cross the area of uncertainty, climb again in the stronger conditions down track.
Low while seeking duration
Avoidance while seeking duration. You're at the 4.5hr mark of your 5hr duration claim, the sky has fallen apart with no more chance to climb, you are going to land before your target, give in right & try another day? No!! Find yourself the least amount of sink possible, remember it takes a very long time to 'thermal down' in 0.1-0.5kt sink - it's also smooth, quite relaxing & rewarding too. If your a competition pilot & first off tow, you can use this technique while your friends get towed up to help you!
Dealing with being low. It's happened, get over it. Any cursing & swearing, feeling of frustration is of no use to you right now, put it behind you & move on. One of the best things about climbing away & subsequently finishing your task after a low save is, you still have an average speed, you're still getting points, & you will soon land safely at your intended location. So having a clear, focused & determined mind is critical to climbing away.
Take the blinders off
Taking the blinkers (blinders) off. With your clear & focused mind, it's incredible what you can notice & feel from mother nature. Seeing a local soaring bird nearby suddenly becomes visible, or a bunch of birds launching out of the tree's below, trust them, fly over slowly, feel the sky, only make a turn when you're in lift, perhaps you'll need to park in the weak turbulent sink & wait for the bubble to come to you like the start of this article? Look for all the usual thermal trigger points that the textbooks, your instructor, or friends have spoken about over the years. The easiest trick I use to find a thermal when you've exhausted all other opportunities is to imagine yourself where you would most hate to be right now on the ground, usually, it is the hottest & most uncomfortable place to be barefoot. Go past every trigger source you can before committing to the field, link them all up as you inspect the field & position yourself for the (potential) landing.
Important! Stay within your own experience envelope, just because someone can break off into a field at 300', doesn't mean you can, always stay within your own capabilities.
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.
