Safely Exiting a Gaggle
While you are thermalling be predictable. No erratic movements. No fast changes in direction. At the same time, no change so slow that the person behind you cannot see what you intend to do. When you roll out you want the person behind you to understand you are leaving and not just widening the thermal which they might follow.
Look to the outside
When rolling out look to the outside making sure someone is not trying to merge in as you are sliding out. If someone is right behind and sliding in and you attempt to dive to get more spacing that could have a bad result as there may be someone below that you cannot see. I have over the years had to make an extra turn to safely escape. Normally, I roll out when I want, however, once the gaggle exodus starts it can cause cross traffic and you might not get the line you want.
Clear your exit
If the average is dropping below what I think I can get ahead then I leave. I start by looking to make sure it is clear 270 degrees before my roll out I take a very careful look for incoming gliders. As I roll out I am generally looking over my shoulder to make sure nobody arrives into my view. But also keeping an eye ahead. You could get a surprise when the glider ahead rolls out when you do, requiring a slight slide to the side for separation.
It is pretty common for pilots to leave when they think they can beat the thermal ahead. Since everyone is flying with the same instrument data and looking at the same sky it is common that there are a fair amount of people leaving that same turn. There will also be pilots holding back not wanting to be the first to leave.
Risk of holding back
The pilot holding back could use you to avoid the sink and find better air, they could let you get a few turns in so you will be centered and they can enter once the core is found. But they also run the risk of missing a bubble or getting stuck in the gaggle and not being able to climb. I remember one day at the Sailplane Grand Prix I was not afraid to lead out a few times and was able to get on top because I was ahead enough to quickly center and not have to worry about traffic in the gaggle as I was about 75 feet above them.
Risk of leading out
I also remember this time when I turned around to see the entire gaggle above me as I missed the thermal and multiple gliders flying wingtip to wingtip they were able to find it. Be like Sean Franke, Don't turn back.
Banner photo by Wings & Wheels
Garret Willat holds a flight instructor rating with over 8000 hours in sailplanes. His parents have owned Sky Sailing Inc. since 1979. He started instructing the day after his 18th birthday. Since then, Garret has represented the US Junior team in 2003 and 2005. He graduated from Embry-Riddle with a bachelor's degree in Professional Aeronautics. Garret represented the US Open Class team in 2008 and 2010 and the Club Class team in 2014. Garret has won 3 US National Championships.