Ridge Saves
The most significant advantage of thermalling when there are hills is the ability to save yourself on the ridge. It allows you to push very aggressively, by that I mean very low and try and take only the strongest thermals. Because you know that it will not result in a landout, there is some comfort when flying cross country. It might, however, result in some S turns on a ridge waiting for the next thermal. Staying aloft is always more productive than being on the ground.
Course Line
If you can have a ridge aligned with your course, you can dribble along and wait for the next thermal. It possibly will be a slower trying to climb from down low, however still making progress on task is always good, even if slow. I remember a day at Mifflin at one of the Nationals where one glider below was ridge soaring so slow that the thermals were faster on course. However, knowing that the ridge was working gave the thermal pilot the ability to keep pushing hard, knowing that it was doubtful it would result in a landout.
Off Course Line
If the ridge doesn’t help you get task distance, maybe it will lead to better air where you can get back up again. Getting a save on a ridge that isn’t in the direction you want might not be all bad. It might move you faster towards better air. The ridge will typically align the thermals. Even turning 90 degrees off course to keep yourself in the air might lead to a quick climb and back on course again. Remember, if that ridge wasn’t there, you might be on the ground.
Bus Stop
Sometimes sitting on a ridge is like waiting at a bus stop. You find a good spot, where all of the things add up to producing a thermal. However, sometimes, you have to wait for one to build. It is important to remember that typically, thermals do not last a long time. The ‘bubble’ eventually dies, and you have to wait for the next one. But if you are going to get stuck somewhere, try and make it somewhere, that will keep you aloft and produce another thermal. Just like a bus stop, it’s essential to be on the right corner at the correct time.
Working Band
If the ridge is working, it effectively will increase your working band. Now with a ridge working, you do not have a bottom to the working band. You can always get back to the ridge top and continue on. You might even have small sections where it makes more sense to stay on the ridge; then it does to thermal.
You still plan all the way to the ground, but now you pick your thermal path that ends on a ridge as a last resort. Worse case is you have to S turn before being able to properly thermal back up.
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.
