What do You Look for in a Cloud?

A growing cloud is much better than a decaying cloud. But determining what it is doing is key. Take a mental snapshot then look at it again a minute later and see if it is growing. There is generally too much going on to stare at the cloud for any length of time. Especially with all of the other pilots looking at and heading for that same cloud.

The base should be firm and well defined, not falling apart. The edges should also be crisp and well defined.

I see it more often in larger clouds but you will see a shelf in the cloudbase. Many times it is well defined with a lower and higher cloudbase. I generally prefer the higher cloudbase side.

When you are still some distance away from the cloud it is generally easier to spot if there is a concave base. It is generally not the whole base of the clouds but one smaller area where the thermal is rising into the cloud.

G Dale talks about the clouds he looks for as a rectangle shape in his book. But I always think of the good clouds as triangles, not too tall but some vertical development.

If you have a higher cloudbase that is a good sign and I would try there. However, this should not be confused with decayed clouds that are just hanging around because many times those are above the normal cloudbase.

Tendrils can be deceptive because they happen when the airmass is going up and down. So it is best to watch them for a bit to make sure it is going up.

When you are looking at the clouds, make sure to look under them for circling birds or gliders. Many times they are good signs there is a thermal there.

 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.