deviation

Why are we cruising in this direction? Why not 10 degrees to the right or left? You should be heading in a precise direction, you should always be trying to increase your odds and find the next area of lift, even finding less sink is great. You should try each and every source. You should be trying every area along the way that you think will produce lift. Of course, you still have to think about deviation

Effective deviation is covered a lot in cross country flying. Deviating too much and making little distance towards the goal, not deviating at all and not finding a good thermal, and partially deviating under the clouds but not going to the good side are common errors.

At the WGC last week Mike and I saw ourselves doing those a few times. Where the non-flying pilot would comment, ‘why are we

We have had a string of good weather and a few students were trying to get a cross-country flight in before I headed off to the Worlds. We also had clouds which is a rarity for us, it is much easier to play connect the dots when you can see them. The advantage is it makes it much easier to find the sheerline. The sheerline is not a straight line of lift, it is a wondering path to follow through the

Clearly, the start gate that is closest to the line is the best one to use. The shortest distance makes sense. Problem solved, go there.

If it was only that easy. It might be the shortest distance but it could come with a lot of disadvantages. Sometimes the best start gate to use is one that is farthest away from the course line. In an hour you are not going to be concerned with being 1/2 mile

We have all heard about the 30-degree rule. I also talked about Ingo Renner (Ingo Renner's Discus was specially made without ailerons, he chooses to climb straight ahead.) being able to just drive his sailplanes straight on course. Then Dale Bush has his motto about following clouds...

Let's think more about the 30-degree rule because many of us try and use it religiously. This hurt me big

Remember our clouds from last week? The three clouds to the left and a larger one to the right. Rather than deciding early and head towards one on a long glide. Split the difference and head for the middle. As you get closer you might be able to make a more informed decision with less deviation.

If you are Ingo Renner (think Chuck Norris jokes) you don't have to deviate as the thermals will