lift

One of the most useful lessons in cross-country soaring is surprisingly simple: when you get low, stop thinking like a pilot and start thinking like the landscape!

Every soaring pilot eventually faces the same uncomfortable moment. The thermals disappear, the variometer falls silent, and the ground begins to look much closer than expected. One could argue that this is exactly when discipline and observation

So many fabulous books have been written, many on this topic. George Moffat & his book, winning on the Wind, was, at least in my mind, the first to publicise it. Winning by not losing, I must’ve read it & Reichmans a dozen times in my life. My favourite teacher, Mr Cummins, also played a pivotal role in my obsession to not waste time and how to be more efficient. 

Efficiency is Key

I’ll never forget

Editor: In Part I, Roy began a discussion with Strategies When You Are Low. Thermalling low can be dangerous. These two articles are focused on mitigating risk and increasing your chances of climbing away from a safe altitude. Follow along as we continue to get lower...

Accept you are in survival mode

If you are carrying water ballast, dump it all, right now.  You need the glider light and maneuverable.

One of the best things that can happen to us whilst we are climbing, is to be joined by another glider. Better again if it’s a similar type as the one we are flying, and a pilot of a similar or better standard than ourselves.  This rings true when both pilots know how to take advantage of one another, and can see each other all the time. Why is this true? Because we are able to compare our rate of

Thermal entry You're approaching an area of lift, you can either see it, or you can feel it approaching, you slow yourself down to heighten your senses, hear the air better, feel the wings coming alive, listen to that audio become more excited - but which way do you turn? How do you attack that area of lift?

Attack the Area of Lift

Let's start off with the second question, as it comes first! You're

Searching the sky for the best lift is endlessly challenging. Decision-making is essentially a three-stage procedure. Firstly, continually analyze all relevant factors – the wind, sun, ground surface, and the shape and texture of the clouds throughout the flight. Secondly, use all your experience of ridges, convergence, wave, thunderstorms to process this information. Then try to build a mental picture