thermal

Thermal Development

Thermal development is a fundamental concept in the soaring world that we must all grasp. It’s energy in the atmosphere that we use to stay aloft. Understanding how thermals form and evolve is crucial for any soaring pilot aiming to extend their flight, navigate cross-country, or enjoy the purest form of flying.

Thermals, those invisible pillars of rising air that we as glider pilots rely on for sustenance in the sky, they are a fascinating meteorological phenomenon for us all. Understanding how thermals develop is essential, for a good flight and how long one might stay in the sport! Let's delve into the intricacies of thermal formation and explore the processes that give rise to these vital elements

We all have those flights that don't quite go to plan, no one is immune. Sebastian Kawa once outlanded before the start at a World Gliding Championships, does it make him a poor racing pilot? Absolutely not, he is still one of the greats of all time in our sport. It can happen to anyone, that we just have a bad day, after all, gliding is a game of skill & chance.

Gliding is a sport that has captivated the hearts of many over the decades.  The sensation of soaring through the sky gracefully, unaided by engines or propellers, but by Mother Nature is a dream come true for many aviation-inspired enthusiasts.  To allow us to achieve this silent dance with nature and the earth's energy, one of the lift sources that glider pilots rely on, is a phenomenon

Thermals are certainly strange creatures.  One day they can be big, round, and smooth, the next they’ll be tight with multiple cores, the next day, there will be sink in the area that was constantly lifting the day before!  This can bring frustration, but also lots of satisfaction when we start to build up our experience and start to be able to harness mother natures energy to our advantage.

I have no idea why, but it’s often spoken about that the distance between the good thermals seemingly appears to be related to the depth of convection.  I say that again, the depth of convection.  This is from the ground level to the top of the cloud base, not the commonly perceived, base of the clouds which is the condensation level.  Typically, if we work on an approximation

Big and high cumulus days are super fun, especially when all the ducks line up.  That’s the trick, to figure out the day's pattern so that they (ducks) do, as it is on every day and flight.  However, when we fly under large cumulus clouds, it requires a different tact at the day.  Instead of looking down, we must look up, this is to get all available cues from the clouds ahead.  The

One important aspect to either soaring in the local area or gliding across country, whether it be for leisure or for speed, its important to put all that energy you’ve just gained to good use, after all, we’ve certainly worked hard for it, why not keep some of it!  The local soaring pilot looks to retain their height gained to stay up longer, the racing pilots wants to get around the set task

I got some positive feedback from my article on flying under overcast areas so I thought a good progression would be a similar article on flying in blue areas. There is not a lot written on the subject but it is something we occasionally must do - either to get home across a large cloudless area or to reach a good cloud field or street on course. And, on some very dry days, we must fly without clouds