Mon May 13, 2019 6:45 am
#1693087
Waveflyer wrote:I wonder if there is a gliding pilot on here who could explain where and when we could expect to see gliders soaring, thermalling etc so that we could keep a better look out and be better prepared to “see and avoid”?
1. Always pass gliding sites at the leeward side; most local gliders will stay windward so they can get back to the site when they run out of lift.
2. As a rule of thumb; the thermal lift will normally be found on the bisection of the angle between sun and wind under the typical cumulus clouds so expect most gliders to be under that part of the cloud.
3. Glider pilots typically will stay in the thermal until they hit the cloudbase - so I stay away from the cloudbase.
4. Few thermals inbetween the clouds (unless it is a clear blue day and to dry for condensation to form clouds)
5. Light surfaces are conducive to forming convective activity - sandy/heather type planes therefore are usually the area we'll head to find lift, as are ridges. Darker areas usually avoided.
6. We look where other gliders are thermalling - so when you see one thermalling others will be nearby.
7. Both in the cruise but especially whilst thermalling gliders are very difficult to see.
Waveflyer, Maxthelion liked this
Frank Voeten
Emails to first name.lastname@nhs.net
Emails to first name.lastname@nhs.net