Intro to Thermalling and Cross-Country (XC)
Once you move beyond circling near the launch, riding lift to gain altitude and reach far becomes the next goal: cross-country (XC). Its starting point is thermalling.
What a thermal is
A thermal is a column of warm air rising as the ground is heated by sunlight. Turning within this rising air to gain altitude is called thermalling.
Finding thermals
- Terrain: thermals form well over sun-facing south slopes, rocks and gravel fields, and quickly heated ground.
- Clouds: just upwind of and below a well-developed cumulus is a clue to a thermal.
- Other pilots & birds: gliders gaining altitude at the same spot, or circling raptors, are good signs.
Centering (turning)
When you sense lift, turn at a steady bank toward its center and stay in it. Reading the vario's climb tone and the glider's response, gradually shift the circle's center toward the stronger lift.
Glide and transition
Once you've gained enough altitude, glide (transition) to the next source of lift. Keep a safe altitude margin to the next thermal and plan a route that includes possible landing spots.
Preparing for your first XC
- Stable thermalling and altitude management must come first.
- Always fly with a landing spot in sight.
- Check airspace, restricted areas, and terrain in advance.
Reviewing your GPS track after an XC flight lets you look back on your decisions objectively. (Logging Flights Automatically with IGC)