Table of Contents. 1. Training in the vicinity of the airfield. 2 Weather and Gliding

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1 Table of Contents Preface to the third edition 2 About the Author 3 Foreword by Ingo Renner 4 Foreword by Michael Sommer 5 Content at a glance 6-7 To my family / The use of icons 8 1. Training in the vicinity of the airfield 1.1 Introduction Thermal recognition & thermal detection Centring a thermal Using other gliders as lift indicators Thermalling at a steady rate of climb Audio variometers Thermalling speeds The effect of different wing loadings Angle of bank Drag Practical hints Problems arising while thermalling steeply Avoiding sink after releasing Structure of thermals Thermal formation on a calm day Finding thermals on blue days Efficient centring in blue conditions Thermal behaviour on windy days Lift towards the end of the day Lift under cumulus clouds Finding the core under cumulus clouds Spacing of thermals Tactics just before and after launching Over-development and cycling Dissipating cumulus clouds The self-stoking effect of cumulus clouds Dust devils The effect of a strong wind on thermals Thermal re-centring in windy conditions The importance of flying accurately Other sources of energy 53 2 Weather and Gliding 2.1 Introduction The sun hard at work The importance of inversions The Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rate (DALR) The Environmental Lapse Rate (ELR) An everyday practical example The role of the dew point Prediction of thunderstorms Over-development of cumulus clouds Strength of thermal activity The role of the wind 70

2 2.12 Pressure Systems around the globe Weather patterns in Australia Soaring weather in Central Europe Sea breeze fronts A clue from the clouds above The life cycle of cumulus clouds Degree of cloud cover The Skew T Log P diagram The Tephigram Concluding comments Preparing for cross-country flying 3.1 Getting ready for road retrieves A partnership with your crew Preparing for longer flights What is a reasonable task for today? The point of no return What did I learn today? The key word is training Checklist for taking a glider away Extended local soaring 4.1 Introduction Stepping out of your comfort zone Dealing with fear Cross-country specific training Getting help from a coach Lead & follow coaching Self coaching Team flying Flying with water ballast Looking for lift when low Wind shear Influence of airflow above the convection Operation in thunderstorm conditions Drift Navigation with modern instruments Mountain flying Long distance flying Gliding certificates FAI Badges Advanced cross-country flying 5.1 Introduction Getting the speed up Are we using too many thermals? Are we hanging on to a thermal too long? Are we centring a thermal quickly

3 enough? Are we thermalling efficiently enough? Yaw string corrections Is our meteorological navigation up to scratch? Is our thermal selection good enough? The effect of detours Speed to fly Maximising glide distance Maximising average cross-country speed How important is the cruising speed? Probability of intercepting a thermal Flying tactics on track and height bands Thermal streets Dolphin flying Haze domes Exiting a thermal Final glide Low-level finishes Flight analysis Winning the mental game 6.1 Planning The importance of being focused Positive thinking Making decisions Thinking ahead Concentration & Relaxation Learn how to learn Dealing with mistakes Mental rehearsals Confidence and over-confidence Commitment and self motivation Setting a goal and achieving it Our mood and its effect on performance Formula for success Analysing your flight Learning from the experts Believe in your ability to succeed Flying competitively 7.1 Choosing a competition class Preparing for your first competition Getting to know the contest area Starting a race Out on a competition task Turning points 266

4 7.7 The problem of stress in competition Shaving off the seconds Risk management Staying fit for the duration of the contest Is the mature glider pilot disadvantaged? Let s get technical 8.1 Getting the most out of a glider Variometers and their limitations Getting the variometer set-up right Optimising the Centre of Gravity Why do winglets work? Flaps Bug wipers Outlandings 9.1 Introduction Misleading altimeter Determining wind direction Circuit planning Field selection The landing After the landing Dos and Don ts Aero tow retrieves Long-term benefits Outlanding training and motor gliders Concluding comments Safety first 10.1 Introduction Thermalling etiquette Effective scanning Putting the focus on vision Good look-out is no accident Flarm Are we fit for flying? Dealing with air sickness Parachutes and emergencies Using the radio to enhance safety Radio procedures Talking to air traffic control Open Class manoeuvrability Gliders with retractable engines Enhancing safety with satellite tracking Spinning in gliders Ridge lift and slope soaring

5 11.1 Introduction Theoretical fundamentals Conditions affecting ridge soaring Obstacles upwind of the ridge Ridge lift and thermals Katabatic and Anabatic winds Changes in wind direction and strength Flying tactics Ridge soaring rules Flying well above ridge-top level Dangers Wave lift 12.1 Introduction Topography Lee wave airflow and terminology Meteorological conditions Wavelength Amplitude Moisture Cloud formation Other types of wave Dangers at great altitudes Limitations of the human body Aircraft limitations The practical aspects of wave flying The effects of crosswind Safety in wave A practical example Bands of thermal wave Morning Glory Dynamic soaring 417 Winners in society 422 Where to go from here 422 Credit where credit is due 425 Table of contents 428 Order form 431