Flying with other gliders

1. Coaching notes: Unit 5 – version 2 Flying with other gliders To provide the pilot the knowledge of – • safe methods of joining other gliders in a thermal • dangerous glider positions and how to avoid them Discuss common situations • Cruising • Gaggles • Starts • Finishing, crowded circuit • Relate topic to performance improvement • Tailor topic to audience

2. Skill-Thermalling with other gliders Forget about instruments Slow down before entering Never cut inside, avoid double blind Conform with other gliders “kink” turn to synchronise Consider differing wing loadings Avoid joining from outside Tip: smooth decisive manoeuvres, no surprises. Discussion – Joining from outside, speed, rate of climb

3. Typical glider blind spots

4. Skill – Maintaining Visual Contact Avoid flying in another’s blind spot – single blind Avoid positioning you glider such that the other glider is in your blind spot – double blind Never place yourself above and behind a glider in cruise Spatial awareness etc.

5. Starts and finishes Decisive not aggressive manoeuvres Conform with the “flow” Enter start area from behind, no U turns

6. Relating to performance Skills need to be sub-conscious Less workload = more time to make better decisions Enter and leave gaggles upwind/ downwind Flying to the side increases search area Confidence of skills avoids “is that me” doubts Thermalling – use other glider to show lift peak

7. And then… • FLARM Further Reading Flying Faster and Further – Maurie Bradney