Thermal Clinic

Clinics & Classes:   Pilot Tune-Up & Rating   SB Site Intro Clinic   Thermal Soaring Clinic   Weather Clinic   Cross-Country Clinic   Ridge Soaring Clinic   Maneuvers Clinic   Tow Pilot Clinic   Reserve Parachute Clinic   Instructor Clinic   Tandem Clinic

Because thermals are invisible, they are a tricky subject to tackle. We will be taking a look at how thermals develop, where they commonly release, how to identify where we are in the thermal and how to make the best use of its lift.
     We'll start to understand thermal generators, thermal triggers, sink, lift, the core, cloudbase, cloudstreets and convergence. We will conduct exercises that will help to train our brains on how to identify the core of a thermal and circle the appropriate way to make the most of this precious lift. We will also review proper thermal etiquette and promote thermalling with your flying buddies to help each other identify where the lift is.
     We will be doing one-on-one thermal coaching during this clinic. We have found that a pilot newly exploring and identifying thermals can quickly grasp and visualize the thermal under radio coaching. Your thermal coach can help identify the thermal and suggest how quickly and which direction to make your circles to stay in it. The pilot isn't overwhelmed by thinking what to do next and is allowed to feel what it's like to core a thermal.
     We recommend that participants have their own variometer at this clinic to better understand how to use this valuable tool for efficient centering of thermal lift.

• Thermal Clinic Ground School
  Before we go flying to look for the lifting air, we need to discuss what we are looking for, how it will feel, and what to do with it. Topics discussed include: lapse rate and weather concepts, thermal triggers, turbulence management, entering and centering a thermal, flying with traffic, effects of wind on thermals and more. This first clinic will be ground-based theoretical discussion, preparing you for the second half, where we will be practicing what we have learned in flight.
  
  
• Thermal Clinic Guided Flying
  Watching the day begin the heating process, we'll time our launch to best utilize the thermal lift for soaring, looking to connect a few of these columns of rising air together! We will be looking at a specific launch site, discussing where the thermal triggers and house thermals are, and guiding you on the radio while you ascend in these sun-drenched parcels of rising air!

Thermal Clinic - April 10th, 11th & 12th, 2009

Because this weekend is Easter weekend, we are offering two versions of this clinic - The first is the entire weekend of Friday evening Ground School and Saturday and Sunday guided flying for $400 or just Friday night and Saturday Flying for $300.

Thermal Clinic - $300 Ground School and 1 Day of Guided Flying
Enroll Now or get someone a Gift Certificate!

Thermal Clinic - $400 Ground School and 2 Days of Guided Flying
Enroll Now or get someone a Gift Certificate!

Prerequisites:

• USHGA P2 certification with a minimum of 50 flights.
  
• Ability to perform smooth transitions into flight and landings including side hill launches in differing winds.
  
• Ability to perform spot landings every time.
  
• Appropriate certified equipment including an appropriate wing for the pilot's skill level, a full face helmet, a radio, a vario, a reserve and a harness with back protection or airbag and a cell phone.
  
• Strong safety awareness and respect for flying.
  
• Desire to learn and pursue cross-country flying.

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Thermal Sequence of Master Pilot/Advanced Instructor Chad Bastian (click to enlarge). Photo by Patrick Cudahy.