601
edits
Soaring: Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
m
→Choosing the right airspeed
| Line 26: | Line 26: | ||
In practice, wind and lift tend to be variable and one doesn't calculate the glide ratio but just estimates based on experience. | In practice, wind and lift tend to be variable and one doesn't calculate the glide ratio but just estimates based on experience. | ||
To help in choosing the right speed, you can also read up on the ''McCready'' theory. He also developed a ring, often attached to the VSI. When adjusting the ring mark to the anticipated lift rate of the next thermal (a good starting point is the average lift rate of the current thermal), the VSI needle will point roughly to the speed you should aim for (but don't hunt the needle!). Leave the current thermal already at good speed - don't speed up when you are leaving, but before, in order to cross the zone with downdraft around the thermal quickly. | To help in choosing the right speed, you can also read up on the ''McCready'' theory<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_to_fly</ref>. He also developed a ring, often attached to the VSI. When adjusting the ring mark to the anticipated lift rate of the next thermal (a good starting point is the average lift rate of the current thermal), the VSI needle will point roughly to the speed you should aim for (but don't hunt the needle!). Leave the current thermal already at good speed - don't speed up when you are leaving, but before, in order to cross the zone with downdraft around the thermal quickly. | ||
=== Learn the theory === | === Learn the theory === | ||