Training on How to Thermal a Glider / Sailplane Suggest alternate

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 30 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 62

  • @desertpoj
    @desertpoj 7 месяцев назад

    Really a very good lesson. I’ve just changed from SH to Schleicher so no longer have a 45 degree coaming so I like your straws. Thank you.

  • @thomascies-ki742
    @thomascies-ki742 3 года назад +1

    Oh yes it's perfect and precise explanation. Thanks . All this seems simple , but without such detailed procedure it took me a number of years to find that by myself . I am sure it will help lot of pilots and not only the freshmen!

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  3 года назад

      thanks for the comment. Next job how to center but i will have to wait for next season (I'm southern hemisphere.)

  • @pacogago4378
    @pacogago4378 3 года назад

    Better explanations are surely difficult to get. Just consider that i am not an english fluent speaker and i fully understand you. Very clear and neat: the inflight explanations cleared me a lot of reading lessons which i am through. Many thanks for sharing.

  • @michaelpowers4452
    @michaelpowers4452 3 года назад

    absolutely fascinating and I don't even sailplane, but from this and several other pilot vid's I would sure like to ! Thankyou sir.

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  3 года назад

      Thanks I took up flying gliders in 1980 having worked out what sport I wanted to partake after bike racing, peddle and short track speed skating. I wanted a sport that I got better at with age. Never looked back. Look at my Morning Glory flight. Why not take it up.

  • @jamescooper7743
    @jamescooper7743  4 года назад +5

    I am not an instructor, but a coach. I've been flying since 1980. Instructors could be correct, their concern is someone pulling the nose up to try to make the landing point and stretch the glide on final turn. My two comments would be. 1) Thermalling I don't pull the speed back when maneuvering to find the core as I like a bit of extra speed to have maneuverability. 2) if you are on final turn to land and want to make the air field and you are concerned about making the field, point the nose to the top of the fence, you will always make it. If you are going to fast then you can pull the speed back and use dive break. In both cases no chance of spin or stall. If you can't make it then you are in the poo.

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  3 года назад +1

      @@terrelljerry3062 Good to hear. Most things in gliding take years. With about 4000 hours solo it still took me 2 years to learn to land my open class glider sweetly. Remember Look out before you turn.

  • @andrewstout9321
    @andrewstout9321 4 года назад

    Thanks James. I am a recently solo glider pilot working my way towards my Bronze and Cross Country endorsement. I'm in exactly the position you describe. I've been taught to fly safely (very important of course!) but without doubt the most important thing now for me to learn is to be able to thermal very well as this after all in the flatlands is what keeps us in the air! I've found your video extremely valuable and I have learned many things which I look forward to putting into practice once this Covid-19 nightmare is over and we're back flying. Fly safe and thanks for taking the time to make the video!

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  4 года назад

      Thanks for the comment. Where are you flying from? Or in reality where are you not flying from?

    • @andrewstout9321
      @andrewstout9321 4 года назад

      James Cooper I’m a member at Staffordshire Gliding Club in the U.K. - I shared your video with our members on our WhatsApp group and someone mentioned about the potential to spin by over ruddering a turn at slow speed as you make your first turn with full rudder - what are your thoughts on this?

    • @markburton5170
      @markburton5170 3 года назад

      @@andrewstout9321 Fundamentally, the reason he is not close to spinning is because his speed is well above the stall. With speed close to or at the stall, an ASK23 glider will spin if you try to get the yaw string to the centre; it will not spin if the yaw string points outside the turn as recommended here. See There is a RUclips video which demonstrates how a spin can be induced from a thermal turn with too much into turn rudder: see ruclips.net/video/16h7cX5d_Lw/видео.html. However, He only has full rudder very briefly, and with the speed well above the stall and the stick is not right back.

    • @markburton5170
      @markburton5170 3 года назад

      Sorry that comment got posted by mistake while I was in the middle of editing it - but most of what I wanted to say is there. I also think he uses full rudder to roll into the turn partly because of the glider he flies. I fly a glider with powerful aileron control and would not use full rudder - I roll into the turn using co-ordinated aileron and rudder.

  • @mitchellkaye9619
    @mitchellkaye9619 3 года назад

    Very clear demo. Thank you for teaching!

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  3 года назад

      thanks have you seen the one on thermal sources. I have one on centring thermals but can not finish till summer comes and i can demonstrate

  • @surf_thermals
    @surf_thermals Месяц назад

    Thanks for the lesson!

  • @Anderuplunden
    @Anderuplunden 9 месяцев назад

    Great instructions about how to fly accurately. I'm surprised about the "full rudder" and the "top rudder" bits. I think we all have to find out how our specific glider needs it. Some gliders have a lot of rudder effect and some less and som rolls really well into the turn and some not so much. I would max the weakest and coordinate with the strongest to obtain the highest achieavable roll-rate. And the top rudder - this is all new to me. I only used that for knife-edge manouver and for side-slip to land. Otherwise my rudder was allway a bit into the turn, and never outside neutral. I can't wait to try this out - and I will, because you are a much more accomplished pilot than myself.

  • @philgoogle1535
    @philgoogle1535 2 года назад

    It would have been useful to hear the vario James to illustrate what's happening as you centre the thermal and demonstrate the delay in its response.

  • @julianday
    @julianday 3 года назад

    You don’t get skies like that too often in England , the conditions are usually very “scratchy” so accuracy is even more important.

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  3 года назад +1

      Thanks for getting back. I used to fly in the UK but left in 87. Quite frankly I have forgotten what the thermal structure was like, and as I flew an Olympia 1 half the time and a cobra the rest. I understand you have thermals that are not strong, but what i see with novices in Aus if they don't fly accurately they don't get the strong climbs. They get the strong sink on the edge and end up in a paddock just as quick as a pommy pilot can do in England. We may be chasing 500, 750, 1000 we have to fly very accurately. You may be chasing 100, 200 300. You have to fly very accurately. Happy Safe flying

  • @JörgBächtiger
    @JörgBächtiger 2 года назад

    I calculated the ideal angle the yaw string should point to the left in a right turn. Depending the cg the other values, it is about 1 to 2 degrees. So, I can't confirm the rule of thumb, that the yaw string should point to my left shoulder. It is way too much. Keep the yaw string center and your are fine at any time.

  • @Slambog
    @Slambog 3 года назад

    I training right now the straws are a great tip.

  • @StickandGlider
    @StickandGlider 3 года назад

    Now I know what the straws are for! I have been working on my add-on and haven't quite figured how to gauge the 45-degree angle without the attitude indicator of a powered plane.

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  3 года назад +1

      The best and easiest way is to get a piece of paper, A4 is good. Fold it diagonally top edge against side edge, make a nice crease and then open the paper back out again. Now stand in front of the glider, straws approximately in place. align the crease in the paper with the fin, and adjust the straw to the edge. You can get it right within a few degrees. Remember it is good to keep 45° but if you are a degree or two out it does not matter. What matters is that the bank is constant all the way round.

    • @StickandGlider
      @StickandGlider 3 года назад

      @@jamescooper7743 wow! Above and beyond with that quick and thoughtful reply! Thanks a million.

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  3 года назад +1

      @@StickandGlider you will have to wait a bit longer to get the how to core a thermal. I'm thinking about it at least. but i have to wait for summer

  • @tonemac6558
    @tonemac6558 5 лет назад +2

    Straws to keep parallel with horizon for 45 degrees. What a GREAT idea. They
    should etch these 45 degree markers into the glass with black paint for all gliders

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  5 лет назад +2

      I find it so frustrating that i put straws on the club gliders, then instructors who "Know Better" take them off! I have over 3000 hours and a number of records and have won OLC in Australia, but still people don't listen. Thanks for your comment.

    • @steveg2479
      @steveg2479 4 года назад

      Instructors for the most part teach safety and circuits to get you solo. Finding XC instruction that actually happens is rare. Joy rides seem to take precedence over that. Just going to take a peek at your web page...

    • @casaamaril
      @casaamaril 3 года назад

      @@jamescooper7743 I always use the screws used for mounting the instruments in the panel, they also give me a good idea of how steep I am banking in the thermals

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  3 года назад

      @@casaamaril There are many people who say that they use the screws. The problem is two fold. First the screws are in your near vision so you have to refocus to look at them and thus not look out. Two they do not shout at you. There are few people who use the straws but those that have switched are totally convinced. The sit on the horizon and shout at you.

    • @casaamaril
      @casaamaril 3 года назад

      @@jamescooper7743 thanks James, it makes sense

  • @markburton5170
    @markburton5170 3 года назад

    Excellent video. This pilot, and others, recommend rolling into the turn when you cease to feel the upward push. I turn before that - generally I will have felt a bit of push, slowed down, and then if I feel a strong push when the vario was already showing lift I turn. Given the time taken to enter the turn, with luck ! I find myself turning in the core. If I wait until I no longer feel a push I think I will have missed the core. What do other experienced pilots think? (I'm a UK instructor and cross country pilot).

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  3 года назад

      Thanks for the comment. It would take ages to go into how to center the thermal in the first turn and then maintain it. Perhaps I should do that one day. But the purpose of the video is purely to inform the pilot how to make the turn. Even though it is basic stuff it appears to be something that is missed out in training. There appears to be an assumption that pilots can make that first turn correctly. Anyway a few others have made the suggestion how to find the core and keep it. Perhaps I will try to put something together. Thanks

  • @leontrepesch2875
    @leontrepesch2875 4 года назад +5

    Amazing video!
    Just excellent tips for thermaling.
    Recently I am a flight student in Germany with the aim of getting a successful cross country pilot after I received my license.
    Your points are completely understandable.
    Flying circles with a constant bank angle is not complicated in my opinion.
    If the thermal is getting rough or one has to deal with wind speeds it is not so easy anymore holding the angle.
    One also has to correct the angle with aileron to stay in a constant steep turn.
    My flight instructor calls this paddling and says those corrections cause to much drag and it is not efficient, moreover, he complains about the thread not being in one line.
    What is your opinion?
    (I only make small corrections)
    One question: Do You have your rudder in a constant position while thermaling or do you also use it for corrections?
    Keep it on!
    You really inspired me, thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge with us!
    Greetings

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  4 года назад +2

      When conditions are rough the air speed appears to fluctuate. The issue is not that you are flying fast and slow but you are getting horizontal gusts. So the best thing to do is not to fight the speed but maintain the attitude and bank angle and let the Air Speed indicator fluctuate. I have heard instructors say that moving of the stick causes too much drag, I am not convinced. but what you describe as paddling is perhaps just chasing the unchangeable. See above. With regard to corrections I use the rudder as priority to kick into the turn, not the ailerons. It goes against the grain and theory but the rudder's secondary effect will turn the aircraft the ailerons have adverse yaw. Could i suggest that with a little bit of subtlty you aproach a good cross country pilot and have a fly with them, if they are successfull at cross country their skills at flying will probably be good. Instructors who just fly local can be good but I believe do not have the skills of good x country pilots. Keep in touch. ( looks like i will win OLC Australia this year.)

  • @ronbranham4307
    @ronbranham4307 3 года назад

    Excellent video sir!
    I looked at your OLC and saw that you used to fly a SZD 55.,And that you put some impressive flights with it!
    Would like to ask about your thoughts on that Sailplane. One is for sale here in the US with low hours.
    Thanks

  • @chrishamilton4999
    @chrishamilton4999 3 года назад

    Thank you very much for this fine video. I am finding it helpful, but I have a long way to go. I have heard that the top pilots seem to be able to visualise where the thermal and its core are. This is something that I cannot get to grips with. Are there any comments that you could make about this?

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  3 года назад

      There are two things that will help you progress. I study and knowing what to look for. Clearly you are doing this. I read a Piggott book before I sat in a glider and 7 other books shortly after I was Solo. The other thing is practice, after about 1000 hours I was beginning to get the idea of things. Yes sometimes I just feel that the thermal is over there and I don't know why. Practice I guess. There is a third. Speak to those who know. With all respect that is not always instructors. Check out the good pilots who prove themselves by their results. Most are happy to pass on their info. Sap it up like a sponge. I should have another RUclips later this year on thermalling and sources.

  • @ramiveiberman3182
    @ramiveiberman3182 4 года назад

    great video! thank you very much.
    Can you comment about centering in thermal? what is your centering and re-centering process? I think it should be mainly based on push and feel rather than the Vario due to delays.
    In other words, how not to lose a thermal.
    Thanks again,
    Rami

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  4 года назад

      It is interesting sometimes when i am thermalling i move across to somewhere just because it feels right and I have little idea why. However the Gliding Federation of Australia have just put into place a training system where all instructors and coaches teach exactly the same way, including patter. I believe that they have done a very good job and you can get their thermalling technique on line doc.glidingaustralia.org/index.php?option=com_docman&view=tree&slug=training-manual-part-2&Itemid=101
      this is for novices and is based on "Not Loosing the thermal" which is not necessarily "Getting the core" Have a look at the pilot guide. There is one additional comment. If there is a reasonable amount of wind there will be thermal bubbles and very narrow streets that lead to the thermal. You can not thermal in the streets as I guess they are about 30 m wide.
      have a look at my web page if you have not already done so there www.jamescooper.com.au/Gliding/gliding.htm There are a number of articles there that may be of interest

    • @ramiveiberman3182
      @ramiveiberman3182 4 года назад

      @@jamescooper7743 thank you very much for your detailed response. I read your article. Later today I'll read the Australian manual.
      I'm from Israel and we're in lock down now due to COVID-19. Hopefully, I'll be able to return soaring soon.

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  4 года назад +1

      Sorry it was a belated reply, I only just got your request a few days ago. I did however forget to mention that there is a very good set of books by G Dale The Soaring Engine. Worth a read

  • @kipongstad787
    @kipongstad787 5 лет назад +1

    very good advice with some unique thoughts. Question, when would you fly at least sink rate? you warned about flying "too slow".

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  5 лет назад +1

      The reason for a bit extra speed is to give maneuverability. So as the thermal gets smoother and you have no need to have that extra speed. I dont know where you are from and what your thermals are like. but early morning in Western Australia the thermals are tight and rough. Have speed. Late in the evening they are week but large and smooth. bring the speed back and even flatten out the bank a few degrees. Safe Flying James

    • @andrewpreston4127
      @andrewpreston4127 3 года назад

      When you're flying on a blue sky day, and you're out there a long way from home, you;re beginning to get lower than you want to be, don't know exactly where the next thermal is coming from, even if you've identied some possibilities......, yeah, I'd be going at minimum sink.

  • @andrewpreston4127
    @andrewpreston4127 3 года назад

    How to thermal.... Get an aerotow up to a working cloud street..., Find a hay stack fire ( if they still do those ) and prepare for a terrifying , violent amount of lift...., follow someone who knows what they're doing.

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  3 года назад +2

      Brilliant, idea I never thought of that one. Don't tell anyone else. The big problem is that in Australia once you get a hay stack fire the fire spreads very fast, the visibility reduces and you can't see the person you are following, for the smoke. We will have to find a way around that. But let's work together on this one.

  • @jimhunter4999
    @jimhunter4999 3 года назад

    How much altitude was gained ?

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  3 года назад

      From memory the flight was early in the morning, cloud base may be 4,500 ft so if I gained 2500 at that time of the day I would have been lucky, but it was a few years ago and although I can remember many flights the specifics not. Where are you flying from?

  • @gregohagan7668
    @gregohagan7668 3 года назад

    Let's mention the need for LOOKOUT please.

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  3 года назад

      That is very well said. Next time I do a modification the the post I will be sure I do.

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  3 года назад

      I have changed the video now to include your comment

  • @teachermike4831
    @teachermike4831 5 месяцев назад

    You left out all aspects about thermals themselves which is the primary reason that pilots landout.....iit is not about flying efficiently ....it is about the thermals and the choice to thermal vs running. Mike WN successful competition pilot.

  • @MoonWalkersbin
    @MoonWalkersbin 4 месяца назад

    This was no guide but an antology

  • @Ramenscooter
    @Ramenscooter 4 года назад

    Hello Mr. Cooper, I'am 67 years old. Too old to take lessons and learn to fly?

    • @jorissaint-genes8472
      @jorissaint-genes8472 4 года назад

      nooooo

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  4 года назад +2

      As you can see below I am not an instructor. Just a coach. What I have seen is that the older we get the slower we are at learning, but if we keep learning and keep fit we learn better. I am leaning the didgeridoo! Bottom line is you may or may not go solo, you may or may not go cross country by yourself, you may or may not get a 300 or 750k flight. But you don't achieve these you can fly with more experienced pilots and enjoy this great sport of Gliding.

    • @chrishamilton4999
      @chrishamilton4999 3 года назад

      @@jamescooper7743 could you please put up a video on playing the didj? I have no doubt it will be clear, to the point, and a very effective learning tool. Thank you.

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  3 года назад

      @@chrishamilton4999 I was trying to work out how you knew I played the Didge. But I guess you don't I will consider but I have to be carful that I don't infringe copyright. No you don't want to hear my playing.

    • @jamescooper7743
      @jamescooper7743  3 года назад

      @@chrishamilton4999 Very limiting the ability to change a video that has been posted, but I have added a didge to my morning glory video, the shorter one. All a big learning curve. I guess once I have done 1000 hours posting RUclipss they should be ok!

  • @tztz1949
    @tztz1949 3 года назад

    Also look for cross controlling. Any time you are inputting left stick in a right turn you are wasting aerodynamics. Also, flaps, if you are over 50 kts airspeed they produce drag. Just because the book says so doesn’t mean it’s correct.