"Eric Greenwell" wrote in message
...
Bill Daniels wrote:
"Eric Greenwell" wrote in message
...


THis kind of thing seems so far from the basics, that I never taught it,
nor would I expect a newly licensed glider pilot to be able to work a
weak thermal better than "adequate" (not perfectly, that's for sure). I
did not tolerate "sloppy" flying, however, nor should any instructor.

In addition, every TE probe I have flown with is sensitive to even
slight
yaw angles. If the glider is always yawing, the TE vario data isn't
reliable and centering a thermal will be harder.

You need to find a better probe! The ones I've used don't require
perfection, just "good" flying, thank goodness, or I'd be on the ground
a lot more often. In a weak thermal, I think "steady" flying, not
perfect airspeed or coordination, is required to feel the thermal on the
glider and give the vario it's best chance to detect it. Again, these
opportuities to teach flying in weak lift abound in the training
situation, since this is when training is often done.


Show me a competitor in any field that says, "I don't need to sweat the
basics" and I'll show you a loser.

I teach that good is good, better is better and the best are those that stay
up and win contests. The best pilots always strive to get as close to
perfection and as their talent will permit. They never stop learning. Just
being "good enough" is not an option.

After all, even extraordinary flying skill weighs nothing, adds no drag and
doesn't consume battery power. In the long run, it's the cheapest thing you
can acquire to improve soaring performance.

I don't need a new TE probe. Mine doesn't fly sideways.

Bill Daniels