1) circle the same direction.. the first glider in the thermal establishes
the direction of the turn..
2) if only two gliders in the thermal, try to stay on opposite sides, that
way both can see the other, if not, the one in back definitely has to "See
and Avoid", because once behind the 3-9 line, most gliders can not see that
far aft..
3) watch your thermaling speeds.. thermaling at just above stall makes those
below you in the thermal very nervous.. especially if they can see your nose
bob and weave and your speed control or bank control is not steady..
4) the 1-26 can turn tighter than a Grob, stay in or closer to the core of
the thermal and may easily out climb the Grob, try not to turn inside the
Grob and "cut him off", but out here we can thermal a Grob with 45-60degree
bank turns core the thermal.
5) similar performing gliders can share a thermal easier.. every been in the
same thermal, co-altitude with 6 or more 1-26s... just keep your eye on the
1st two in front of you and don't worry about the rest.. ever see the
picture of the "Gaggle", check out the 1-26Assoc web site.
6) many prefer not to share a thermal (close to co-altitude).. unless
everyone has parachutes..
7) if he did not like being beneath you.. (who entered first?).. I believe
those below have a better view of the situation and should yield to those
above... those above can not see well below.. and behind.
8) try not to thermal with another glider where a student is receiving dual
or flying solo for more than a couple of turns .. it gives them a good "look
out" and gets them used to working with other gliders.. but don't over tax
them.. and let them continue with their flight lesson.
9) some people just don't like the radio chatter, especially in areas where
there are a lot of gliders.. just try the Sierra Range or the Great Basin
area in the summer time. Or they may have to pick up a hand held radio and
would just rather listen. Make the call that "#412 is entering the thermal
with 6W" and shut up..
10) if the other glider pilot is upset with you in the same thermal.. he'll
leave.. if he chooses to "rag you out on the radio".. don't answer and "fuel
the charge".. harass him later on the ground for "poor radio discipline" ..
11) bring your glider out to "Goal Strike" (1-26Assoc web page for details)
in June.. and learn what 1-26 Gaggle flying is all about... bring a
parachute.
12) paths adding up? his he overtaking the 1-26? he needs to maneuver away..
just don't take the "I can circle tighter" attitude and cut him off... that
don't make friends
13) thermals are for everyone.. share and share alike.. don't be a butt head
with your flying..
14) talk to a trusted CFIG about the experience.. you may find that no one
else in the club likes the bozo that gave you a hard time..


BT


"Slick" wrote in message ...
Well here's what happened. I came up and entered with the grob, I was in
the
1-26. I tried to talk to the grob, but he wasnt responding, he's notorious
for not talking on the radio. I knew he saw me, we had a close call where
he
left the thermal then re-entered next to me. He of course was making
bigger
circles than I was, and everyone in a while would be looking straight up
at
me, i knew where i was, i knew where he was, and there was plenty of
space.
He didn't like being beneath of me where i couldnt see him, so he started
yalping. what was i to do if his path and my path added up to that? He's
flown some competition so i assumed he would be comfortable. Is it normal
in
flying like that for two gliders circles to force one glider to get under
another? i assume if more radio contact would have been made it would have
been more acceptable?
"DGRTEK" wrote in message
...
Scott,
Talk to the pilots on the ground first. Tell them you'd like to try and
join
up. Enter the gaggle in the direction that has been established. Stay
in
a
position that allows you to see the other gliders and have them see you.
Try
not to get directly beneath someone, in case they goof and stall....

It's alot of fun once you get to know and trust the other pilots you're
sharing
the thermal with.

Of course if they're snobs and are yelling at you already, you may want
to
gaggle with some Hawks instead!

Douglas