17
Thermal Forms (Bubble)
As you are flying your Odyssey EP, watch it carefully. If you were
in a full-size glider, you would be able to feel the "bump" of
entering a thermal. Now you must depend on signs the glider
gives as it approaches or enters a thermal.
When the Odyssey flies near a thermal that is rising, the wing
closest to the thermal will also try to rise, causing the aircraft to
"rock" slightly. The nearness of a thermal will cause the glider to
"turn away" without any control input from the pilot.
There are several ways of entering a thermal. One is to continue
the thermal induced turn for 270 degrees. If the thermal is on
your left, turn right for 270 degrees and enter at a right angle to
the original flight path.
270° Turn Into a Thermal
The second method is to make a wide 180-degree turn back into
the thermal.
180° Turn Into a Thermal
Once in the thermal, you will need to try to stay in the center of
the lift. Slow down by increasing the up elevator "trim" until the
sailplane is just above a stall (minimum sink speed). Make easy
banking turns to find the area of highest lift (thermal core). When
you have found the core of lift, tighten the turns to stay within
the core of highest lift.
Flying in the Core of a Thermal
As you gain experience, you will find it easier to locate thermals
and track their progress.
