THERMALS: A PROPOSAL FOR THEIR BETTER UTILIZATION AND DETECTION

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the periodic displacements of the yaw string in certain types of thermal, a phenomenon observed by the author on numerous occasions when flying in windy and turbulent conditions. The objective is to identify the cause of these yaw string displacements, and to consider a modified technique of thermaling designed to better utilize the specific kind of updrafts discussed in this submission. The paper will also deal with the controversial issue of lift-related variations in airspeed. A further objective is to explore the possibility of developing an audio variometer stereo system capable of picking up the differential lift acting on the extremities of the left and right wing respectively, and thereby assist the pilot in the detection of thermals, and once found, to make better use of them.