A glider pilot releases from tow below a strong inversion layer, capping the lift above the prairie at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, and searches for lift low above the hills to climb up into the convergence line that promises great soaring conditions.
I'm explaining in detail my search pattern and thought processes of where I searched for rising air, and how I eventually succeeded in connecting with the convergence. Conditions when the soaring is very poor to the east of the convergence, and excellent on the west side are fairly common in Boulder, Colorado. Knowing how to get into the "good lift" on the west side can make the difference between a short "sleigh ride" and a great cross-country soaring flight.
There are also many safety aspects to consider because flying in close proximity to the complex terrain of the foothills is not without risks. It requires constant assessment and re-assessment of ones position, flightpath, wind, terrain clearance, glide performance, lift and sink distribution, airspeed, etc. It also requires a realistic self-assessment of one's skills, experience, and currency, as well as a good familiarity with one's glider. Firm personal safety minimums and the ability to resist the temptation to violate them are also important. If in doubt, it is always safer to take a longer tow and stay higher above the terrain.
The glider in the video is a Ventus 2cxT high performance sailplane from Schempp-Hirth with a wingspan of 18 meters. The flight was on May 26, 2020. The flight trace is here: [ Ссылка ]. The video covers the first hour of the flight until I was firmly established in the convergence.
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