Feel first, confirm with the vario

Sometimes we wait for the vario to tell us what the air is doing. This time, notice the wing and harness first, then compare your impression with the instrument. Focus on what you feel, rather than identifying the direction of the core.

When to use this task

During a ridge-soaring or thermalling flight in conditions you can comfortably manage, with safe terrain and traffic separation. Observation must not distract you from controlling the glider or watching for traffic.

Practice drill

1. When you feel one side of the wing lift, the harness unload slightly or the glider pitch change, mentally predict what the vario will indicate over the next 2–3 seconds.
2. Compare the vario reading or sound with your prediction. Only your assessment waits for confirmation: do not delay necessary control inputs.
3. Repeat 10–15 times throughout the flight, as long as the situation allows.

Use smooth, deliberate control inputs. The aim is to add observation to your normal flying.

What to observe in flight

• Which cue do you notice first: wing lift, harness pressure, pitch or the vario?
• How often was your prediction correct?
• Can you distinguish a physical sensation from your reaction to the vario sound?
• Does staying relaxed in the harness help you maintain a calmer turn?

Reflection after landing

Which sensation best helped me predict what the vario would indicate, and when did my prediction turn out to be wrong?

What success looks like

Measure awareness, not altitude gained. Incorrect predictions are useful too, if you can describe what you felt and what actually happened next.