Circling is a key element in thermal soaring. Staying in the core of a thermal can significantly extend your flight time. Let’s explore how to circle effectively – and what mistakes to avoid.
What is circling?
Circling (also known as thermalling) involves banking your glider into gentle turns to stay within the thermal. A well-balanced turn helps the glider climb consistently without drifting out of the lift zone.
Optimal settings
- Bank angle: 20–30° is ideal for beginners
- Turn radius: smaller gliders prefer tighter turns, larger ones need wider circles
- Use rudder + ailerons: combine both for stable turns
- Minimal trim input: avoid over-controlling the glider
How to stay centered in a thermal
The center of the thermal is where lift is strongest. Observe which parts of the circle provide more altitude gain. Adjust your flight path to shift your circle toward the strongest lift zone. Watch for speed changes and nose attitude.
Common circling mistakes
- Circling too flat or too steep – reduces climbing efficiency
- Not correcting for wind – drift pulls you out of the lift
- Too much control input – destabilizes the glider
- Failing to follow the lift zone – you’ll lose the thermal