Steve Ham's Masterclass
Steve Ham's Masterclass
1. Landscape and Skyscape.
Aspects to consider for finding lift Introduction and ideas about the generation of convective lift with differing terrain features and weather.
2. Timing.
Planning your XC to match the changing weather conditions throughout the day. Timing when to cross difficult terrain. Thermal bubbles and columns. Vertical and horizontal overdevelopment.
3. Where to look and estimating your glide.
Observations at different altitudes. How to visually estimate your glide angle: An essential tool for pilots.
4. Imagine Hypothesize Test.
The thought process prior and during the glide find the next climb. Trigger selection and cloud development.
5. Thermal Triggers
Types of triggers. Understanding ground heating. Getting low.
6. The Low Save.
The importance of visual glide angle estimation. A close look at various trigger possibilities and dangers. A detailed look at triggers under different wind conditions and times of day. The wider look: How triggers are effected by near or distant mountains or convergence.
7. Convergence.
Different types of convergence. Where and why! A particular look at heat front convergence and its importance when flying from mountain plateaus A detailed look at Piedrahita's launch, Peña Negra.
8. Central Spain
Introduction to the Central Chain of Mountains (Sistema Central). A look at the Avila and Piedrahita valleys and the launch sites in the region.
9. Convergence in Central Spain.
Geostrophic Wind Effects: 1. South West. 2. Stronger SW or more South. 3. North West. 4. Stronger North West. 5. Light North West/North.
10. Deeper into the Avila and Piedrahita Valleys.
A virtual flight to view some of the principal features and thermal triggers.
11. A flight towards Avila.
Strategies for reaching and crossing the Pass. Routes and triggers. Examination of triggers, convergences and potential hazards to consider.
