Spring is arriving in the northern hemisphere, and with it come some of the biggest days. If you want to make the most of them, then you need to be ready. Here’s a ten-point plan to help you do just that.
1. Get your gear ready. Yep, we know that it’s said every year, but there is nothing worse than finding out you need to service your glider / pack your reserve / replace your gloves / upgrade your instruments the day before you need to go flying. Or worse, on the hill as others are taking off and skying out. Get organised ahead of time.
2. Know the rules. This year it’s important to know where and when you can fly. Lots of countries have restrictions this year and lots of sites, chairlifts and cablecars might be closed, so get up to speed before you head out.
3. Be prepared for spring conditions. It’s said every year, but it bears repeating. Pilots have had a long layoff over winter, perhaps even longer this year with all the restrictions, so the first day of spring can really shake things up. Strong spring thermals can catch even the best pilots out, so be ready for it. If there are other pilots in the air before you launch, watch what is happening to them. Are they rockin-and-rollin, or is it smooth out there? Mentally switch yourself on and be prepared.
4. Don’t wait for the best day. When the first classic forecast of the year shows up you can bet your bottom dollar that it will bring out the crowds. Your average club site will be packed on the first good day of the year, especially if it falls on a weekend. It can be mayhem and there can be accidents, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Get ahead of the pack and get out early in the season when it’s flyable but not necessarily classic. You can sort out your gear and get back in the groove. When the good XC forecast comes, you’ll be ready, not rusty. In winter, do some top to bottoms or go soaring.
5. Have a plan. Even if it’s “fly for two hours” it will give you some structure to shape your day. When will be the best time to launch to enjoy a two-hour local flight? Where will you land, if not back where you started? If you have XC ambitions then check the local tracklogs and see what sorts of flights pilots on wings of your level typically achieve at that time of year from that site. Ask your clubmates. This will give you inspiration for your plan. You don’t need to be chasing records and personal bests on your first day back, just get in the air and make the most of it.
6. Buddy up. It’s still cold, it might be blown out, the window of opportunity is short, you have to drive… it’s easy to demotivate yourself. So hook up with your flying friends, reconnect with the WhatsApp group and get each other going. Positive encouragement from your peers can work wonders.
7. Dress for success. Flying in late March or early April is very different to flying in June and midsummer. You need thermal base layers, a fleece or down jacket, and an outer windproof shell. Hey, there’s nothing wrong with rocking up to launch in that old flying suit you’ve got! You’ll stay toasty all day and it will get great comments on social media. Stock up on heat pads for gloves / feet, get batteries for your heated gloves, find your silk balaclava and wear the right footwear.
8. Eat and drink something. Food and drink before you fly is important. Avoid coffee and tea as they are diuretic and you will want to pee 10 minutes into your flight, but do remember to drink liquids. It’s easy to forget to drink when it’s cold, but you can still get dehydrated. You might not sweat, but you will be using energy as your body works to stay warm and your brain works hard to remember what you are meant to be doing. So sip little and often, and stock up on the ‘good’ foods – avoid highly sugared snacks which can send your mood spiking up and down. If you use an XC Pee get it sorted ahead of time – the cold can make a full bladder seem extra uncomfortable.
9. Get in the air. On good spring days the thermic part of the day can start surprisingly early. This is because the air mass is cold, and the trigger temperature arrives early. If you are in the mountains, choose a site that gets the sun in the morning – east / southeast-facing – and get in the air to enjoy the early bubbles of lift. They will soon strengthen into something stronger. Getting in the air ahead of the masses mans you have more space to get comfortable, and you’ll also naturally leave the hill ahead of them. You’ll make the most of the day.
10. Have fun! If you don’t enjoy your first day out in the new season it can put you right off. Don’t put the pressure on yourself, simply fly and enjoy it. Build up to the big plans for the big days – they are just around the corner!
