This week's tip is from Cross Country Flying by Burkhard Martens

Generally, tactics for flatland flying are not that different to mountain thermalling.

However, differences occur due to wind drift.

If you circle continuously without re-centering then you will fall out of the lee of the thermal. And if you straighten your upwind leg too much, then you'll fall out the front.

It's very important not to lose a thermal. This prompts the question 'What should I do then, if I lose a thermal?'

The answer: search for it again!

Observe the wind currents carefully – is one wingtip being lifted more than the other? Are you getting pulled to the centre?

Feel the air and follow drifts and currents immediately.

Photo: Mike Endacott