Graduate Seminar

Meteorological forecasting techniques for gliding have been improved significantly in the last decade. Post-processing of numerical weather prediction with a regional convection model provides the meteorological information that is crucial to the pilot: wind, lift rates, and climb altitude. The presentation of the regional forecasts to the pilot is done by showing the potential flight distance for a standard glider on a geographical map - an intuitive form for pilots. Based on the regionalized forecasts, specific glider flight tasks can be planned by applying a technique named TopTask. The method allows specification of the best glide ratio and the corresponding glide speed of the glider to be used - be it a paraglider or an open class sailplane. This flight planning technique has been used for regional, national and international gliding championships. It provides forecasts of the task speed to be expected for specific tasks based on the regional thermal forecasts for the day and assists competition directors and pilots in selecting appropriate tasks. GPS-based flight documentation and competition results allow for a detailed verification of the regional soaring forecasts and the resulting flight plans. Verifications during regional, national and international championships in various topographies have been carried out and demonstrate the skill of this forecasting technique.