What is a Thermal?
Thermals are rising columns of air formed as a result of the sun’s rays heating the earth’s surface. These warm air masses rise, especially in open areas, allowing paragliders to gain altitude.
Thermal flying is a technique where paragliders use these warm air currents (thermals) to gain altitude and stay airborne for extended periods. Pilots enter thermals to ascend and, in suitable weather conditions, can cover distances of many kilometers.
Where is Thermal Flying Done?
Where are Thermals Found?
Thermal flights are generally conducted in regions with a continental climate, low humidity, and good sun exposure. Places in Turkey where thermal flights are frequently performed include:
Sakarya
What is Thermal Flying?
Eskişehir
Aksaray
Ankara
Where are Thermals Found?
Kahramanmaraş
Best Thermal-Generating Areas:
Slopes and Mountains: Strong thermals are formed when wind is pushed upwards by inclined terrain.
Agricultural and Open Fields: Large land surfaces that receive direct sunlight heat up quickly, producing strong thermals.
Natural and Rural Areas: Thermals are weak and scattered in concrete structures and urban areas. Therefore, thermal flights are usually performed in rural and natural environments.
Pilots evaluate weather conditions before flight and analyze areas where thermals are likely to form. This planning is crucial for a safe and efficient flight.
What Equipment is Used in Thermal Flying?
The equipment used in long-distance and performance-oriented paragliding flights is of great importance for safety, comfort, and efficiency:
🔹 Paragliding Wing
Aerodynamically structured, performance-oriented wings are preferred. These wings are designed for longer flights at high altitudes and to maximize efficiency from thermals.
🔹 Cocoon Harness
A comfortable harness is required for long periods in the air. Cocoon-type harnesses, which reduce wind resistance and have an aerodynamic structure, are common in thermal flying.
🔹 Helmet and Paragliding Goggles
Essential for pilot safety and visual comfort.
Denizli
Special clothing that maintains the pilot’s body temperature and reduces wind resistance is preferred.
🔹 GPS and Variometer
GPS: Provides flight route, direction, and speed tracking.
Variometer: Shows the rate of ascent/descent. It helps the pilot understand how much they are climbing within thermals. It provides audible alerts.
🔹 Radio Communication System
Used to stay in constant communication with other pilots and ground crew.
🔹 Water Bladder and Probe
Thermal flights can last several hours. Pilots use water bladders for hydration in the air and special probes for emergencies.
🔹 Safety Equipment
Equipment such as a reserve parachute, GPS tracker, and emergency kit should be carried by every pilot.
How to Get Thermal Flying Training?
Slopes and Mountains: Strong thermals form when wind is pushed upwards by sloped terrain.
These trainings typically cover:
Recognizing and analyzing thermal formations
Variometer usage
What Equipment is Used in Thermal Flying?
Flight path planning and wind reading
Safe exit and emergency management
Training Participation Requirements:
Must hold at least a P3 level license
Must have completed SIV (maneuver training)
Special clothing that maintains the pilot’s body temperature and reduces wind resistance is preferred.
🔹 GPS and Variometer
Paragliding Distance Records
🌍 World Record
Pilot: Sebastien Kayrouz
Location: Texas, USA
Date: June 20, 2021
Distance: 610 km
Altitude: 5,700 meters
🇹🇷 Turkey Record
Pilots: Serdar Tur & Hüseyin Tanrıverdi
Location: From Ankara towards Mersin
Distance: 375 km
Duration: Approximately 9 hours
With this flight, they broke the Turkish paragliding distance record.
Conclusion: Higher, Further in the Sky
Thermal flights are one of the most advanced and exciting disciplines of paragliding.
With sufficient training, suitable equipment, and the right weather conditions, a pilot can glide in the sky for hours and break records.
If you are also interested in thermal flying and want to get training, as Mod Extrem, we would be happy to prepare you for this exciting journey.
