Soaring in [[Convergence]] can be highly efficient in terms of speed and distance covered. To exploit convergence, a pilot must review the associated [[Convergence Soaring Weather Information]], locate the convergence once airborne, and ensure that they are able to maintain the desired course. ## Locating areas of convergence Experienced cross-country soaring pilots look for "energy lines in the sky". Visually identifying areas of convergence can be more difficult than finding individual thermals, but is often worth the search to minimize time spent circling later on. ### Air mass convergence The boundary of converging air masses may be identified by an organized line of cumulus development, adjacent cloudy and clear areas, or changes in visibility. Air masses with different moisture contents, especially sea breezes, commonly develop clouds at different altitudes, or a distinct "shelf" that marks the area of convergence. ![[seabreeze shelf clouds.png]] If the shelf exists, the best lift is often found beside it. Otherwise, the best lift is often found below the darkest region of the cloud. ### Anabatic Convergence Anabatic convergence may also be identified by clouds at different altitudes. ![[valley breeze convergence.png]] ### Lee Convergence Areas of lee convergence often involve a single air mass with uniform properties. If the air mass has enough moisture, a band of cumulus, similar to a cloud street may be present. ![[terrain convergence.png]] ### Additional tips In the absence of visual indications of convergence aloft, some cues may be present on the ground. Rising smoke, or patterns on bodies of water may indicate convergent wind directions at the surface. ## Techniques The specific techniques used to exploit convergence depend on the purpose of the flight, and the nature of the convergence itself. Pilots may plan a cross-country flight specifically to utilize expected convergence. In this case, speed and distance covered is the goal, so pilots avoid circling unless necessary. Many pilots employ a technique known as "dolphin flight" - generally flying straight along the convergence, slowing down when encountering strong lift, and speeding up as lift diminishes. Caution and proper preflight planning are essential when soaring in convergence; the lift is often transitory, especially in the case of sea breezes and fronts, and is replaced by poor soaring conditions when the convergence has passed. ## Additional Resources [<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IQrOWBcCMNA?si=VorCM9fE72UnoLZL" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>] [<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uQPulHXruqs?si=Idh8X7NuPph9J-Ab" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>]