#3: Be patient

Our Team Pilots love to do long distance flights and they often experience how important patience is. Here's a good example by one of our fellow pilots: "Everyone is climbing in the same thermal. The first pilots reach cloudbase and fly off. We’re going for it! So best to chase after them as fast as possible? Even when you still need a few turns to top out of the thermal? If you are very lucky you will catch their next thermal. If not, your will arrive much lower and then might have to search for the lift – and in doing so the gap gets even bigger. Worst case: you sink out. So, don’t get upset when others pull ahead of you. Take your time in the thermal. It is perfectly possible you will meet again during the flight."

Since we're at it... here's yet another hint: "You also need patience, when for example, there is some temporary cirrus. It is amazing how quickly thermals can weaken or switch off entirely. Conversely, what doesn’t stop so quickly is a valley wind. The pilot who plans ahead positions themselves in a prime position on a soarable ridge just waiting for the sun to start the thermals again. This little trick can make the difference between a great day and being prematurely on the ground. So, patience and plan ahead. Don’t be rushed."

Sounds like a good advise for life - even besides flying - doesn't it?