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Thermal_Tools is a graphical software tool for sailplane pilots. It is soaring software that enables glider pilots to predict the locations of thermals (convective lift) by reviewing flight logs. It can analyze any number of IGC (*.igc) files and allow soaring pilots to select results based on climb rate, duration, altitude and distribution. Thermal sources can then be saved as GPS coordinates in text files, as markers on maps or as simulated flight logs. Using the ground level coordinates of thermal sources, Thermal_Tools can predict the locations of thermals at glider altitudes thus enabling sailplane pilots to better plan glider contest tasks and X-C (cross country) flights. Thermal sources can also be used real time by some PDA based flight navigation software to locate convective lift during soaring flights based on actual conditions.
Thermal_Tools was developed to enable sailplane pilots to plan soaring flights taking advantage of the experience of large numbers of glider pilots and flights. IGC flight logs from soaring contests are readily available to sailplane pilots. Using these files and elevation models from the Web, glider pilots can increase their chances of finding lift and avoiding sink.
Thermal_Tools supports several map formats, two elevation model formats, Globe and DEM, and two feature map formats, ESRI and Drawing. The program can display up to one elevation model and one feature map in a single session. All map files are freely available on the Web. Some files require preprocessing, but Thermal_Tools includes utilities and tools to convert the files to usable format.
Thermal_Tools is available for use in North America only (for now). Download Thermal_Tools. As downloaded, the program has most of the functionality of the licensed version and it's free. The initial fully functional license is $40.00 US. A second license can be purchased for $5.00 US. Upgrades are free. All sales are by check or money order (this should change soon). All sales are final.
Currently, I'm looking for 5 contest pilots to be software testers. The software and updates will be provided free of charge to the first five qualified glider pilots to apply. To be qualified, a sailplane pilot must fly significantly in North America, must be registered in a contest, be willing to provide feedback and must agree to try the software. The soaring pilot will be expected to obtain his or her own IGC files.
If interested in purchasing Thermal_Tools or becoming a software tester, download and install Thermal_Tools. Read the instructions and give it a try. If still interested, fill out and submit the registration form or contact me directly at tom@soaringtools.com to receive your authorization code.
FLF members, ask about special rate (free).
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