I have used the WinPilot thermal centering feature since I first plugged the
unit into my 302...I would have to say that it works...I find that it's just
one more little beep in the cockpit,that I really don't pay much attention
to, but on the weird western washington days, when thermals rapidly cycle
and the day is drying out very quickly, I have many times found myself
confirming my decisions by the reassuring little beep the thermal centering
feature makes. I have never allowed it to drive me, and in most cases feel
that it lags just enough that you tend to analyze the thermal yourself and
make your own decision and then the instrument backs you up...there of
course are the odd times, when you get distracted by it, as it gets a little
confused when you are working thermals that have multiple "cores" or perhaps
two or three thermals all culminating under one large cloud...but in those
cases you just fly and do what you think is right. I have never found it to
be a detriment in the cockpit and I think in some ways it might make you pay
more attention subliminally to analyzing your thermals better...If you are
doing things well...it never squawks...

As with most technology...it suits some and doesn't suit other is my best
guess.


Steve.