This begs the question: If recent thermals have been at least 5 knots,
why on earth are you cruising at 60 knots? Sounds more like you missed
the last one and are low, searching for the "get home" thermal. Been
there done that!

Then, while climbing, set computer to achieved climb, and start final
glide when proper altitude is reached (plus safety alt, and taking
winds into account - that's why you pay the big bucks for the
computer!).

Rarely will final glide be started at Vne - the high speed final glides
are usually the result of either running into a lot of extra lift
during the final glide (lots of fun, that), or caused by burning off
the safety altitude when the field is made. Of course, if you insist
on topping off that 7 knot thermal 10 miles out...

So if you want to finish at VNE, add 1000' to field elevation - that
should allow accelerating to VNE for that nice crowd pleasing low pass.

Cheers,

Kirk
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