What is one main benefit of utilizing thermal currents in gliding flight?

Utilizing thermal currents in gliding flight provides the benefit of enhanced lift during ascent. Thermal currents are upward drafts of warm air that form when the sun heats the Earth's surface, causing certain areas to rise. Glider pilots can take advantage of these thermals to gain altitude without the need for an engine.

When a glider flies into a thermal, it can gain significant lift as the warm air pushes upwards. This allows the glider to ascend without expending energy on fuel, making flight more efficient. This is crucial for extending flight duration and distances, as pilots can circle within the thermal to gain altitude before gliding to the next thermal or landing site.

The other options incorrectly imply detriments or negatives associated with gliding flight in thermals, such as reduced control sensitivity or a reliance on fuel, which do not align with the benefits provided by thermal utilization.