Which of the following factors is crucial for achieving long gliding distances?

Achieving long gliding distances is significantly influenced by thermal conditions. Thermals are rising columns of warm air, and pilots can utilize them to gain altitude. When a glider enters a thermal, it can climb higher, allowing the pilot to then glide further once they exit the thermal. This process increases the overall distance a glider can cover, as the time spent in the air can be extended due to the altitude gained.

While other factors such as wing area, weight of the pilot, and wind direction are also important in the performance of a glider, they do not contribute to the ability to cover long distances as effectively as utilizing thermal conditions. The performance of the glider in rising air currents directly affects the time and distance traveled, making thermal conditions a crucial aspect for maximizing gliding distances.