At 11:01 AM 12/02/2006, you wrote:
Good morning all!
Most of you will know that proper soaring training is an issue very
close to my heard.
I tend to think that the poor retention rate in gliding is to a
large extend due to the fact
that we let our new recruits sort out the soaring aspect on their
own. After having gone
solo too many of them experience problems keeping a glider airborne.
The result is
regular set-backs and disappointments and before much longer many of our new
aviators vote with their feet.
The teaching of thermalling seems to be rather low on the list of
priorities during basic
training in Australia. In some clubs it appears to be regarded as a
post solo subject, if
it is tackled at all.
Could you help me by providing some feedback?
1) How is your club handling the issue of soaring training?
Most of our instructors will take a pupil soaring if the thermals are
not too challenging for the pupil.
It give then a chance to practise their turning technique as well as
having some fun.
2) Roughly what percentage of new recruits are leaving without ever enjoying
a cross-country flight or seeing the full potential of our
marvellous sport?
In the cadet gliding club about 70% but 4 out of 20 pilots attended
Joey Glide 3 as competitors.
Most cadets just want the Solo Badge.
In the ASC I think 60% of our trainees will have gone on some sort of
X country before they leave the club
3) Do members of this newsgroup think that we can lift the retention rate by
providing better pre-solo soaring training?
Possibly but you must realise that most pupils only have the goal of
solo and only a few if shown the delights you mention will decide to stay.
I appreciate that this is a rather sensitive issue and fully
understand that you mightn't
want to express your views and opinions publicly. Therefore, please
feel free to submit
your thoughts and comments directly to:
<mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>[EMAIL PROTECTED]
I can assure everyone to treat all replies confidentially.
Many thanks for your input.
Bernard Eckey
RTO (S) for SA & NT
10 Antigua Grove
West Lakes 5021
Adelaide / South Australia
Ph/Fax +61 8 8449 2871
mobile 0412 981204
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Regards
Rob Moore
08 82588026 home
0412 055 888 mobile
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