Re: [Aus-soaring] Soaring training - ESCORTED

Sun, 12 Feb 2006 12:10:50 -0800

Totally agree about going on ESCORTED cross country.  I can clearly remember taking Todd Clark around 50 km (and many others) - I was not interested to seeing his photos - just told him to do it by him self next weekend. (Years later Todd rescued me from a low near Mt Kaputar when I stupidly went off with a pre solo student on a cross country in an old Berg) 
 
There is a good case for doing doing 5hrs FIRST then they hopefully know how to soar and do not get shot down doing their first 50km
 
Ian McPhee 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2006 7:10 PM
Subject: Re: [Aus-soaring] Soaring training

Interesting issue.
My own experience starting in 1975 with a club using Blaniks was pure circuit bashing to solo, then an endless series of check flights and solo's and checks for everyone week after week.  I don't think I ever flew more than a few Km from the circuit area either solo or with an instructor.  We always had to stay within 'gliding distance', ie, you HAD to land back on the field.  I think that perhaps instilled a 'don't go too far' mindset !
When we went up country to summer camp, they suddenly wanted you to convert to a single seater, and go do your 5 hours and 50Km !
Seemed like a BIG step to me at the time, and although I got the height and nearly the 5 hours, only got a max of about 10Km away at 8,600ft agl (QFE then).  Perhaps I was just plain chicken.
The basic issue is no doubt driven by aircraft utilisation issues.  There isn't the slack in the 2-seater's utilisation profile to allow instructors to take pre or even immediate post solo pilots on a few cross country's, even a short one, like the 50K.  That is probably the biggest problem. NOT taking new pilots on an ESCORTED cross country, or a few, is stupid.  The existing post solo step up is too big for most I suspect.  If on the other hand, escorted cross country's were mandated, the retention rate would probably increase, and perhaps the training, but certainly the 'checking' load on the 2 seaters would reduce.  Overall 2 seater utilisation would probably remain the same, but the end result would be different.
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, February 12, 2006 11:31 AM
Subject: [Aus-soaring] Soaring training

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?

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?

3) Do members of this newsgroup think that we can lift the retention rate by

    providing better pre-solo soaring training?

 

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: [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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