----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2006
2:32 PM
Subject: RE: [Aus-soaring] Soaring
training
I believe it is important to strike a balance:
I fully remember my first hour long flight when we flew what seemed
like a vast distance away (Milton Keynes), and flew back to Dunstable at
120knots.
However, a large number of pilots never finish their training, and
I think this is because there is perhaps too much emphasis on soaring (and,
dare I say, the instructor having fun) rather than on circuits.
Concentrating on circuits is probably far more productive in the
long term: it is easier to teach a solo pilot to thermal than teaching a
pre-solo pilot who can thermal to take off and land. Let’s face it, going
solo is a significant target for all ab-initio’s.
Note that I am not advocating flying circuits to the exclusion of
thermalling, just that, with the exception of one or two extended flights, that
the student will achieve better value for money, if his training is
concentrated on safe landings.
-----Original Message-----
From:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Future Aviation Pty. Ltd.
Sent: Sunday, 12 February 2006
11:32 AM
To: [email protected]
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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