-----
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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