Don't remember who added "start of a sport", but thank you. This thread has
incorporated many constructive ideas.
While rigging the glider the other day I met yet another Hang Glider pilot
who
had sold all his HG gear and was getting instruction in sailplanes. Tony has
done lots of XC in mostly rigid wing HG. He mentioned that the concept of
sailplanes being more expensive is a bit of an illusion when you consider
retrieve costs, replacing broken equipment, etc. Some of this could be used to
help market our sport to HG and PG pilots wondering how long their legs will
last.
I think Tony was a bit concerned about having to train in a Schweizer 2-33
"Dragmaster". At least Australia is relatively free of those. The G103 or
AS-K21
was more like what he was thinking. (Sorry, Patch)
One paragliding friend I took up for a flight in a K21 did amazingly well. He
followed though while briefed on what the rudder pedals do, airspeeds, etc.
While thermalling, he told me it was easier to look at the horizon over the
nose
to hold airspeed, and he'd never flown anything with a nose before! We ran a
shear line, thermalled up over the ridge. He had it down in a flash.
In all walks of life, the sore thumb sticking out is more easily remembered.
One bad act by one pilot could leave a lasting impression on an ab-initio or
first-time visitor to the airfield. At home we refer to these as "Glassholes".
It's much more productive to get out of your Nimbus 12 or AS-W43 and walk up to
the student in the launch line ahead of you to ask what's on their agenda for
the day, etc.
Australian club operations seem to be a better venue for bringing the new
members in touch with the experienced pilots than US commercial ops. The recent
GFA move to incorporate XC coaching for students is a fabulous idea.
My small amount of competition experience is that there's a great bunch of
people out there. Some seem a bit stressed pre-flight, while others are having
fun. Try to be aware of any stress and not chase anyone away thinking
"glasshole".
Was looking forward to seeing you lot at Keepit this November, but work has
put itself in the way.
Jim
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