-----Original
Message-----
From:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Future Aviation Pty.
Ltd.
Sent: Sunday,
12 February 2006 11:32
AM
To:
aus-soaring@lists.internode.on.net
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 mightnt
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]