OK, I've read nearly all the comments on this topic in both forums and I'm
ready to toss my two cents worth in the pot.
If I were king, here's what I'd do to get my "royal advisors" started right
after I explained the "KISS" principle.
- Anyone wanting to become an LSF "Sportsman" MUST successfully complete
the current requirements for Level I & II(Contest reqm't included). Why?
First, these two levels do a lot toward producing a competent sailplane
pilot. The competition requirement of Level II isn't that stiff and at
least exposes the participant to competition. Second, by making Level II
mandatory, a pool of Sportsman pilots becomes available who at least
understand what the LSF program is all about and can appropriately serve as
witnesses for those in pursuit of higher levels.
- After completing Level II, the requirements for further Sportsman Levels
should include the current non-competitive tasks in Levels II - V. To keep
things simple (a former LSF Secretary speaks here), perhaps repeats of these
tasks might be required of the Sportsman. My personal opinion is the XC
task of Level III should also be required as it currently stands as it, too,
gives the pilot good introductory exposure to XC.
- For Sportsman Levels IV & V, perhaps a substitute for the XC tasks might
be available but, for Sportsman Level V, both the 2 hour thermal and
traditional 8 hour slope flight should remain. (Note that for some of the
current Level V's - that's the only slope flying they've done.) Also,
Sportsman Level V's should keep the 2 Level II witnesses requirement as
well as that requirement helps promote the hobby's growth by its "if you
can't find 'em, grow 'em" strategy.
Respectfully submitted for your consideration,
Jim Deck
An "afterward" - for the LSF Leadership, this discussion couldn't have come
at a worse time. The LSF sponsored Masters and the AMA Planning Meeting for
the 2007 NATS re on the very near horizon. Remember that they are unpaid
volunteers and cut them lots of slack while patiently waiting for their
response.
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