Bill Hoadley wrote:
I've heard the "risk taking" thrill discussed with respect to
several activities, and I think it really is an individual thing. I
know that I hate being scared in a glider, and I try to minimize risk
while flying, especially in the cross-country mode. We've all had
that "wake up call" type of glide, and I don't enjoy it. What I
do enjoy, however, is the decision making process and the puzzle,
trying to speculate correctly, rather than guess, and using the "sure
thing" when it is available, as Bob Wander has discussed in one of
his books. This doesn't mean I don't land out, or goof up, but I
don't intentionally take a known big risk.
I think a number of people participate in what would be called "risk
sports" in spite of the risks, not because of them. While some rock
climbers enjoy the thrill of climbing difficult routes without a rope,
others enjoy doing them safely and enjoying that puzzle and the
mountain setting. I feel the same about gliding. I try to manage the
risks, and avoid that rush of adrenalin that comes when I don't like
the position I'm in. Every once in awhile I read this little tale by
pilot/author Bob Whelan, and that helps me keep things in perspective.
Read the question about "stretching a glide" (and he is married
now, so disregard that bachelor stuff):
http://soar.boulder.co.us/ssb_kissing.htm There is another gripping
tale in the New Zealand Gliding Kiwi about Terry Delore flying over a
canyon, at dusk, trying to find a place to land. It is another good
periodic read to keep things in perspective.
Some air show pilots love the low level aerobatic routine, other
aerobatic pilots use a high hard deck and don't worry about digging a
hole. I think the same concept is at work in all of these "risk
sports".
BH


When threads turn toward risk, I think it's always good to review
Bruno's thoughts on the subject ---

http://www.dg-flugzeugbau.de/safety-comes-first-e.html

Bob Johnson