Since "on ramp" in regard to contests is becoming a meme, I feel the need to call BS. Where's the "on ramp" to college? Where's the "on ramp" for getting a job? Where's the "on ramp" for taking flying lessons? All of these instances require self-motivation and some initiative; they don't happen unless you do something. The same is true of contest flying.

Now I appreciate that some people are timid, or don't have a great deal of self-confidence, or might need a bit of a push. For them the best advice I can give would be to join a club that has pilots who do XC and fly contests.. Camaraderie and a bit of peer pressure can work wonders!

As others have said on this thread already, there are many venues and opportunities available for people to get exposed to contest flying. But you have to take advantage of them yourself, no one can spoon feed you into becoming a contest pilot.

-John, Q3