I've been flying gliders since 1965 and contests since 1968. I've had almost every advantage: a great early club (Caesar Creek) with wonderful facilities; a father who was my instructor and coach; and early access to a 1-26, Libelle 201, and LS-3 before I had to start going it alone. I love competitive soaring and some of the highest moments of my life have been experienced in it.

That said, I've three times been out of active flying temporarily and had to come back after a few years away. It's been tough, frankly. Technologies, tactics, and rules change. The glider needs licensing. Batteries are dead and trailer tires need replacing. The chute needs repacking. In one case, I hadn't bothered to renew the registration on my tow vehicle. It's been a little imposing and there are a lot of other things going on in life on any given day to soak up the time and interest.

What's made it possible for me is the help of a few friends at critical moments. In a couple of cases I reached out asking for help. In another case, they apparently conspired to "encourage" me back into it. Thanks once again, UH and P3, for making a big difference in my life. I'm indebted to you both, as are myriad other pilots.

So on that basis, while I agree there are a number of "on ramp" mechanisms to make your first contest easier, I would suggest reaching out to someone for help. It could be a pilot at your club with some contest experience. Or just speaking up at a club meeting and seeing who approaches you afterward to chat. That might turn into a specific action plan for you. Or an invitation to crew or work on a contest. Or a suggestion to get some more cross country time (although my first local contest was also my first cross country).

I'm not saying this is the old days when some pilots wanted evidence that a newbie had paid his dues, so to speak. But for sure we can't provide motivation when none is pre-existing. Show some reasonable level of interest and plenty of people will be more than happy to help. Signing up for your first contest might be too intimidating. If so, talk to some folks who have done it and, ideally, know something about your experience and abilities. Solicit their help. I suspect you'll be surprised at their level of support. Just don't ask them to carry you every step of the way.

Chip Bearden