I think the Hard Deck is pretty much done - I think everyone wants safe flying - but getting it is more than a Hard deck can deliver.

I am not so sure the argument that more pilots would race..... even if it were much more safe (as safe as getting high off the ground with no engine can be)

But I think we all have to realize that the majority of people who enjoy sports do not enjoy competition. Most skiers do not race - most kayak paddlers do not race....... on and on.

I think is our obligation to Soaring to provide access and share our passion - it is all you can ask - I do not think the Hard Deck rule has any impact. Most of the impact I have had has come from listening to Soaring pilots - We don't need to Bully, but we do need to communicate and validate more.

If we're serious about changing behavior.

We will all say we have a hard deck that is pretty high (500+) - let's make it a practice to look at some logs and see how we're really doing. Maybe look at some other thing we all agree we do. Like circling the right direction, passing on the correct side on a ridge day or not pointing our glider at any one whlie flying...

WH