Lawsuits against CFIs, clubs and FBOs do indeed happen.

Insurance can only cover you to some degree, but to get coverage for
the amounts awarded, the cost would be prohibitive.

I am neither a lawyer or insurance salesman, but I believe our only
defense, and probably the absolute best defense, is to ensure we
fulfill all of the specific and implied rules and regulations
specified by the FARs, PTS, advisory circulars, as well as the common
standards established by industry.

As it turns out, it is not difficult. The references are reasonably
clear.

Our school / gliderport has been in business for 38 years and as we
near retirement, our assetts have grown so we become more of a target
should we do it wrong.

We have developed widely acclaimed text books, instructor manuals and
a thorough glider pilot logbook and other training materials that
absolutly fulfill all the flight training requirements. We use lesson
plans that are complete, and document flight training using a series
of written tests that prove each student has the knowledge and skills
implied by the regulations. To do otherwise would be foolish.

There are materials out there that simply fail to meet the necessary
standards.

It is clear not all instructors make an effort to teach to the
accepted standards. Organizations and individuals have developed their
own flight training techniques and methods. Some of the non-standard,
uncommon methods can subject the instructors, schools and clubs to a
higher risk should something happen.

Tom Knauff