"Platoon" instructing versus dedicated...

On May 30, 6:16*pm, Martin Gregorie
wrote:
On Wed, 30 May 2012 06:40:02 -0700, JC wrote:
Interesting thread..

Getting [newly qualified pilots] to stay is what we see as the
biggest problem. My opinion is that for many people the sport just takes
too much commitment.

A view from across the pond. I've heard it said that the smaller, weekend-
only UK clubs have a similar problem, but that's just hearsay because I
haven't experienced that.

I am new to gliding, but I am getting on in years, so I learn more
slowly than the young folks. I also don't get out more than once a
week, so it is taking me a while to make progress. Our club has a
"duty instructor" on weekends who is assigned from a list, like the
tow pilot, and the usual duty is one or two half days a month..

It works well for me. I can fly whenever I am available, and I get
different points of view. The club issues a training logbook with lots
of tasks and levels so both I and the instructor can see what needs to
be done. The club is, sadly, not overwhelmed with students so I can
get as much training as I want.

The alternative of a fixed instructor and a set schedule, would
perhaps get my skills up faster, but I would probably come out less
since I would have to coordinate with someone else. As it is, the club
is a place to "hang out" whenever I can and there is always something
to do.

Many years ago I belonged to a sailing club with a very active
training program. Training sessions involved crowds of students and
instructors on the dock paired up randomly in a first come, first
served format. The lessons were disorganized but the social life was
great. They later went to a more organized plan with scheduled times
and instructors, so there were far few people hanging about,... and
the club collapsed.


John Halpenny