Open Discussion; Creating XC pilots

All,

I just want to make it clear that I'm not the only reason the club has had such success, I'm not that vain :-)! A great pilot, Dick Vangrunsven, was a presenter several years ago at the convention. He talked about the XC flights in the area and was one of the founding members of the SIG I mentioned before.

As noted, the club leadership and the more extended exposure of the 5-pack has been a great part.

The club culture noted above is certainly a big factor. The change in club rules, allowing XC flights, was one of the biggest boosts to the idea that anyone could do XC from our little airport.

I think Condor is a great tool. During the winter months I hold XC training ground school and we do Condor flying. Last year we did our first Condor LAN party and everyone is asking when we're doing it again.

The club has a growing core of XC/OLC pilots and they made a commitment to each other to be of assistance in the event of a land-out and to be willing to do a little lead-follow flying. The first helps to overcome some of the fear of the retrieve, someone experienced is coming to help. And the second is the encouragement, through time and example, to move a little further from the field.

I think we all agree that there's not just ONE thing that will get more pilots into XC but these ideas are all part of a toolbox that will help add pilots to the XC ranks.

MB