Open Discussion; Creating XC pilots

On Sunday, December 21, 2014 12:16:00 PM UTC-7, wrote:
I am currently working on an article regarding gliding safety. Not sure when it may be posted - probably on our web site (www.eglider.org) our Facebook page, perhaps Soaring magazine, or Gliding International magazine.

The article uses data garnished from the NTSB accident reports. This data is not always correct, but one can use it to gain useful statistics.

I reduced the official NTSB reports in a new book, "Glider Accident Reports," ($14.95) to useable, readable size, which clearly indicates where the major problems are and hints at what can and should be done in attempts to reduce the accident statistics. You can order from our web site, www.eglider.org.

Landings are clearly the major problem regarding gliding safety. During the recent 11 year period there were about 500 accidents serious enough to be reported to the NTSB.

Of these, 167 occurred during airport landings, and 99 off field landings..

As we observe typical, low stress on-airport landings, it is clear glider pilots often perform what can be called undisciplined, incorrect landing patterns. Under the stress of an upcoming off-airport landing, flight logs show the discipline is very often extremely bad.

Over the years, many articles have been written in gliding publications. There are some controversial suggestions made, and even more being used in flight training.

Despite attempts by different Pilots, CFIs clubs and organizations, the landing phase of flight training discipline's varies widely.

As a sidebar, some years ago, there was an international gathering of notable CFI's from around the world held in Sweden. The most significant finding was how little differences there were among those notables regarding all phases of flight.

Tom Knauff

I agree landings are the main problem. One improves those stats the same way one gets to Carnegie Hall - practice, practice, practice.

Unfortunately, landing practice using aero tow is expensive so many skimp on landings. Scott Manley will propose the use of simulators for landing practice and he's absolutely correct. I would suggest complementing simulator landings with winch launch where one can buy as many as 10 real landings for the price of one pattern tow.

When a pilot becomes truly proficient and confident in their landing skills, XC looks a lot less intimidating.