ASK 21 spin ballast installation

Thank you, Jack, for taking the time to write a most informative reply.
I understand your previous comments better, and I see that I
interpreted them incorrectly.

Your "good night and good luck" closing is especially apt.
Paraphrasing you again, flying has at its base the phrase "that which
doesn't kill you makes you a better pilot". At least, I think this
fits with your comments about non-linearity in learning, the need to
always have a plan B and C, and the acquired ability to actually
believe that anything is possible.

The trouble is that this mode of learning is extremely hard on low time
pilots like myself. Of course we get the fundamentals from our
instructors and our textbooks, plus more from reading accident reports
and anecdotes and taking periodic rides with an instructor, but I think
there's so much more that we neophytes could learn from those who
have paid their dues in the cockpit. However, you identified the
problem yourself: your intention is to "listen more than talk" in
a field in which "those with the most to tell don't like to talk too
much about themselves, or about what the rest of us would call their
considerable accomplishments".

Do you have any thoughts on how we newbies might lower this barrier,
Jack? My idea involves plying you with your favorite beverage in a low
key setting, but you're a rarity in that you'll say something to a
stranger. Heck, I wasn't even able to get my own Dad, who flew for the
Navy in WWII, to give me the benefit of his experience by talking about
what he'd learned..

Have fun, fly safe, and good luck to you, Jack.

-John

Jack wrote:
There's the outline of a potentially interesting topic.

Active and retired professional pilots on this list, with both military
and civilian experience, who in addition have a lot more experience with
sailplanes than I, might have some fascinating comments. You'll notice
though, if you are here for awhile, that those with the most to tell
don't like to talk too much about themselves, or about what the rest of
us would call their considerable accomplishments.

I want to keep an open mind about the airplane, the weather, and my own
ability; learn something new on every flight; take on a new challenge,
or three, very season; listen more than talk, and always have a plan B,
and C. It's a LOT more fun that way.

However, preparing for the unexpected is a contradiction. You can only
prepare for those things you are willing to admit can happen. That's the
value of experience, perhaps. It's easier not only to admit that
anything is possible, but to actually believe it.

Jack

jcarlyle wrote:

The trouble is that this mode of learning is extremely hard on low time
pilots like myself. Of course we get the fundamentals from our
instructors and our textbooks, plus more from reading accident reports
and anecdotes and taking periodic rides with an instructor, but I think
there's so much more that we neophytes could learn from those who
have paid their dues in the cockpit.

I don't know of any shortcuts, John. The head and the hands generally
learn together, at least in my case. Though I can describe someone I
want you to meet, and introduce her, you can't really get to know each
other until I leave the two of you alone.

Glider clubs always need instructors. You'd be in the air a lot, you
think harder about things when you try to teach them, and you'd learn
there are more ways than you might have expected to approach a problem
-- and make it even worse. You'll also learn that the student often has
something to teach you, sometimes even about flying the aircraft.


Do you have any thoughts on how we newbies might lower this barrier,
Jack? My idea involves plying you with your favorite beverage in a low
key setting....

Insight can't be bought, but ply me with assembly, a free tow, and
disassembly, and you'll find out that I can be had.


I wasn't even able to get my own Dad, who flew for the Navy in WWII,
to give me the benefit of his experience by talking about what he'd
learned.

Using an airplane as a weapon is more than just flying one aggressively.
He probably hoped you'd have no need of the knowledge, or perhaps he
thought that what he'd learned couldn't be translated. That's not rare.


Jack

Jack, you say you haven't instructed in gliders, but I think you
really should - you've got an extremely good way of explaining
things! As for me, I've got a whole lot to learn about flying before
anyone should want to learn from me - maybe someday, though.

I believe you are correct with your comment that my Dad probably hoped
that I'd have no need of his wartime knowledge. I'll never know,
now, but a comment he made 15 years ago leads me to believe you're
right.

I'd be glad to help with assembly, disassembly and pay for your tow
someday, Jack. I think I'd be getting more from the bargain, but just
let me know via e-mail what glider ports you hang out at.

It's been nice talking to you - I've gained some useful insights.
Thanks for starting the conversation!

-John

Jack wrote:

Glider clubs always need instructors. You'd be in the air a lot, you
think harder about things when you try to teach them, and you'd learn
there are more ways than you might have expected to approach a problem
-- and make it even worse. You'll also learn that the student often has
something to teach you, sometimes even about flying the aircraft.

Insight can't be bought, but ply me with assembly, a free tow, and
disassembly, and you'll find out that I can be had.

Using an airplane as a weapon is more than just flying one aggressively.
He probably hoped you'd have no need of the knowledge, or perhaps he
thought that what he'd learned couldn't be translated. That's not rare.


Jack