Launch Order

On May 31, 6:32*am, Walt Connelly Walt.Connelly.
wrote:

The simple start queue idea is a good one but remember, the commercial
operator is trying to maximize the school rental/training/ride revenue
producing function and still satisfy the private owners.

Walt Connelly

Absolutely true - but there's a business concept called "enlightened
self-interest". It's been my experience those commercial operations
who try to make rigid schedules work are less successful than those
who simply try to do as much flying as possible every day.

That not to say some schedule finessing isn't a good idea. By
launching glider rides and training flights into mid-day turbulence,
the commercial operator risks "bad press" as customers relate their
unpleasant experience to friends, family and associates. A major
source of new business is word of mouth advertising but it cuts both
ways.

As a one-time instructor/ride pilot, I've seen it happen many times.
The happiest first-time customers were those who got the early and
late flights. If the flying day had been expanded an hour or so, a
mid-day launch window could have been assigned to private owners at
essentially no cost while improving customer relations.

Happy private owners will send their friends family and associates to
the commercial operator for still more word of mouth advertising.

Bill Daniels

"bildan" wrote in message
...
As a one-time instructor/ride pilot, I've seen it happen many times.
The happiest first-time customers were those who got the early and
late flights.

True. Much of this can be helped by proper diplomacy and by managing
expectations from the start. I used to tell ride customers that soaring is
supposed to be a fun, relaxing experience, not something regulated by a clock.
My favorite line: "When you come to a gliderport, don't have anything more
accurate than a calendar strapped to your wrist".

Same goes for students:. Remind them that they only pay for time in the air,
but there is much to be learned by watching (and assisting) on the ground.

Vaughn

Originally Posted by vaughn[_3_]

"bildan" wrote in message
...
As a one-time instructor/ride pilot, I've seen it happen many times.
The happiest first-time customers were those who got the early and
late flights.

True. Much of this can be helped by proper diplomacy and by managing
expectations from the start. I used to tell ride customers that soaring is
supposed to be a fun, relaxing experience, not something regulated by a clock.
My favorite line: "When you come to a gliderport, don't have anything more
accurate than a calendar strapped to your wrist".

Same goes for students:. Remind them that they only pay for time in the air,
but there is much to be learned by watching (and assisting) on the ground.

Vaughn

I could not agree more about reminding students that much is to be learned by watching and assisting on the ground. While I was taking lessons I would show up early, bring my books, hang out at the launch line and study, chase rope, hook up, watch, listen and learn. Can you believe that there are people with licenses who can't properly hook up a Schweizer?

The Japanese students who come here to learn to fly bring a different work ethic than the American students. It's observable to a high degree...they work as a team. We can learn a lot by watching them.

Walt