UK change in spin training.

Those who took part in the big discussion on Rec. Aviation Soaring earlier
this year may be interested in a change just introduced by the BGA:

"Low Height Spins 4th June 2004.

"The BGA Instructors Committee has recently agreed that all pilots and
instructors should be reminded of the need to take note of a number of
factors when considering the height at which spinning should be initiated.
Some gliders have particular characteristics that can sometimes cause a
delayed recovery and/or a significant height loss in the recovery phase.
The potential, significant height loss should be carefully taken into
consideration when deciding when it is safe to initiate a spin. The glider
type flight manual is a vital source of information. The recommendation in
the BGA Instructors Manual, page 19-3, to initiate a 'brief' spin at 800
feet during pilot training will be removed by appropriate amendment action
in due course. You are urged to bring this note the attention of your club
pilot and instructor colleagues. Where required, CFI's can seek advice
from Simon Adlard, the BGA National Coach on 07773 017270."

I suppose this training exercise comes in the category of balancing the risk
of doing the exercise against the risk to pupils' subsequent career if the
exercise is not done. Rather like the light twin engine out on take-off,
or spinning for power pilots in some countries.

I think it is fair to say that low level inadvertent spin entries are still
with us even for very experienced and current pilots.

W.J. (Bill) Dean (U.K.).
Remove "ic" to reply.

(...........................)
The recommendation in
the BGA Instructors Manual, page 19-3, to initiate a 'brief' spin at 800
feet during pilot training will be removed by appropriate amendment action
in due course. You are urged to bring this note the attention of your
club
pilot and instructor colleagues. Where required, CFI's can seek advice
from Simon Adlard, the BGA National Coach on 07773 017270."

I suppose this training exercise comes in the category of balancing the
risk
of doing the exercise against the risk to pupils' subsequent career if the
exercise is not done. Rather like the light twin engine out on take-off,
or spinning for power pilots in some countries.


Wise decision.

In article ,
W.J. \(Bill\) Dean \(U.K.\). wrote:
Those who took part in the big discussion on Rec. Aviation Soaring earlier
this year may be interested in a change just introduced by the BGA:

"Low Height Spins 4th June 2004.

"The BGA Instructors Committee has recently agreed that all pilots and
instructors should be reminded of the need to take note of a number of
factors when considering the height at which spinning should be initiated.
Some gliders have particular characteristics that can sometimes cause a
delayed recovery and/or a significant height loss in the recovery phase.
The potential, significant height loss should be carefully taken into
consideration when deciding when it is safe to initiate a spin. The glider
type flight manual is a vital source of information. The recommendation in
the BGA Instructors Manual, page 19-3, to initiate a 'brief' spin at 800
feet during pilot training will be removed by appropriate amendment action
in due course. You are urged to bring this note the attention of your club
pilot and instructor colleagues. Where required, CFI's can seek advice
from Simon Adlard, the BGA National Coach on 07773 017270."

Boy, this is nice to hear. I'm glad to see some discussion was useful
to the BGA. Good for you guys!
--

------------+
Mark Boyd
Avenal, California, USA