Our goal is to learn from each other in order to increase the number of pilots that (safely) join us in the sky, facilitate the teaching and learning process, and yes, make a living while doing it.
Due to the nature of hang gliding, there is no single best way to teach all. We are not the same as military pilots/students with similiar education and skills. We are not flying by/with instruments that tell us when to do what. We are not part of a program that flunks pilots out if they don't progress at an acceptable rate. Each of us and each of our students uses a different combination of senses as instruments. Added to this, physical differences can greatly alter the way we work with a student. Good instruction uses words that cause the student to behave properly because everything makes sense. Now pick the proper words.
The rash of blown launches at the 1996 Nationals demonstrates that there was a failure in basic instruction in the pilots that blew them. How can I say that? Do you doubt that you can teach an infallible launch? Of course you can. What is the optimum method of teaching and comunicating with each (different) student? If we all get together and discuss successes and failures our efficiency will dramatically increase and yes, we will sell more gliders.
ICP's serve only to form a basis from which to grow. Contribute to "The Instructor's Forum" and read the advice and comments of others, give your own comments and we should grow at a far greater rate.
I would hope that each instructor has comments and criticisms of the way others teach. After teaching for over 20 years we keep finding areas where we have not done the best job in preparing new pilots for their next (pick any) step in their reach for the clouds.
Pat and Greg at Mission Soaring Center published "The Instructor" a few years ago and many of us felt that it was the greatest step forward in the USHGA instruction program. Unfortunately, due to lack of submissions and the unwillingness of the USHGA to coerce instructors to contribute (suggestions included -- in order to maintain an instructor or advanced instructor rating, you would have to submit one article a year OR you would get a one or two year extension on your rating if you wrote an article).
What accidents occurred during training of students? Could we all learn from reports of training accidents? Over the past 20 years, we have submitted reports to the USHGA of all training accidents with analyses of what went wrong, why it happened and how in might have been prevented. The bulk of hang glider pilots are not interrested in training accidents so H.G. magazine is not a place to print them. Somehow the information has to get dispersed. As instructors, we need to look at all accidents and ask how we can insure that none of our students/pilots ever have a similar one.
Let's do it!!
Let US not mouth the word "professional" and put on an act. Let US communicate and make OURSELVES the best we can be---and help make new pilots that stick with it until age, not accident puts a stop to it. Me, I'm going on forever.
Now we have a nice virtually painless way to revive the concept of the "Instructor". Submit articles about any aspect of Hang Gliding instruction and we will include a link to your school. If there are a significant number of contributors--if you are willing to take the time to help the growth of our instructional methods, maybe we can get some form of recognition published in "Hang Gliding" and WOW, free advertising. Let's move. DO IT!!!!!!
To get the ball rolling, the following topics are suggested for discussion.
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