Human Factors

“The scores are tied; it’s time for the big one. You up for this one, Maverick?” ICEMAN. 

For a long time, I’ve had a fear of failure, accepting a solid placing rather than taking opportunities to win. Fortunately, I realised this and put plans into action, and for the past 6-8 years, I’ve started winning as a result, albeit

Setting goals is fundamental for achieving success, whether in personal development, career advancement, athletic performance, or even soaring. Goals provide direction, motivation, and a sense of purpose. Among the various types of goals, outcome goals and process goals are essential concepts to understand. Moreover, setting goals that pull you forward is crucial for sustained progress and growth.

In the realm of aviation & gliding, where precision, alertness, and swift decision-making are paramount, the importance of a good night's sleep cannot be overstated. For us as glider pilots, ensuring adequate rest before a flight is not just a matter of comfort—it's a critical factor in safety and your overall performance. In this article, I will address how a quality night's

I was fortunate enough to go gliding in Uvalde last summer as my preparation for the World Gliding Championships in August 2024.  Being Australian, I know the need to remain hydrated, but flying out of Texas really heightened the fact that it’s super important to keep on top of.  Drinking water only wasn’t an option, but an electrolyte supplement within the water was also essential

A Guide to Self-Reflection

As a glider pilot, you've undoubtedly experienced flights that didn't go as planned. Perhaps you struggled to find lift, navigated poorly, or made mistakes during landing. In such moments, it's easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt, wondering if you're simply a poor pilot. However, it's crucial to differentiate

Experiencing an inflight emergency or a near miss while in your glider can be a harrowing ordeal, it’ll likely trigger the startle effect. The startle effect, which is also known as the startle response or the sudden onset of intense fear, can significantly impair a pilot's ability to effectively respond to the situation at hand. Understanding the startle effect and knowing how to mitigate

Gliding is a thrilling sport, we all know it, it’s a sport that allows pilots to navigate the skies using only the natural forces of Mother Nature. However, like any aviation activity, gliding comes with inherent risks. To mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of pilots, passengers & ground crew, the principles of Crew Resource Management (CRM) can be effectively applied.

As glider pilots, we navigate the boundless skies with grace and precision, but even the most experienced aviators encounter challenges. Threat and error management (TEM) is a crucial concept that empowers pilots to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks before they escalate into hazardous situations. In this article, we delve into the realms of TEM and its application in soaring.

Understanding

Heat stroke is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition characterised by the body's inability to regulate its internal temperature. It occurs when prolonged exposure to high temperatures overwhelms the body's cooling mechanisms, leading to a dangerous rise in core temperature. Common symptoms include confusion, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and hot, dry skin. Heat stroke requires immediate

In the realm of gliding, where the sky becomes both playground and canvas, the importance of hydration for pilots cannot be overstated. As gliders gracefully ride the currents and thermals, pilots must navigate not only the atmospheric conditions but also the internal dynamics of their bodies. Hydration emerges as a silent but critical companion, ensuring that pilots stay alert, focused, and in control