Invest in Your Co-Pilot’s Engagement

In our wonderful world of gliding, the relationship between P1 and P2 is more than just a division in roles; it’s somewhat of a psychological contract. We’ve all been there: you’re established in a reliable 4-knot climb, and your offsider suggests leaving it to chase a wispy puff of cloud three miles off-course. Your instinct? A polite (or perhaps blunt) "No."

However, there is a strategic art to CRM (Crew Resource Management) that suggests we should be more receptive to those "less than stellar" suggestions. Accepting the other pilot's idea, even when it isn't the absolutely optimal line, is an investment in the flight’s future success.

Strengthening the CRM Chain. Cockpit authority gradient is a delicate thing. If you, as the P1, consistently shut down suggestions, your P2 eventually stops offering them. This "silence in the cockpit" is a safety risk. By occasionally saying, "Okay, let’s try your line," you validate their role as an active observer.

This validation keeps them engaged. The other pilot who feels heard is a pilot who stays vigilant. They’ll keep their eyes outside for traffic, monitor the final glide computer more accurately, etc and stay mentally "ahead of the aircraft."

This is a Psychological "Buy-In".  Think of it as a tactical withdrawal to win the war. Gliding is a high-stamina sport. By yielding on a minor decision early in the task, perhaps taking a slightly different route around a thermal, you build social capital, so to speak. 

When the situation gets critical later, say, you’re low, scratching for survival in a dying blue hole, you’ll need your co-pilot to work their hardest for you. If you’ve fostered a collaborative environment, they will be more motivated to provide the high-intensity spotting and data-crunching required to get you both home. They aren't just a passenger; they are a stakeholder who has a hand in shaping the mission's direction.

The Learning Curve.  Finally, there is the simple fact that we aren't always right. Gliding is a game of probabilities. Occasionally, that "mediocre" suggestion from the back seat turns out to be the day-saver. Even if it doesn't, the debrief becomes a shared learning experience rather than a lecture.

The Bottom Line: If it's not going to end the day, accept a suggestion not because it’s the best tactical move for the next five minutes, but because it’s the best move for the next five hours.

Happy Soaring, 
Adam Woolley 

Photo by Petr Kolmann

 Adam Woolley was born into the gliding world, being the 3rd generation in his family. Going solo at 15, his thirst for efficiency in soaring flight & quest for a world championship title to his name has never wavered. One big passion is sharing his experiences & joy with other glider pilots all around the world. Adam is an airline pilot in Japan on the B767 & spends his off time chasing summer around the globe. He has now won 7 national Championships & represented Australia at 5 WGC's & 1 EGC.