Lawn Darts
Based on the ancient Roman game plumbata, lawn darts were banned in 1988 in the US. Whoops, wrong Wikipedia page... What I actually want to discuss is a term we use in racing, lawn darting.
You start and go straight into a field. Maybe you found a thermal. Maybe you didn't. We will not get picky about the duration of your short flight before lawn darting.
What caused it? It's doubtful it was the air. Although hard to admit, it's more likely the fault of the pilot. Maybe there wasn't a thermal, but it wasn't found because you did not go in the correct direction. This is especially true when others make it out.
At the Standard Class Nationals many years ago I had placed significantly better each day until I won my first day at a US Nationals. The next day I was ready to get myself on the podium. But I didn't. I only made it a few miles down the course-line before landing in a field. Every other pilot finished. So clearly it was possible. Did I take the wrong path and miss the thermal that most of the other pilots found? Did I start too aggressive? Was I too focused on overall placing? It took me years of wallowing in self-loathing to fully appreciate my mistake.
To quote a great movie, "Your ego is writing checks your body can't cash." I was so focused on getting on the podium that I forgot to do the important part that is required to get there. Fly the glider.
Another pitfall is when you find a strong climb pre-start and believe there will be another one like it out on course. Let's say the forecast for the day is 3 knts. You find a 5 knt thermal pre-start and think that will be your good climb so you pass by a 3knt thermal. Next thing you know you are looking for anything to stay up. I did this many years later at the Open Class Nationals (I never said I learn my lessons quickly).
Paying attention to the reliability of the forecast is important. Is the forecast continually optimistic or pessimistic? This is vital to developing your mindset for the day. What kind of day is it likely to be and what are you are willing to stop for? After a few hours, it is a lot easier to make that decision, but right out of the gate, you can't make decisions based on experience.
I still have more topics to cover regarding how to lose points, slow down, and get stuck. But in the meantime, the picture above is from last weekend at the March Airshow in California and a teaser for my next series. My Dad started flying airshows in 1979. Three years ago my brother Boyd and I took over the airshows from him and have been performing in Southern California. Stay tuned for more on airshows
Banner Photo: Jan Czonstke Fotografie
Garret Willat holds a flight instructor rating with over 8000 hours in sailplanes. His parents have owned Sky Sailing Inc. since 1979. He started instructing the day after his 18th birthday. Since then, Garret has represented the US Junior team in 2003 and 2005. He graduated from Embry-Riddle with a bachelor's degree in Professional Aeronautics. Garret represented the US Open Class team in 2008 and 2010 and the Club Class team in 2014. Garret has won 3 US National Championships.
