What I Learned at Plain Soaring
Plain Soaring in Australia is a paradise for glider pilots. We paid a nominal fee to cover our meals (where I was introduced to trifle), wonderfully prepared by Maren. We would alternate days flying with George Lee in his beautiful Nimbus 4DM. George, a 3 time consecutive World Gliding Champion, took his retirement with his wife Maren outside Dalby, Australia where they built Plain Soaring and invited Juniors from all around the world to be coached. He announced his retirement from Soaring a few days ago and I felt I should spend the next few weeks sharing what I learned in those 18 days.
His lessons got me where I am. There were not many open class pilots in their 20's, especially at a WGC. Having a mentor or Coach is how athletes take their abilities to the next level. Many times it is overlooked in US Soaring, but hopefully that is starting to change with US Team camps and more sharing of knowledge. George and Maren did this special thing for 8 Juniors each summer.
Lets discuss sports psychology and its importance in racing sailplanes. You have to have confidence in your abilities and shake off any self-doubt. There was a book I studied from called "Learned Optimism." When I first flew the US Open Nationals I was there as a filler. I was told first place was already determined and we were all just there to make up the required 8 pilots. However, after the 1st day, I found myself on the top of the score sheet. Stay positive, stay focused, and get your head in the race to win.
Superior Competitors typically are confident people who:
- Think they can be successful
- Never give up
- Talk to themselves positively and imagine successful performance and outcomes
- Are prepared for success and winning
- Never minimize their abilities
- Focus on successfully mastering a task rather then making mistakes or considering what might happen if they fail.
- Are in touch with reality, fully aware of both their strengths and their weaknesses.
Staying relaxed while flying is important, because it allows you to use less energy and stay focused. George did say it would be 'ok' if I tensed up a little bit. But that wasn't as relevant to me, because I fly so often as an instructor. Generally being on the grid ready to fly doesn't really get the butterflies going like it does for may other pilots.
While staying relaxed you need to make sure you are not staying so relaxed you are no longer competitive. I remember one day in Montague. I headed out toward a turnpoint, completely lost in the beauty of the mountains. The Black Marble Mountains have to be one of the most scenic areas I have flown in. For about 10 minutes I had completely forgot I was racing as I enjoyed the scenery.
While you stay relaxed it is easier to stay smooth on the controls. I had an instructor tell me 'anytime you move the flipper flappers into the slipstream, you create drag.' If you're slamming the controls around it is hard to feel the air and what is going on. I strive to stay smooth and use only enough control input to make the sailplane do what I want it to.
For those of you in the Northern Hemisphere, spend these non-flying months becoming more mentally prepared.
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.
