Teaching Cross Country to Students
I have touched on this topic before, and many books have been written on the subject of cross-country soaring. However, I think a simple thought process is lost.
A few weeks ago, I was with a student, attempting to get him started in the daunting new world of cross-country soaring. It was a weak day, so we were able to use the engine in the Stemme to quickly explore lifts that were very difficult to reach in a pure glider.
He was well prepared. He had read G Dale's books, the glider flying handbook, and multiple other books regarding cross-country soaring and racing, and, of course, he subscribed to this newsletter. He had return altitude rings covering his sectional. With all this knowledge overload, he missed a small piece of the puzzle.
I try to emphasize simplicity with my students. We made a quick return altitude ring with glide back to the airport and figured out our go-no-go to the next airport. As soon as we made it within glide of the next airport, we forgot about going home and were just concerned about that new airport.
On our return home, we did not even think about getting home. We tried to get home but always stayed within glide of the other airport. Eventually, we made glide back home, and only then did we focus on getting home. Until then, we were just trying to get closer but only concerned about retreating back to the other airport.
This makes the decision to retreat much easier because we are not worried about going home until we can make it. Until then, we are just cruising around within glide of the other airport.
This simple thinking and mindset of staying within glide of another airport and not being concerned about making it home will keep you out of trouble. I had another student who quickly got us out of glide of both airports.
We had passed the go-no-go point and were headed to the next airport. But then he chickened out and turned around to head home. However, we were below glide to get back home. By the time he realized we were also below glide to the other airport. There were acceptable fields within glide, so I was not concerned about safety and used it as a teaching opportunity. You might remember my Nimbus 4D student doing a similar thing. It is easy to get caught up in the math and trying to get home.
Banner Photo by Mika Ganszauge
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.
