Teaching Cross Country to Students

I have touched on this topic before and there are a lot of books written on the subject of cross country flying. However, I think a simple thought process is lost.

I was with a student a few weeks ago attempting to get him started into 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 lift that was very difficult to get to in a pure glider.

He was well prepared. He had read both of G Dale's books, glider flying handbook, multiple other books regarding cross country soaring and racing, and of course, subscribed to this newsletter. He had return altitude rings covering his sectional. With all of this overload of knowledge, he missed a small piece of the puzzle.

I try and 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 we were just concerned about that new airport.

On our return home, we did not even think about getting home. We tried to get towards home but always staying within glide of the other airport. Eventually, we made glide back home, and then and only then we focused on getting home. Up until that point, we were just trying to get closer but only concerned about the retreat back to the other airport.

This helps make 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 hopefully 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 that we were below glide to the other airport also. There were acceptable fields within glide so I was not concerned about the 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 math and trying to get home.

 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.