I AM AN FAA DESIGNATED PILOT EXAMINER:   I can conduct FAA Practical Tests for all Glider Pilot Certificates here at Marfa, and in the west Texas and Hobbs, New Mexico area served by the Lubbock FAA FSDO.  Call me at 800-667-9464 to discuss your needs and our very efficient training program.  In 2005, the FAA authorized me to also conduct Light Sport - Glider Practical Tests.

SOARING SITE SURVEYS:  A new program (under the guidance of yours truly) is the Soaring Safety Foundation "Soaring Site Survey".   This is a pre-arranged visit to a soaring club or commercial operation by a SSF observer, to watch the soaring operation and make suggestions regarding procedures that may result in a safer, better managed soaring site.   This "Soaring Site Survey" concept is based on the successful soaring site review program established in Sweden.   By conducting "friendly" reviews of the Swedish soaring club operations, that country has seen a 50% decrease of all glider accidents.  We predict that implementing this program in the USA will result in a reduction in accidents as well as a savings of money spent on repairs, lawsuits and increased insurance premiums.  The 'Site Survey" is BY INVITATION, FREE, and my report is CONFIDENTIAL - only to the club.  An private Safety Meeting is included, with videos and a lively discussion of procedures that will result in a better "safety culture" around your soaring site.

SPEAKING OF INSURANCE:  It may be more difficult to obtain as many Underwriters are backing out of the aviation market.   Glider pilots, clubs and commercial operations must maintain their "insurability" by improving the safety of our sport through recurrent training, use of checklists, managing the risks during aerotow and in the landing pattern.   Gliders are not cheap.  Parts are very expensive.   Did you know that one replacement wingtip for my Blanik L-23 glider costs almost $1,200?    That a tailwheel bulkhead repair costs over $2,800?  Damage is unfortunate.  Injury or worse to you or your passenger is unacceptable.   All pilots should seriously consider obtaining "Non-Owner / Renter" Insurance for both liability and "hull" damage to the rental glider.   Many commercial soaring sites are insisting that rental pilots obtain this insurance.  We suggest calling Costello Insurance Associates at 800-528-6483.  

      Instructors must insist on precision flying and using standard procedures:   

Do a pre-takeoff CBSIFTCBE checklist.  LOCK those airbrakes and the canopy.  Have an PT3 emergency plan (which will change every second as the takeoff progresses).  Know the standard signals.  When soaring, look outside 99% of the time - for other aircraft and to "read the sky" for indications of lift.   Return to the airport with plenty of altitude - don't try to "stretch your glide" (it can't be done!)  Before landing, complete your USTALL landing checklist before entering the pattern.  Be acutely aware of the wind direction and windspeed.  Fly a pattern with coordinated turns that keep you in gliding range of the runway (landing short of the runway is the most common glider incident).  Be flexible in your pattern - fly Derek Piggott's "clipped base" approach, instead of the old "square" pattern.  The SSF calls this the "goal-oriented approach".   Landing the Blanik L-23, keep the wings level and land on the main wheel, not on the tailwheel (this is per the Blanik Flight Manual).    It is challenging (and fun) to fly with precision!

SWEDISH SOARING CONVENTION:  I was invited to be a guest speaker at the 2001 Swedish Soaring Federation Convention in mid-November.  My seminars were well received and the hospitality was wonderful.  It was Kathie's first trip overseas, so we took the opportunity to visit England on the way back.   Thank you Sakka, Inger, & Robert!

SOARING SAFETY VIDEOS:  Kevin May and I produced the third in a series of Soaring Safety Foundation safety videotapes.  Volume 1 is "The Assembly/Positive Control Checks".  Volume 2 is "The Takeoff - Airbrakes Open!".  The newest, Volume 3, is called "Standard Soaring Signals" which visually depicts all of the air and ground standard signals with some dramatic airborne footage. These videos (now available on DVD) are free to any SSA club, compliments of the Soaring Safety Foundation.   Go to the SSF website  www.soaringsafety.org    Order now - yes - these videos are free!

This page last updated December 20, 2006