Sport Pilot Talk

Have you had any flight training (not sim) that you think expands your understanding of how to fly or how to deal with unusual situations beyond what is required in the PTS?
On one hand, you might include extreme aerobatics and mock dog fighting. At the other end, maybe you took some glider or tail wheel training to hone your control skills.
Are you interested in that kind of training? Why did or didn't you take it? Was it worth the money? Did it achieve your objective? Is it too risky for the benefit?

And let's not forget to include mountain flying and the associated use of unimproved/less improved back-country airstrips. Very relevant and confidence-inspiring for some areas of our country...

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Jack
RAF Florida State Liaison
Please visit www.theraf.org

I second mountain flying lessons although I've never done the unimproved landings. One of my missions years ago for buying a plane was flying into to Angle Fire, NM. Very nice, long runway that sits in a valley with the floor elevation about 8300'. The terrain rises rapidly to the south so most planes take off to the north, regardless of wind. Also, needed to get up to 10,500' to safely exit the valley.

Learned a lot, first-hand, the affects of DA, tail-wind take-offs and navigating winds at mountain peaks.

I also learned a bit about using thermals. There is a lake a couple miles north of AXX that I started using to expedite gaining altitude. I'd take off normally, head for the lake, then do a gentle 360 over the lake, catching thermals and would pretty much have 2000' AGL before I was done turning.

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dave

I've always believed that glider training makes for a safer power plane pilot. USAF Academy has since its earliest days required its cadets to get glider rated before they start power training. Seems like a great idea to me.

I took a few glider lessons about three decades back, but never completed a rating. Just last month, I took enough lessons in an LSA motor-glider (self-launch) to get an instructor endorsement. I now need to get a second CFIG to give me the proficiency check and send in my 8710-11, and I'll have LSA glider privileges.

Bottom line: I believe that the glider training is giving me tools to improve my overall safety.

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The opinions expressed in this post are those of one CFI, and do not necessarily represent the position of the FAA or its lawyers.
Prof. H. Paul Shuch, Ph.D., CFII, LSRM-A/GL/WS
AvSport of Lock Haven
http://AvSport.org fly@AvSport.org

Awesome Paul! I'd love to do some glider training, especially in that beautiful country in your area. What type of glider are you flying?

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Richard, Student Sport Pilot
Magazine Quality Photography and Imaging
http://www.agreatimage.com

For anyone seeking to fly in an Extra for aerobatic training, check this out!
http://executiveflyers.com/extra-300l/

Gorgeous Extra 300L in Belfast, MA.
Home base of Michael Goulian.
I've been itching to get up there!