AB initio The Ab – Initio column is aimed at low houred pilots, the new guys wandering around with dazed looks on their faces. The aim is to make them more comfortable and give them the information they need to get the most from learning to fly. When I passed on this brief to Roger Read he took it to extremes. He went one step further - to visitors coming onto our airfields and what we need to do to make it a safe and happy experience that they are likely to want to repeat. As such this story is not just for new pilots but for all of us. Please read and take note
Throughout the year, we get visitors coming to our airfields.
Invite them to take a closer look and chat as you walk around
Summer soaring activity is increasing and more visitors are out for
the glider and describe in simple terms how it flies. Avoid technical
a look at what we are up to. As seasoned aviators it is easy to
jargon and keep any theory simple as we want to emphasise the
forget some of the dangers that threaten the safety of both visitors
ease and delights of gliding and soaring. Encourage questions and
and ourselves. Here are a few tips on how to ensure we make our
aim to provide simple answers without talking down to your guest.
visitors welcome and keep things safe for all.
Offer them an opportunity to sit in a glider and show them how the
Airfields are usually wide open places. Visitors will need some
controls work. Discuss how one learns to fly; the ease of training
clear guidance from signs to show how they access the airfield,
and the focus that is placed on safety and having fun. Offer to take
drive to the operations point (caravan) and park without infringing
photos of them there as this will be something for them to reflect on
operational areas (active runways/vectors). Some will boldly drive
later once back home. There may often be only one keen person in
anywhere at any speed and may use the shortest route between
a group / family so carefully include all visitors in sharing the expe-
the access gate and where the gliders are parked despite the best
rience. Ensure you encourage any children and remember to kneel
signs and cones etc to keep them safely off active areas. Others
down to their height when chatting with them; this is far less intimi-
will feel intimidated and venture no further than the boundary gate
dating and shows you are able to communicate effectively at their
or fenceline unless coaxed or absolutely sure they won’t get into
level. Explain where they can safely go and what safety consider-
trouble driving on to the field. Keep an eye out for all visitors and
ations there are specific to being on the airfield so that they can
have members prepared to go and meet them at the gate or by
relax and explore without risk of endangering themselves.
the fence and to chat in a way that offers a welcome plus guidance
Show them the launch procedure and follow a flight from
on how to get to the gliders so they can take a closer look‌ and
preflight preparation, through the launch, the tow, release and then
possibly take a flight.
the circuit and landing. Explain how the glider releases and how the
Once at the launch point, get them safely parked and facing
tow plane or winch system works. Allay any fears they may have;
out to where they can sit in their car or set up a picnic and watch
the most common being that of heights. Emphasise that it is not
the operational activities. Some clubs have found that a few picnic
the same as being up on a ladder and that many who fear this are
tables are a great way to encourage both members and visitors to
very comfortable flying and are able to enjoy the panoramic views
relax over a picnic while waiting to fly. If your visitors have made
available. Talk about your best flights and explain the state of the
it to the operational area by themselves, have a member go and
art technology and performance of modern gliders; use the analogy
greet them and invite them to take a closer look at both gliders
of high performance yachts as a comparison of what can be
and towplane. Remember what it was like on your first visit. First
achieved. However emphasise that club membership allows access
impressions are generally lasting impressions so a warm, hospi-
to this sport for all ages at a reasonable cost, largely because of
table welcome that allows them to ask questions and take a look at
the voluntary nature of the sport. Ideally, the club should have a
our sport will make their visit an enjoyable experience.
simple fact / info sheet to give away so that they can get back in
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December 2007
