The "Joy of Soaring" has the simplest X-C diagrams I have
ever seen. With a bit of graph paper and a ruler I've
been able to teach that diagram in any L/D ship, including
wind, elevation of airports, and pattern altitudes, in about
30 minutes.

It is also VERY useful to do one example from airport A to B,
and then add another potential landout in between. Then
we go drive or fly (airplane) over to the potential
landout and talk about the improved skills needed to land there.

This seems to REALLY focus a student. He understands that
he can fly X-C safely on days with lower thermals, if he
scouts the landouts ahead of time, and builds the skills
to land-out safely.

By landout, in my case, I'm generally talking about
duster strips, or even airports, and not open fields.
Depending on instructors and location, this may vary.

I also remember for my first X-C, my wingrunner happily
chirped "I'll see you when you land." I replied "no, you
won't. I'm not landing here. I may not make it
all the way to Silver distance, but I am NOT landing
back here."

Saying that out loud gave me the courage to fly away...
and yes I landed out (at a narrow, prescouted duster strip).

Good luck!

In article .com,
Doug Snyder wrote:
Spring is coming and I hope to begin making XC flights soon. I am a low
time pilot flying in the (US) Southeast. I have essentially zero XC
experience. My local club is very supportive of XC flight and I expect
to have the from both instructors and mentors.

I'd like some recommendations on good books that may help. I've heard
of Reichmann's book but have also heard that it will be over my head
initially if not for some time to come. Any other suggestions and
sources ?

Thanks,
Doug
(flying an LS4... If you want to fly a PW5 that's OK with me.)



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Mark J. Boyd