I remember about eight to nine years ago I started contest flying.
It was a very enjoyable transition. I came with the following
qualification to the contest circuit

1) I was comfortable flying my glider.
2) I had numerous land outs prior
3) I have a competitive spirit
After that I just did it.
I must not forget, the Reichman's Book.
You do not need formal training in cross country flying
but you should have attempted a few 300km flights and completed one, It
helps

You only can pickup so much from a book,
Only when flying can you internalize, remember and get better
A regional contest will get you up to speed in the hurry.

Regards
Udo

"Go" wrote in message
ups.com...
I would like to thank the experienced competion pilots who have shared
their knowledge and methods in this thread.

It concerns me that while I feel I have done a lot of research and have
read everything I have found on this subject, there just isn't a lot of
information out there to help the new competition pilot. Besides the
SRA guide (thanks J. Good) and some outdated books, is there further
and more up to date information available? I don't know any qualified
competitors who sho are wiling to school me personally. Is that the
only way to learn? What am I missing?

Perhaps when asking the question how to qualify pilots, shouldn't we be
looking at how to better train and educate them as well? I have
belonged to two clubs so far and frankly it is hard to get help in XC
let alone competition!

I may very well be missing something here but it seems to me there is a
scarcity of information and training available to help and encourage
those who desire to compete in our sport.

Please correct me (and show me where to gain more knowledge and skill)
if I am wrong in this! I would appreciate the help.