On Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:25:43 +0100, cernauta wrote:

On Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:53:31 -0800 (PST), bildan
wrote:


I second the recurrent training idea.

This IS a very good idea.

Agreed. In my (UK) club all pilots must do a short refresher course
before the start of the season. Each refresher is for four pilots and is
run by two instructors. Its aimed at checking situational awareness and
eventualities rather than merely seeing if you can still fly. It consists
of:
- a chalk & talk session with the instructors running the course,
typically for no more than an hour.
- an aero tow to 3000-3500 ft for stalling and spinning exercises.
There's usually some exercises during the tow too - slack rope, out of
position recovery, etc.
- two winch launches which involve simulated cable breaks or power
failures. You know that you're unlikely to get to the top but
not what's about to be sprung on you.

After a series of gliding accidents where elderly pilots were involved,
and the suspect is that at least one of two of them were incapacitated
before the crash occurred... And considering that one of such crashes
happened unfortunately in a public garden... A periodical medical
review is now compulsory in Switzerland.

We used to be self-certifying for solo flying but have had a 5 yearly
medical examination, administered by your GP, for a long time. It used to
be required only for passenger carrying or instructing. I don't know when
this was introduced: it pre-dates my start in gliding. The required
standard is equivalent to the professional driver's medical. I think this
is a sensible and reasonable approach.

Around 2003 or 4 the self-certification was replaced by the same medical
required for passenger carrying and instructing.


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martin@ | Martin Gregorie
gregorie. | Essex, UK
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