The original topic is one with some real merit. I learned to fly with
the field = 0. The field was only about 600' MSL so it wasn't a real
big deal, or so I thought at the time. I have just gotten back into
soaring and I am doing my very best to break that habit, and use field
elevation, which for me is now 300 or so. It is taking a while to break
a 19-year habit, but I'm about there. The people that taught me to fly
didn't think they were doing anything wrong. They have nothing to be
ashamed of, that's for sure. I'm proud to say I know all but one of
them... the one that told me I needed to give up, and that I'd never
learn to fly... a real morale builder.

My point is that maybe instructors should be teaching students to add
the field elevation in their decision making. If they're expected to do
that, they will. If you expect them to be stupid, they will. Some have
stated that they don't have a choice because their airports are too
high. They have to teach this the right way. Their students have to
learn this and all do. If I were an instructor, I would not solo a
student that couldn't do this with proficiency. That student will then
know this as instinct, rather than having to unlearn a bad habit. This
is important in our mobile society. I've been moved twice in 8 years. I
expect to move again this coming winter. I am now comfortable using the
MSL field elevation as a start point, and my opinion is that this
should be universal for all students.

Just my nickels worth... and you thought I just had 2 cents...

Jack Womack