New student pilot apprehensions

"Michael" wrote in message
...
This stuff does get easier doesn’t it?
Yes, it does. I learned in my 50's. For me, it was nearly impossible at
first. I had so much trouble learning the tow that I was terrified that my
instructor would tell me to take up some other hobby. It was one the
hardest and most satisfying things I have ever done. As others have noted,
you are learning to fly and learning to fly in formation at the same time.

I will never forget the first time I actually managed to follow the tow
plane through a turn. I knew I still had lots to learn because air was
pouring through the vent window (because I was uncoordinated) but I followed
the tow plane! I remarked to my instructor that "the tow plane looks like
it's not moving" and he said, "yea, that's what it's supposed to look like".
That was the moment when I finally started to "get it".

Years later when I finally became a CFIG, I think my own slowness in
learning helped me understand the problems of some of my students.

I mean 14 year-olds do this….

Yes, they learn fast compared to adults. Humbling aint it? Get used to it.
Soaring can be a humbling thing. I can't tell you how many times a simple
bird has made me feel like a stupid, untalented dolt. It is an honor that
they allow us to share the air with them.

...demonstrated boxing the wake and I was sure the rope was going to
break….but it didn’t, even going through the prop
wash of the tow plane.

No reason why it should break. As a primary instructor I have spent more
time that I really liike with my glider seemingly behaving like a freshly
hooked fish on the end of the tow line as one of my newer students learns
not to overcontrol; yet I have never broken a tow line that way.

And speaking of the tow rope. I need to get more confidence in it. When
that rope gets taught, I freeze up. I am terrified of it breaking.

Ideally, your tow pilot should never take you beyond gliding range of the
airport. If the rope breaks, you just go back and land. No big deal Low
rope breaks on takeoff are another matter, but will easily be within your
skill set by the time you solo. Ask your instructor about them.

Keep at it! You will do fine. Welcome to soaring.

Vaughn


Ask your instructor to show you


However, I recently ran across a video (It’s on the SSA
site) of a real rope break. It really was no big deal. The rope
broke, the glider had a momentary shudder, the pilot muttered
something, then calmly landed the glider. It was no big deal. I
need more confidence in the rope!

I’ve been grounded for two weeks due to the flu, but I can’t wait to
get back up in the air!


--Michael