Passenger Comfort.....

I wrote an article about "Give a Better Glider Ride" in the April 2004
issue of "Soaring" magazine, that was well received.

Here's a few tips: Consider not making the glider ride into a soaring
flight. Five shallow turns in a thermal at most - then work "lift
streets". The initial glider ride should be about 15-20 minutes, and
in the cool, calm air of the morning. Constant turning under a bit of
"G" and seeing the world go 'round every 20 seconds may not be a happy
introduction to the joy of soaring. If they liked the short flight,
then take them up again for the soaring flight, later in the day.

Of course, if you are not flying coordinated, you are making them
uncomfortable, and if you are talking too much - trying to explain the
concepts of the yaw string, glider aerodynamics, thermals, etc. to them
- then you are not allowing them to enjoy the quiet, and make their own
adjustments to the new sensations.

In 38 years of giving thousands of glider rides, I've made less than 10
passengers sick. Think about how new it must be to your passenger in
every sensory aspect. Give them time to adjust and they will be back
for more.

If you are not an instructor, I'd be careful about having them fly the
glider. (Just the stick, as the rudder is more than they need to know
about at first. Read Derek Piggott's chapter for instructors in his
book, "Gliding Safety" and how to teach turns.) 'Telling passengers
where to look - out at the horizon is OK, as long as the rate of turn
is slow.

You are to be commended for wanting to share soaring with your
passengers, but consider sharing it a small piece at a time. Too much
candy makes one sick!

Try to look up that article in April 2004 "Soaring", or I can email it
as a file.

Burt Compton
Marfa Gliders, west Texas USA
www.flygliders.com

Thanks all for the tips. I'll look up your article Burt. After
reading the replies, I think my biggest mistake has been the power of
suggestion. I've made too much of a point about the airsick bag, and
probably have been questioning the passengers to frequently to see if
they are OK. I'll switch to the "hidden" gallon zip locks, and won't
mention it unless it's needed. I've been having them look at the
horizon which seems to have helped. I really do keep it mellow unless
they say they are OK with the turns. I'll also keep my mouth shut
more! But I still will point out the sights....on a good day, the
passengers can see NY, Phillie, and the ocean.

Thanks again for all the replies and tips. I take giving rides very
seriously, if we can give a "newbie" a good experience the first time
out, they may come back for more.

Douglas

Just want to put in a good word for a product called the Relief Band.
It is an FDA-approved medical device (proven effective)than can be
purchased online for about $75 and is available in many drug store
chains. It is effective for motion sickness, morning sickness, and most
other nausea. I have found it effective 85% of the time. It is worn
like a watch and gives an adjustable small electric shock to the inside
of the wrist. Get the one that has replaceable button cell batteries
(they last about 40 hours).

So when you must give a ride on a hot bumpy afternoon to a passenger
that just had a big lunch you might have them put on a relief band
before the get in the glider. Barf bag as backup.

I'll second that. I first bought the "Relief Band" for my wife who was using
a medication that made her nauseous.

It is important to follow the directions (the "tingle" feeling must extend
up the center of the hand and to the middle fingers. Also, have the pax put
the band on *before* the flight and then show them how to turn it on. Trying
to get the thing installed properly after the onset of nausea is a
guaranteed way to fill the barf bag!
--
bumper ZZ (reverse all after @)
"Dare to be different . . . circle in sink."

"Stuart Grant" wrote in message
oups.com...

Just want to put in a good word for a product called the Relief Band.
It is an FDA-approved medical device (proven effective)than can be
purchased online for about $75 and is available in many drug store
chains. It is effective for motion sickness, morning sickness, and most
other nausea. I have found it effective 85% of the time. It is worn
like a watch and gives an adjustable small electric shock to the inside
of the wrist. Get the one that has replaceable button cell batteries
(they last about 40 hours).

So when you must give a ride on a hot bumpy afternoon to a passenger
that just had a big lunch you might have them put on a relief band
before the get in the glider. Barf bag as backup.

Burt is right on the money. I like to do first flights in the
calm, cooler sunset air. I also sometimes do a very short pattern tow
for the first flight, then a second flight that is longer if desired.

I use slow roll rates and gentler banks, and load the C.G. fairly forward.
I often avoid thermals for the very first flight.

Sometimes (often?) we get people who really aren't first timers.
They are hang glider or airplane or ultralight pilots.
One of the "first flights" with one of these guys was over 3 hours.
I once went up with another guy, student pilot? Yeah right! We
thermalled for over 3 hours and I had to ask him to land so I could
pee (I did an improper pre-flight).

Turbulent air is what soaring is all about. But some "rides"
just want gliding, not soaring. I personally enjoy giving a
"glider" ride as much as a "soaring" ride, if that's what
the customer asks for. Unfortunately, at some places and some
parts of the day, the air is so turbulent that "gliding" isn't
a possibility.


In article .com,
wrote:
I wrote an article about "Give a Better Glider Ride" in the April 2004
issue of "Soaring" magazine, that was well received.

Here's a few tips: Consider not making the glider ride into a soaring
flight. Five shallow turns in a thermal at most - then work "lift
streets". The initial glider ride should be about 15-20 minutes, and
in the cool, calm air of the morning. Constant turning under a bit of
"G" and seeing the world go 'round every 20 seconds may not be a happy
introduction to the joy of soaring. If they liked the short flight,
then take them up again for the soaring flight, later in the day.

Of course, if you are not flying coordinated, you are making them
uncomfortable, and if you are talking too much - trying to explain the
concepts of the yaw string, glider aerodynamics, thermals, etc. to them
- then you are not allowing them to enjoy the quiet, and make their own
adjustments to the new sensations.

In 38 years of giving thousands of glider rides, I've made less than 10
passengers sick. Think about how new it must be to your passenger in
every sensory aspect. Give them time to adjust and they will be back
for more.

If you are not an instructor, I'd be careful about having them fly the
glider. (Just the stick, as the rudder is more than they need to know
about at first. Read Derek Piggott's chapter for instructors in his
book, "Gliding Safety" and how to teach turns.) 'Telling passengers
where to look - out at the horizon is OK, as long as the rate of turn
is slow.

You are to be commended for wanting to share soaring with your
passengers, but consider sharing it a small piece at a time. Too much
candy makes one sick!

Try to look up that article in April 2004 "Soaring", or I can email it
as a file.

Burt Compton
Marfa Gliders, west Texas USA
www.flygliders.com



--

------------+
Mark J. Boyd

I preffer the snap roll off tow followed into a 5 G loop.

If they can handle that they can handle thermaling a 10knotter right
after that at 50 degree bank.

Al

wrote:
I preffer the snap roll off tow followed into a 5 G loop.

If they can handle that they can handle thermaling a 10knotter right
after that at 50 degree bank.

Al


But if they can't handle it you won't be able to see through the canopy
until all that stuff drips down.

Al
Discus B, PC

Who said there's no such thing as a free lunch!.

"Albert Gold" wrote in message
...
wrote:
I preffer the snap roll off tow followed into a 5 G loop.

If they can handle that they can handle thermaling a 10knotter right
after that at 50 degree bank.

Al


But if they can't handle it you won't be able to see through the canopy
until all that stuff drips down.

Al
Discus B, PC