I learned (nobody taught me) how to fly in 1969.
That's awesome. Wow! Welcome to the US Hawks, Lyle.
And I have a suggestion. The more experienced among us -- and there are some phenomenally experienced hang glider pilots in the US Hawks -- should be awarded an Observer rating by the BOD just to rate novice or uncertified hang glider pilots. This is just to bring them into the fold.
The Observer rating should be issued to ALL pilots who obviously have the experience to recognize when a novice has reached the point of being able to takeoff, fly and land in an acceptable manner. This is more important than simply a rating. THIS IS A MAGNET. It will attract new pilots to the US Hawks and new pilots to hang gliding. Once a novice associates with a US Hawks Observer, he will be guided by that bond (to drive
) and immerse herself or himself in participation and education of the more advanced aspects of flying hang gliders.
If we want to grow the sport, we experienced pilots have an obligation to adopt a few squabs and teach them how to progress in a survivable manner. Schools are okay, I suppose, although I've been disappointed lately -- but there is nothing like one-on-one instruction between friends in the wild. We need to pass on our experience and I can tell you there is nothing like watching a new pilot bloom while keeping him from getting ahead of his skill level.
I was not self-taught, like Lyle, but I learned from USHGA Observers with, ahem, spectacular success. I never took a formal lesson. I never paid anything except my share of gas money. We have to return to that to save the sport. USHPA eliminating Observers to force new pilots into $chools was a huge detriment to the sport of hang gliding. The US Hawks can fix this,