Flying Articles & Related Resources - Frequently Asked Questions

eNova Archive | Safety | General Flying | Club Archive | There I Was... | Coaching | Video Reviews | Firefly's Flying Diary | Frequently Asked Questions | Low Airtimers

There are some sites in the guide that require higher rating than I have to fly. Why is this?

Date: 07/01/2020
Author: Chris Lovell
Position: PG Comps
Those sites are generally tricky to fly. Some have difficult take-offs, some have difficult landings. Draycott, for example, has both and is difficult to soar if you are unsure. The rating system is there as a guide. If you think you are ready to fly a site then ask the site officer or coach. They will give you their opinion and arrange for someone to show you the ropes at the site in question. Chances are that on your first visit you will not fly unless the conditions are spot on. Don't be tempted into the air just because others are flying. Many pilots have hundreds of hours of experience, and they may be wishing that they were still on the ground with you. We have had fatalities in the recent past, and quite a few serious inquiries, and we don’t want any more. Take advice and don't be too eager - but when you are ready go for it.
 

We've had some good feedback already about this section - thanks! The more eagle-eyed will note that I've done some more work on it too. If you have any articles you'd like us to include, please email them to me.