Rick Brown > writes:

Unfortunately, due to the weather conditions, we were unable to
get the whole clinic, but we were able to tow each other first using Falcons
then the next morning on the Condors.



The low and slow aspect of scooter towing using the Condors is the part that I
see as most useful to augment our current training program. We are a club and
our school is run by volunteers, our training hill is 120' high and flyable on
the east, north and west sides. The training season is only from May 1st till
July 1st (due to farm crops planted at the base of the hill) so we alternate
days and train every flyable day.



To be able to bring a new student out and tow them to a few feet off the ground
and hold them there would be a great boost to the confidence the students have
in the gliders and themselves. Showing them that the glider will fly, at trim,
with little or no input from them can only encourage them to trust the glider in
their first attempts at running down the hill.



Do I see it replacing our foot launch program? No. With the available foot
launch sites in our area it is essential to keep the program running. Will it
replace our local flight park? No.



What I see is the convenience of moving our training facility around, going to
air shows and colleges and demonstrating our sport, and offering the seasoned
pilot a way to dust off the cobwebs or test out a glider without the grueling
trudge up the training hill.



Finding landowners who will let us tow on their property will be difficult,
convincing our members to invest in the equipment will be a challenge, but there
is enough interest existing in our club to make it happen.



Steve was great to work with, knowledgeable, precise in his direction and
obviously very enthusiastic about the program. Thanks to him, Wills Wing and
also to yourself for recognizing an asset to our sport and encouraging it with
your efforts. Hats off to you all.