William Jacques <> writes:

For all novice pilots, James Tindle of the Florida Ridge, will be holding a Foot Launch clinic October 12 – 14th at Henson’s Gap in Dunlap, TN. Pilots from outside south Florida are welcome to attend and learn.

I attended this program last year and obtained my FL (foot launch) designation. Advanced pilots who attend this program can also obtain their Cliff Launch designation. The program was excellent.

James’ program covers the As through Zs of the basics of launching off a mountain. Areas reviewed included 1. Walking and understanding the Landing Zone, 2. How to analyze launch conditions, 3. The proper way of holding the glider while preparing to launch, 4. Proper angle of attack and accelerating (running) adequately while launching, 5. Transitioning from an upright launch position into prone position into the harness after launch, 6. Ridge Soaring (for advanced students), and, 7. Landing set up.

The clinic provides you with personalized instruction that includes help from experienced foot launch pilots. Two way radios are fitted to you, and the guys “talk you down” to the LZ after you launch. To put it simply, it's a great way to learn to launch off a mountain with minimum apprehension and maximum safety.

James has also made arrangements with a local hotel for special rates if you attend this clinic.

This was a great program for me as it helped me psychologically “jump” off my first mountain. My first “jump” was as scary as my first solo – and it sure helped to be with a group of apprehensive "first-timers" as well as the experienced instructors that James provided. Since then, I have launched off numerous mountain sites with knowledge and confidence.

Any pilots interested in attending this clinic can call James at 786-417-8778. James can give you hotel rates and other information.

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