Observer Rating

[A.Lloyd]

Steve Wendt was the only hang gliding observer in region 9 that had his rating renewed for 2017. If you want your observer rating USHGPA can provide a list of current examiners.

[Larry Huffman]

Being an observer is not a rating but an appointment. If you go to https://www.ushpa.org/legacy/observe.asp you will find that there are numerous observers that are current in Region 9.
Larry

[CraginS]

In Virginia, Steve Wendt, who is an Advanced Instructor, is listed as a Tow Observer for AT (aerotow) PL (platform launch) and ST (static tow) for HG, and ST for PG. I am one of only four HG Observers listed for VA as of 3/26. Steve Krichten is the only HG Observer listed in MD, and there are none in DC, but a dozen in PA. That doesn't seem correct; we used to have a boatload of observers in MD/DC/VA. I wonder if one or more Examiners (appointing officials) are late in getting the renewal appointments back to USHPA.

Note also that what we locally have used Observers for for many years is supposed to be done by Mentors.
https://www.ushpa.org/page/ushpa-mentoring-program
https://www.ushpa.org/page/mentor-progr ... -questions

The mentor program is only a year old; here are only five HG and seven PG mentors nationwide, none near us.
https://www.ushpa.org/legacy//appointme ... ng+Gliding
https://www.ushpa.org/legacy//appointme ... aragliding

[mcgowantk]

I can appoint observers in Region 9. If you would like an appointment and I have not appointed you in the past, please feel free to let me know. My direct email is mcgowantk@yahoo.com.

USHPA contacted me and I recently asked them to reappoint a number of observers. My understanding is that the current list will be renewed it just hasn't made it to the website.

Thanks

Tom McGowan

[Lucky_Chevy]

Sorry for the confusion everyone,

There was a bit of a glitch and most of the Observers in our area were removed from the USHPA system. A couple of folks have contacted me about their appointments. USHPA is pushing the concept of mentors performing tasks like giving launch advice to new pilots. I'm encouraging Tom to sign up observers as mentors also.

One thought is that Observers will grow into a position that is analogous to an FAA examiner. They will verify pilots have required skills and sign them off. Naturally, USHPA prefers those tasks be done by instructors when possible but there are areas without sufficient instructors where observer sign offs are critical. There is general concern that the standards of observers may be vastly and may dilute the quality of our ratings.At the spring USHPA meeting discussions were a bit schizophrenic. Some meetings discussed expanding the roles of observers while others talked about scaling back or scrapping the observer program.

Ultimately the program was expanded a bit this Spring. Static tow operations now require a higher level of training and record keeping. Towing operations are scheduled to be reviewed periodically and signed off by observers with the proper ratings.

Let me know if you have any questions,

Dan Lukaszewicz (Region 9 Director - USHPA)

[Eric]

As a slowly progressing H2 flying the CHGPA mountain sites, the struggle is real, and I certainly appreciate every HG pilot who is willing to take on the roles of instructor and observer.

[CraginS]

One thought is that Observers will grow into a position that is analogous to an FAA examiner. They will verify pilots have required skills and sign them off. Naturally, USHPA prefers those tasks be done by instructors when possible but there are areas without sufficient instructors where observer sign offs are critical.

Dan, I think you have missed a bit of history. The appointment of Observers has all along been for the explicit purpose of skill sign off and granting of ratings; no such "growth" is needed since that is already our job.

"The Observer's duties are to observe pilots' flying skills for rating Intermediate and Advanced ratings, Special Skills, administration of oral (optional) and written (mandatory) tests for those ratings and skills, and to write letters of recommendation for Master Rating applicants to indicate that he/she has known of the applicant's good judgment, safe practices, etc. for a period of three years, or less if indicated. ... Observers may rate all levels of Intermediate, Advanced, Special Skills and make Master recommendations for their craft. An Observer may not issue a rating or special skill that he/she does not possess."
from https://www.ushpa.org/page/how-to-become-an-observer


Observer appointments were originally created specifically because there were not enough Instructors available to help H2's move up to H3 and H4 ratings with "observed" (as opposed to self-reported) skill demonstration. Officially, Observers are told we can only sign off skills, and not engage in instruction. The way we have used Observers locally for decades as on-scene site advisers to H2's was considered by some to conflict with the "no instruction" part of Observer responsibilities.
Over ten years ago Joe Gregor, as an Examiner and USHPA flight safety volunteer, proposed a mentor program, first locally and then nationally. The effort failed back then, and we kept using Observers to advise H2's on flying selected sites. Apparently the mentor idea was resurrected a few years ago, and now we have an almost unknown program to have mentors.

As an aside, I agree with the idea that Observers should also be appointed as Mentors. The real criteria for Observer appointments in the local CHGPA / MHGA area has for a very long time been the same maturity and helper attitude that a Mentor should have.

[CraginS]

It looks like the Region 9 Observer cadre has been pretty much restored:
https://www.ushpa.org/legacy/appointmen ... ng+Gliding