Mentoring Program.

[tdilisio]

Folks, I've heard rumblings about a "mentoring program" mentioned on ushpa.aero, and was wondering if that could be something the CHGPA and MHGPA could implement, offer/whatever. I'd sign up now, if something to that effect were available.

Do any other clubs have such a program we could model after?

I think it could be as simple as having a few observers take a couple/few H2's and teach them the ropes of different sites/conditions. This could involve the observers calling the H2's and letting them know when/where they are going flying. Obviously, the conditions/site would have to be within the H2 range of flying conditions, but if they are not... we could watch, learn and drive.

Currently it's a crap shoot for H2's. My experience has been to find out when and where pilots are going (through this site), and publicly ask for a observer (rather than go through calling the 10 or so listed in the novice guide...I much prefer BlueSky, specifically for this reason.).... so far, I have yet to get the same observer twice. I understand Shawns concern about observers being familiar with H2's skills.

Thoughts?, suggestions? are welcome... (as are volunteer mentors).

[davidtheamazing1]

Tony,
Good story about pulpit yesterday. Theres no getting around the fact that the secondary is a wonky field. Its small and slopes funny. I had a low approach there last time also, and ended up doing a 180 straight from my downwind... was almost too low.

I had the same question on the mentoring program, and for all intensive purposes, our "observer system" IS the mentoring program. At a new site you should find yourself with the observer going over the approach in the LZ, site protocols, and of course help regarding the launch and conditions. They will give you tips and answer questions while hanging around. I've heard that in other areas, observers strictly "observe" (for certification purposes), and there was a less established mentorship role.

When I first started flying with observers, I hooked up with Matt (and Karen) for the first few flights. It works out because they fly almost every doable weekend. Kathy had Sean as her mentor at the beginning of her local flying. The Pulpit is his home turf, and he knows the sites up there better than anyone.

Observers know what the deal is when they "sign up" so calling them out of the blue on a Friday evening is generally not considered imposing. Although not adhering to the beer system is considered imposing. That being said I have been unable to fly because of observer schedules a few times, and the phone call thing can be pretty annoying... but overall it works. Just call and ask if they would be available sat/sun/whatever. The specific site will be TBD before meeting up and of course pending on weather conditions. Go to the roster, program them into your phone, and don't be shy. Good luck and see you up there

[brianvh]

I should add that once you've gone out with a few different observers, it's not intimidating to call the ones you know. You'll find yourself with the same 2 or 3 observers nearly everytime you fly, so it's basically the mentoring system you're talking about. The call beforehand is to make sure flying may be appropriate for your skill level, rather than just driving all the way up and finding it's not a flying day for you.

It shouldn't even feel intimidating to call the ones you don't know. If they feel it's an imposition they wouldn't volunteer to be observers. Hell, it's an ego stroke to help someone out, so no need to be shy.