Long Mynd Soaring Club

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Your club needs you!

Coaching has been a hot topic of conversation recently but then given its importance in our sport, perhaps it always should be. Once again we find ourselves sending out an urgent call for new coaches.

Our vision is to have a slick, well rounded and structured coaching operation which provides:

• Regular red streamer days
• Short on the hill ad hoc coaching sessions on all topics in relevant conditions
• Targeted one to one coaching sessions when required
• XC coaching
• Monthly theory sessions
• Pilot and Advanced Pilot exam preparation

However, in order to achieve this vision, we need you. So please consider carefully this request in conjunction with your needs, wishes and concerns:

• Do you have concerns about safety on the hill but feel apprehensive about approaching people? As part of a larger and better co-ordinated coaching team you can help improve safety on the hill in a consistent way.
• Are you one of the many people who always help others who look like they may be struggling or give little bits of advice to others? If so, you are possibly already undertaking coaching so why not do this in a more structured and informed way as part of a team of people who can bounce ideas off each other. This also gives you the assurance of knowing that you have the backing of BHPA insurance as an LMSC coach.

Now if this has you thinking that this is too much responsibility or time commitment for you, then think about the next time you want to complain about safety on the hill or other pilots not flying/thermalling correctly or at all. Instead of complaining, take positive steps to help everyone including yourself by joining the coaching team. The other key factor is that the more coaches we have, the more the workload can be spread within the club so that coaches do not have to give up much of their valuable flying time.

Sadly, in this day and age, it is inevitably necessary for us to point out some legal implications as well. The BHPA Technical manual says that “Offering comments/information on flying conditions experienced, landing fields in use etc. is the duty of every pilot, and is not considered to be training.” However, anything over and above this is classed as coaching or instructing and if this is undertaken without the coach qualification, means that neither the “coach” nor “coachee” have the benefit of the BHPA insurance. This could open up the individuals involved and the LMSC to claims directly. I don’t think any of us want to lose our homes or the LMSC’s only asset i.e. the best hill in the country.

Coach courses are advertised in Skywings. They are two day courses which will allow you to help new pilots learn to fly safely. If you were helped in your early flying career, then give something back to the sport and sign up for the course. You need to get the support of the club to become a coach, and the club will normally pay your fees for the course. Email coaching@longmynd.org to discuss this in more detail.