SAFA Skysailor Magazine

29 November | December 2024 SKY SAILOR number of experienced pilots to supervise or advise on techniques or specific issues with the site. It was quickly evident that some form of information sessions were needed, and so I started ‘Newbie Nights’. We hold them during the night on weekdays so that it makes it easier for people to attend and doesn’t get in the way of flying days, usu- ally just in someone’s lounge room. This means there is no rush and we can take as long as we need to get through whatever topics get raised. We drink beers and eat pizzas. A ‘panel’ of experienced pilots (usually three), ranging in experience from 4 to 25 years, sit at the front of the room with a whiteboard and a large TV ready. The night gets started with a topic chosen by the senior pilots, with subjects like reading the weather, safe progression, farm-visit etiquette, radio etiquette, etc., and always the importance of ground handling. From there, the floor is opened to the newbies to ask whatever questions they have. What we have found is that often a question one pilot asks has actually been on the minds of others, as they all go through the same progression, and will all have the same question at some time. The senior pilots – and anyone else in the room – can contribute what their experiences or methods are. Simon G, PG2: As freshly minted PG2s, barely weeks out of the wrapper, we were pretty relieved to see this new addition appear on our local pilots’ event calendar. Three of us had just returned from our course in sunny, laminar-air Queensland. The prospect of taking our first flight in our somewhat less-laminar home state and not knowing a soul was a tad daunting. Newbie Nights offered us the chance to not only meet other new pilots with similar questions, but to hear those questions circulate around a room where more experienced pilots offered answers, ideas and alternatives. All done in a really relaxed atmosphere... even recording the session for those who were unable to attend. We talked at length about gear, good habits, safe flying, weather and the various nuances of our local sites. Even in-flight toilet relief made an appearance. It played a massive part in making us feel welcome, more at ease around everyone and comfortable at launch. Gold! Fast forward a few more Newbie Nights and a year later, we’ve come to really appreciate just how exceptionally generous Tassie’s cohort of experienced pilots are... time, advice, supervision, coaching, gear testing, the list goes on. Newbie Nights provides a great example of how a local flying community can foster a safe, friendly and supportive club culture... continuing to attract new pilots and continuing to grow this epic sport.