Launching : Pilots : Gliders

Currency & Competency

Launches - Downward Trend

Year Total Club PO Pilots Gliders

2006/07 25,000 19,000 6,000 906 350

2007/08 21,000 16,000 5,000 875 350

2008/09 19,300 14,000 5,300 844 350

2009/10 17,300 13,300 4,000 855 350

Decrease - 7,700 - 5,700 -2,000 - 51 -

- 31 % - 30 % - 33% - 5.5%

Private Glider Launches by Season

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

Laun

ches

July-Dec

Jan-Jun

WHY

• Economic, Cost, Time ?

• Weather ?

• Quality / Service / Value ?

Threats – the Three “C”s

• Currency – Clubs or pilots less current• Competency - more “judgement” issues• Complacency – assuming above not

applicable ( The Three “C”s contribute most to poor

decision-making and accidents - SSFA)

• = More “Errors”• = More Incidents / Accidents ??

Responses

• Articles / Education• Instructor Competency – new AC• BFR’s - Revised AC• Briefings• Support to Pilots –– Currency– Decision Making