Real-Life Communication
There must be good communication between the student and instructor
if the hang-gliding lessons are to be enjoyable and successful.
Karen
Keller is a hang-gliding instructor. "The most challenging thing about teaching
hang-gliding is to teach the student to totally focus on each step of the
flight and to trust the equipment."
It helps if a student can visualize
the whole flight in his mind. "This includes a good launch, a controlled flight
and a good landing approach and a safe landing," says Keller.
"Many
students just go for it. A good student completely trusts the instructor and
listens without question."
If a student falls in love with this sport,
as most do, they might want to someday become an instructor. This takes a
lot of time, dedication and self-discipline.
Read the following report
on what it takes to be a qualified hang-gliding instructor, then answer the
questions at the end.
Hang-Gliding Instructor
This
is not a profession you just decide on out of the blue. You must really love
the sport and spend years as a pilot before becoming a certified instructor.
This
time is very important. As instructor Rob McKenzie says, "You can't teach
to get experience. You must fly -- a lot!"
After that, you are ready
for the classroom course.
Here are some of the requirements one must
meet in order to become certified through the USHGA (United States Hang-Gliding
and Paragliding Association).
- Have a current Red Cross card or first aid card
- Pass a written exam
- Pass flight demonstrations, ground school presentations and instruction
presentations
- Prepare lesson plans
Questions:
- What are two things a person must have or do before considering becoming
an instructor?
- Why do you think a Red Cross card is required to become an instructor?
- Why do you think a written exam alone isn't enough to certify an instructor?
- What presentations must an instructor "trainee" pass?