Re: Tom Knauff's newsletter

On 30 Jun, 12:34, tkna...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 wrote:

> Examples of the questions include:
>
> During a left turn on aero tow, which side of the towplane should the
> glider pilot see?

> During a steep, continuous left hand turn, how are the controls held?

> I believe you would all agree the test includes subject matter a
> glider pilot should know.

> Over the years, the average score by licensed pilots has been 37%.

But does that mean that pilots are holding the controls in the wrong
place while turning and looking at the wrong side of the towplane ...
or does it mean that they don't think about things in that way because
they don't need to think about things in that way?

Over here the Institute of Advanced Motorists runs advanced driving
tests, an im****tant part of which is the narrative - a running
commentary on exactly what one is doing and why. However, the
statistics (ie the insurance company premiums) suggest that "advanced"
drivers are not "safer" drivers. Part of this may be that although
verbalising may be an interesting skill, it's not needed to drive
safely.

In an activity which is largely learned and trained reflexes - like
flying, driving, riding a bike or tap dancing - "doing" it is much
more im****tant than being able to say exactly "what I'm doing".

Of course it's very useful for an instructor to be able to break down
the activities in order to work on faults, but it's a secondary skill
for the pupil.

Ian

PS I'd be interested to see the other questions - are they available
online?