Day One

HPAC Ratings

Lucille de Beaudrap, HPAC Rating Chair, started out the first session with a lively discussion on the HPAC Rating System and how pilots qualify for new ratings. Lucille can be reached at tandl@planet.eon.net, should you have any questions about the process.

The HPAC website also details the HPAC Rating System for online members at HPAC Web Site

Transport Canada

The next guest speaker was Lenora Crane, Transport Canada Licencing Inspector, from Calgary. Lenora was a Fixed Wing Instructor. Lenora currently flies jet and turbo aircraft at Transport Canada in her job. Lenora spent about four hours discussing the HAGAR requirements, Air Regulations and Airspace Designations in Canada, and provided the group with HAGAR Study Guides copied from the AIP Canada Manual.

This was a very important session for both Transport Canada and HPAC, because Transport Canada is satisfied overall with the state of foot-launched flight in Canada and sessions like this show that the HPAC membership is serious about airspace regulations and enforcement. I would recommend any Senior Instructors running courses in the future to contact their local Transport Canada office and organize a similar session for your new and recertifying instructors.

Air Safety

Max Fanderl, Max Paragliding, conducted a seminar on Air Safety, based on his experiences over the past 13 years as a Senior Instructor and Test Pilot in Europe and here in his PG school in Invermere, BC. Max focused his discussions on three factors: Launch, Terrain (you fly in) and Landing; and what can go wrong due to slope, obstacles, wind and the ground.

Max can be reached via email at max@compuma.com or by phoning 250-342-0461.

Day Two

Transport Canada Flight Instructors Guide

Darryl Bossert, Jasper's HG/PG Instructor, conducted a seminar on interpreting the Transport Canada Flight Instructors Guide, recommended for use by all aviation schools in training pilots.

This manual has been in use since the early 60's, and is designed to train the Instructor (who may be a really great pilot, but a so-so trainer) how to effectively train student pilots. All of the factors discussed in the Guide are still relevant today.

HPAC Advanced Pilot Exam Session

This session afforded new instructor candidates the opportunity to write and discuss the HPAC Advanced Exams for HG and PG. Lots of groans from the attendees as the exams were marked (some will be rewriting soon).

Risk Management

I presented a session on Risk Management to the group at the end of Day Two (still not flyable, so I had a semi-willing audience).

Risk Management encompasses both the prevention of accidents and injuries, as well as management of problems once they have occured. The session covered both the management of risk during one' own flying as well as the management of risk when instructing and supervising others.

We all know flight has inherent risks and it is our responsibility as pilots and instructors to minimize the risks through several points: protect yourself and your students by flying in safe conditions and at safe sites, let the students know the risks and why we set limits on the flight operating envelope, make sure that students wear proper footgear and helmets and only train on DHV I gliders. Once an incident has occured prompt, caring and competent management of the situation is essential.

All of my course materials (waivers, lesson logs, preparation sheets and the Risk Management presentation) are available for other schools by contacting me at jim_reich@bc.sympatico.ca or by logging on to my website at http://www3.bc.sympatico.ca/flybc

Day Three

Ground Handling Presentations

Ground School Presentations

Some of the presentations included: How to Punch (karate style), Colleen Varcoe; Improving your Memory, Glen Lowe; Improving your Golf Swing (Fore Play), Delona Butcher; Fly Fishing, Bob Gardner, Traction Kite Flying, Tihi Bukvic.

Conclusion

The 1999 Instructors Seminar was well run and very structured.

There has been lots of heated discussion from instructors requiring re-certification regarding what value a re-certification course offers (ie. I'm too busy to come, inconvenient times, what can they teach ME!).

The amount of cross-training that goes on as a result of having this many experienced pilots in the same room, discussing common issues and problems is what these seminars are all about. I suspect that there won't be any immediate changes to the certification process within HPAC, so attend these courses with the right attitude to contribute and learn from others.

I hope to attend some other Instructor Seminars this year, space permitting.

Thanks to Chris and Vincene Muller for hosting the venue (and the great dinner on Friday night), and to John Janssen for putting together all the attendees and seminar speakers.

Attendees:

Hang Gliders:

Paragliders: