Just a stray thought (or two).
The little Bristell did very well, agreed, no fire was a bonus gift. I feel that within it's 'designated' primary role, as a 'private' aircraft there can be little quarrel about its usefulness or value. However, as a dedicated ab initio 'training' aircraft, you have to wonder. In the horse (and dog) world there is an unspoken rule which has stood the test of time; old horse with a young rider – or vice versa – as applicable. It works (mostly). Student pilots approaching a first licence standard can and do get themselves 'jammed' into a corner; the potential for error leading to a change of pants 'event' is at it's greatest then. This is where the aircraft must be utterly docile and have a significant 'buffer' against fumble. Once the student gains experience then they can fly on the raggedy edge till the cows come home. But until that time, aircraft which are sensitive in some areas of the flight envelope should be left in the barn.
Last bit; self discipline. IMO this is one of the hallmarks of the 'pro' – be it a PPL or an ATPL; the ability to manage oneself in all manner of situations or circumstance, when alone in a cockpit, in a potentially dangerous situation is essential. It is almost an 'inherent' in built ability 'to keep your head' and manage. On the ground the 'pro' may be a different animal; but not in the air. I too have trouble reconciling the event pilot's behaviour with that of a pro pilot. Don't matter what type of licence is held, to deliberately operate an aircraft in that manner demonstrates that 'the right stuff' is not present. There is a world of difference between the mind set which has a 'bit of fun' on a clear day and the flight description provided by ATSB. A fine line? Yes it is, but real pilots understand that.
Ah, happy daze; Chandelle's, wing overs, steep turns, stalls, spins: - all the fun of the fair in a clear sky; then 'aero's. First encounter with aerobatics teaches that strict personal discipline is an essential element, it also teaches that a half hour on 'Google' reading about 'how to do it' is about as much use as a chocolate fire wall. I like to see the 'kids' having fun, flying and learning the do's and do nots – Ah, but now I ramble.
Just saying.......
The little Bristell did very well, agreed, no fire was a bonus gift. I feel that within it's 'designated' primary role, as a 'private' aircraft there can be little quarrel about its usefulness or value. However, as a dedicated ab initio 'training' aircraft, you have to wonder. In the horse (and dog) world there is an unspoken rule which has stood the test of time; old horse with a young rider – or vice versa – as applicable. It works (mostly). Student pilots approaching a first licence standard can and do get themselves 'jammed' into a corner; the potential for error leading to a change of pants 'event' is at it's greatest then. This is where the aircraft must be utterly docile and have a significant 'buffer' against fumble. Once the student gains experience then they can fly on the raggedy edge till the cows come home. But until that time, aircraft which are sensitive in some areas of the flight envelope should be left in the barn.
Last bit; self discipline. IMO this is one of the hallmarks of the 'pro' – be it a PPL or an ATPL; the ability to manage oneself in all manner of situations or circumstance, when alone in a cockpit, in a potentially dangerous situation is essential. It is almost an 'inherent' in built ability 'to keep your head' and manage. On the ground the 'pro' may be a different animal; but not in the air. I too have trouble reconciling the event pilot's behaviour with that of a pro pilot. Don't matter what type of licence is held, to deliberately operate an aircraft in that manner demonstrates that 'the right stuff' is not present. There is a world of difference between the mind set which has a 'bit of fun' on a clear day and the flight description provided by ATSB. A fine line? Yes it is, but real pilots understand that.
Ah, happy daze; Chandelle's, wing overs, steep turns, stalls, spins: - all the fun of the fair in a clear sky; then 'aero's. First encounter with aerobatics teaches that strict personal discipline is an essential element, it also teaches that a half hour on 'Google' reading about 'how to do it' is about as much use as a chocolate fire wall. I like to see the 'kids' having fun, flying and learning the do's and do nots – Ah, but now I ramble.
Just saying.......