Amazing post! - I’ve definitely experienced „Egofear“ while flying before. I wanted to top land on a wide and open field. Busy skies and take off. My skills and the conditions were ideal, but still I felt somehow anxious without really knowing what it was about. I literally asked myself out loud: „WHAT are you afraid of? You have too landed before, landing is huge, wind is ideal, no weird stuff, skills are good, so what is it?“ - the answer was quite clear. I was scared about what other people will think of me when I come in too high and have to overfly take off while everyone watches. Funny enough… How should you learn without trying it? That’s what I told this insecure version of myself. That I can’t overcome this fear and won’t get better when I care what they think.
That's it exactly! One of the cool things about flow is that there's a growth principle embedded within it. When we grow through challenge, flow emerges and we feel great because of it. So recognising these perceived threats gives us the opportunity to invite the challenge rather than to run away and avoid them.
After launch, I clear the hill, before pulling up my landing gear. Head on a swivel for traffic. Watching for subtle signs of lift. I'm here to play now!
Most often, a good loud Woo Hoo!!! Is all that's needed, since I usually hike to launch from the LZ. If I am not feeling it, I had a great hike. There's no shame in hiking back down.
Personally I would rather be good, than lucky. Luck runs out and people get hurt.
Being good requires discipline, and respect for the sport. Complacency erodes discipline, pride erodes respect. Fly safe and have fun with these in mind for every flight. Taking risks is part of the sport, but do so with a good margin for error. Gravity always wins.
I do! Every time, 1) mental state 2) Check conditions 3) lay out the wing, verify the lines & fabric 4) verify harness and reserve 5) Helmet tug the strap 6) verify coms 7) verify connection of harness and wing. I usually stay clipped, but always verify. 8) clear the lines. 9) when conditions allow, build the wall, in strong conditions keep it in a rosette. 10) recheck conditions.
MENTAL CHECK, Let's have fun!
Move to launch position, and announce intentions to launch.
It appears that the Chelan fires have been put out. It's too smokey to see the stars tonight on the West side of the cascades, the border fire is still raging. I will likely wait until after I return from Alaska to fly.
Amazing post! - I’ve definitely experienced „Egofear“ while flying before. I wanted to top land on a wide and open field. Busy skies and take off. My skills and the conditions were ideal, but still I felt somehow anxious without really knowing what it was about. I literally asked myself out loud: „WHAT are you afraid of? You have too landed before, landing is huge, wind is ideal, no weird stuff, skills are good, so what is it?“ - the answer was quite clear. I was scared about what other people will think of me when I come in too high and have to overfly take off while everyone watches. Funny enough… How should you learn without trying it? That’s what I told this insecure version of myself. That I can’t overcome this fear and won’t get better when I care what they think.
Thanks for the great post, as always ☺️🤗
That's it exactly! One of the cool things about flow is that there's a growth principle embedded within it. When we grow through challenge, flow emerges and we feel great because of it. So recognising these perceived threats gives us the opportunity to invite the challenge rather than to run away and avoid them.
How did the landing go by the way?
I could practice three great landings. 😋😊
Launching relaxed,and focused is important.
Yes it is. Do you have a ritual to get yourself into a relaxed and focused state?
After launch, I clear the hill, before pulling up my landing gear. Head on a swivel for traffic. Watching for subtle signs of lift. I'm here to play now!
Staying hydrated on the ground is important. Use the restroom before clipping in. (Even if using a catheter for longer flights. )
Most often, a good loud Woo Hoo!!! Is all that's needed, since I usually hike to launch from the LZ. If I am not feeling it, I had a great hike. There's no shame in hiking back down.
It's more respectable to me when a pilot makes a safe call than getting away with a dodgy call.
Personally I would rather be good, than lucky. Luck runs out and people get hurt.
Being good requires discipline, and respect for the sport. Complacency erodes discipline, pride erodes respect. Fly safe and have fun with these in mind for every flight. Taking risks is part of the sport, but do so with a good margin for error. Gravity always wins.
Amen
Every strap must be connected, every time. Especially when using a pod harness.
I do! Every time, 1) mental state 2) Check conditions 3) lay out the wing, verify the lines & fabric 4) verify harness and reserve 5) Helmet tug the strap 6) verify coms 7) verify connection of harness and wing. I usually stay clipped, but always verify. 8) clear the lines. 9) when conditions allow, build the wall, in strong conditions keep it in a rosette. 10) recheck conditions.
MENTAL CHECK, Let's have fun!
Move to launch position, and announce intentions to launch.
All good? Time to fly! (>*
Woo Hoo! (I'm known for my Paraglider call!)
😁👍🏻
Woo hoo! Makes me want to go flying 😉 I like that the mental state takes priority.
Also, mental state is contagious, if you are nervous on launch, others will pick up on that and feed it. DON'T FEED THAT BEAST!
Right!? That's my mental state right now. The smoke from the fires in my area are making it less optimal for flying today.
Hope they get them under control soon. Pictures from where you fly always welcome 🪂
It appears that the Chelan fires have been put out. It's too smokey to see the stars tonight on the West side of the cascades, the border fire is still raging. I will likely wait until after I return from Alaska to fly.