Originally Posted by jackharr
David Mackay does indeed seem to be highly qualified for this job. However, I have never heard his name in gliding circles.
You won't find many space shuttle, X-15 or lifting body pilots well known in gliding circles either (granted there are a few).
I'm sure some gliding would be useful.
Not really, the "standard" high energy approach technique for landing low L/D aircraft has nothing in common with that for landing sailplanes. Practice flame-outs in fast jets (or PFLs in an Extra 300) are alot more useful.
He will need to get the landing right first time in SS2!
Dave has plenty of the above, I'm sure he'll cope.
My old gliding clubs at Tibenham or Cambridge might oblige. You never know, they might give him a free course - that would be wonderful publicity for the club concerned.
Sorry Jack.