30 tips for successful cross-country flying
#2: Bombard other pilots with questions
One of our Team Pilots narrates: "In 2006 I was a complete zero at crosscountry flying in comparison to the sky gods. But those very sky gods would say to me “Tomorrow is an epic day, you’ll fly 150 km.” And, of course, I had a few questions... So we discussed the route options, the crunch points, wind and weather development, a Plan B, a Plan C - and then I did indeed fly a flat triangle of more than 160 km.
Talking to other pilots, including some of the world’s best crosscountry pilots, literally switched my desire for improvement to overdrive. Even today, I am never embarrassed to ask for advice. Whether it is about crosscountry flying, some trivial question like where the local house thermal is or if there are any hazards. Bombard other pilots with questions! Asking questions is not a sign of weak ness, but it shows you are interested and willing to learn."
There's one more aspect to this, which we'd like to add: The principle of questions-are-always-welcome also applies when people ask you questions. Because some friendly advice can make all the difference.
PS: Thanks for the pictures to Fabian Gasteiger, Werner Luidolt & Thomas Hofbauer.