A flyer learns to do head-down while working with a coach.
FITP, IDP & TDP The IBA has completed its set of manuals for instructors and trainers. The new additions are entitled Instructor Development Program (IDP) and Trainer Development Program (TDP). The IBA’s original manual, Flight Instructor Training Program (FITP), covered instructor level one. The new IDP manual covers instructor levels two through four, while the other new manual, Trainer Development Program, covers trainer levels two through four.
image by: Rusty Lewis
The instructor, in black, recovers to their feet when flying with flyer.
Development Team These books complete the system for examiners to create trainers, trainers to create instructors, and instructors to teach flyers. This system which was originally outlined by the IBA’s instructor and flyer rating charts has been the product of many thousands of man-hours of research, experimentation, writing and editing. The project was coordinated by Craig Buxton, president of the IBA; while content was supplied by the four existing IBA examiners: Michael Biederman, Carlos Euribe, Rusty Lewis, and Joe Winters.
A limited number of print copies will be distributed to each SkyVenture tunnel. Trainees will receive the FITP manual at the start off their training. Instructors will receive the IDP manual after their successful completion of the FITP. Instructors who are selected to move down the trainer path will receive the TDP manual.
image by: Rusty Lewis
A flyer goes head-down while being spotted by an instructor.
How These Books Are Used The IDP manual acts as a text book for instructors who are learning skills (check boxes) for instructor Levels II - IV. Then after the instructor has the check box, the IDP manual serves as a syllabus for instructors who are teaching those skills to a flyer.
The TDP manual acts as a text book for trainers while they are learning the skills (check boxes) for trainer Levels II-IV. Then after they have each check box, the TDP manual serves as a syllabus for trainers while they are teaching those skills to an instructor. The book is also used as a syllabus for examiners while they are training the trainers.
image by: Daniel Perry
The flyer, in purple, learns some sit fly, while working working with his coach, in yellow.
A Comprehensive System These books represent, by far, the most in-depth system for staff training in the vertical wind tunnel environment. This system is powerful and effective while remaining flexible enough to handle the wide range of tunnel activities and allowing trainers, instructors and flyers to advance as quickly as possible. The IBA program is meant to provide a far-reaching, comprehensive approach to the development of trainers and instructors while protecting the safety of the flyers.
