LumberjkChamp
ArboristSite Operative
Lumberjkchamp...Now you've done it...you've forced me to say something nice about GOL.
From what I understand from having talked to people who've taken the course, their safety training is really pretty good. Apparently they place a real emphasis on safe saw handling...as they should. They're big on PPE and that's another plus.
Too many people just go buy a saw and start cutting. Some of them get away with it. The others get stitches, a prosthetic device, or a memorial service.
If a person doesn't have the chance to work with an experienced hand in the woods I'd say that some kind of formal safety training would be a good idea. GOL might be the only option for some people. If nothing else it might teach a beginner how not to hurt himself with a saw.
But look at it the same way as when you learned to ride a bike...at first you use the training wheels. Later on on, when you get your balance, you can make up your own mind how to ride.
Thanks for the follow-up reply. The importance of safe saw handling and PPE cannont be over stated.
I'll try to keep my post on topic from here on out.
To the OP:
As far as proper escape path routes, planning them before any actual tree cutting is done is one of the most important rules to follow. It shouldn't change. Too many times I catch myself starting the face without having cleared or planned my escape path(s). It is also good to have a backup path.
Some have mentioned looking up at the tree while cutting. This is some very good advice. Lots of hazards in a trees canopy. Look for dead limbs and tops, hung-up branches, etc. In addition, this will also be your first indicator (the top of the tree you're cutting) that the tree is commiting or maybe doing something that you don't want it to do (like set back). Moving clouds can be deceptive. They can fool you into thinking that trees are moving when they in fact may not -watch for that.
When planning and cutting out you're escape route assess the integrity of the surrounding trees. Are any dead or dying, do they lean on or do their branches entangle with those of the tree you plan on cutting. Often times, when the tree you are falling commits, the above mentioned hazards can cause the adjacent trees to fall or be pulled down with the one being cut. A situation like that puts the cutter in serious danger.
In addition to figuring how the cut tree will behave while falling and when it hits the ground, the above mentioned potential hazards are some of the problems I look for and consider when planning an escape route. The operatve word in this case is "some." Good advice is in this thread already, given by professionals with thousands of hours of experience. Read it twice. I have.
Yup, typical FS person...wants us to do the work and they'll reap the benefits. 
