Willie G wrote:
Dave Nadler wrote:

Why in the world go to 3000 feet ?


Because I can, Dave.

Not the real reason, I'll bet, as I'm sure the Silent can also go to
4000' agl! Personally, I launch just high enough to be confident of
finding lift and getting away. This has varied from 1500' to 6000',
depending on the weather and terrain. I don't use less than 1500' agl
because I want enough height to stow the motor and still have enough to
do an in-flight restart if the lift isn't really there. Some pilots have
to take a high launch to get out of controlled airspace to where they
can thermal.


On another note, I believe increasingly higher
fuel prices might encourage power pilots to seek
out cheaper forms of flying.

Might be a good idea to put glider promotional
material as close to the fuel pumps as the FBO
will allow.

Especially if it includes references to motorgliders, I think. Power
pilots often seem more attracted to self-launching sailplanes than towed
gliders. The independence of launching from almost any airport on their
schedule and avoiding outlandings and the retrieve appeals to them.
Unlike people that are new to flying, the ownership and operating costs
seem reasonable compared power flying costs they are familiar with.

--
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Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA