Brad wrote:
Imagine what it might be like thermaling with some of these folks.
Could you count on them to team fly on a long cross country? Bet most
of them have sailplanes that cost close to what my house costs. The
hang glider guys might be on to something; the more expensive your
flying toy is, the bigger the ego is.

BTW...........the only reason I belong to the SSA is because my club
requires it for insurance purposes.

Brad
199AK

Might be true in your community. My experience is contrary - some of the nicest,
hardest working and humblest glider pilots I know are also very successful in
business. Like with all things you get a range of personalities. We have a few
low paid artisans in our club, none of whom has much money, but one has his
backside surgically attached to a chair while another is always helping out -
driving the winch, instructing or maintaining things. Ditto we have some
directors of listed companies. One is to be found at all hours of the night,
using his precious limited free time fixing club members gliders, and making
ground handling kit. Another is almost never there, and when he is it's all
about getting his glider in front of the launch queue and telling the rest how
to do things. The rest fit in between.

People are what they are. Some have money, some don't. The ones who fly gliders
are generally better than average.

Think about it - you have to be something of an optimist to get into something
with no engine and really expect to fly 300km cross country.
Over sized egos tend to humbling experiences - in those who actually fly - those
who can't take it leave soaring. It's one of the nicer parts of the sport.

Some determined pillocks will always remain - fortunately most gliders are
single seaters...