Excellent commentary. I find, however, that most people
hear glider and think hang-glider. I'm loathe to start
saying 'glider plane' but I might just do that.

At 23:48 21 March 2007, Fred wrote:
Back in 1945 I discovered a glider being towed just
above the Merrimac
river near the Missisissipi river south of St Louis.
Te airport was
found, Starling airport.
Fwd to 1954. I had gotten mt pvt sel in 1947, and I
wanted to fly
gliders again. Where and how to find them? It took
more than a year to
find out that the headquarters of the SSA were less
than 15 minutes
from my home.
The key word was 'Soaring' and I didn't know it. Now
it is still
difficult if you don't know the words.
Search for GLIDERS on the amazing internet and you
get over a million
hits.
The responce on this group to the subject of declining
membership and
business has been overwhelming and of great value.
Some of the Youth Camp Graduates of mine in the 60s
and 70s are still
soaring...flying jumbo Jets and on and on.
No matter how the money is collected, investment by
a glider school,
a club etc, the bills must be paid. In sunny and prosperous
Southern
California, the airport land costs us $3,000 per month
alone.
If we make 1 tow, the land cost is $3,000 per tow.
If it were 3,000
towsper month, the price is only one dollar.
Go on with this thought. Pay for planes, labor taxes...Prices
would be
lower if more people share the fixed costs, everyone
would see lower
prices, better equipment and facilities and better
people providing
service.
Help with marketing ideas and words that would find
those who may be
searching.
Still loving the sport after 60 years. Fred Robinson.