Larry Dighera wrote:


One of the best ways for someone interested in aviation to test the
waters is to join a soaring club[1] and earn a glider certificate.

on top of that, in France -- where our common friend is currently
residing -- gliding clubs are subsidized quite a bit (either
directly or indirectly via subsidies to buy gliders, free loans of
tow planes, grants for the young ones, etc.)

--Sylvain