Four glider pilot checkrides completed so far this month and the beautiful weather continues in southwest Texas. Soft winter thermals to 10,400' msl and 100 mile visibility past the Davis Mountains into Big Bend National Park. (Marfa airport field elevation is about 5,000' msl.)

Happy to see that three applicants here this month were "initial" Private Pilots. Looking ahead in the next two months, I note that four more applicants are "initial" Private Pilots (glider only), plus several glider category add-ons and CFIG reinstatements.

These "initial" applicants were not pilots a year or so ago. Little or no previous flying experience but they accomplished their training at their home clubs to solo, found the time to study hard and pass the "written" FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test, then arranged more ground and flight training in preparation for the Practical Test ("checkride") with me at Marfa. This is more challenging for the ab initio students than the transition power pilots adding the glider category rating, and I applaud you! All are SSA members and all are seriously considering buying a glider, individually or in partnerships. I've asked what motivates these total beginners and they express that soaring is closer to pure flight. They like the mental challenge and some see the parallel to sailboats and powerboats. (Wow, they "get it.")

Message to CFIG's: Most applicants arrive at Marfa with very little "ground training" logged in their pilot logbooks. This is mandatory and is in the part 61 glider training requirements. Please log all ground training and take time to give formal ground school sessions, or at least a pre and post flight session. Newer glider pilot logbooks have a column for "ground training."

Some CFIG's are sending students solo without the mandatory part 61.31(j) endorsement for method of launch. Please make sure you are making this launch endorsement. As their Designated Pilot Examiner, I must review their logbooks for completeness in the endorsements, ground and flight training.

Weakest area observed in the flying: Slips, including no airbrake patterns with turning slips.

If you would like more details about my free glider pilot checkrides, please respond to me privately at marfagliders at aol dott com

Burt
Marfa, Texas USA