On Monday, July 15, 2013 10:54:05 AM UTC-4, David Kovar wrote:
To that end, I'm looking for recommendations for US fields that offer training blocks, have a reputation for good instructors, and that have a variety of conditions that will allow me to make the best use of the time.

Good training weather for a week that you can predict in advance is a gamble.

A great way to get both good weather and a variety of conditions is with Condor http://www.cumulus-soaring.com/condo...er-2010-04.pdf You can control the weather and fly at soaring locations all around the world.

You can work with an instructor with Condor over the internet, learn a lot, and then go fly a RL glider for a few days and get your rating. The Condor Corner columns lay this all out.

People seem to love or hate Condor so you will hear a variety of opinions on this idea.