On Monday, July 15, 2013 9:49:56 AM UTC-6, Frank Whiteley wrote:
On Monday, July 15, 2013 8:54:05 AM UTC-6, David Kovar wrote:

Good morning,







I started working on my glider rating about 25 years ago and got distracted. I've since earned my PP-SEL and PP-rotor but it's been awhile since I used those as well.







I'd really like to take a week off of work and dedicate it to some extensive training. 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. I am tentatively targeting the first week of September for this.







Any recommendations, pro or con, would be most welcome.







-David



Check with Sylvania Soaring Adventures, Beloit, WI, www.soarmidwest.com. Pretty close to your location and can probably meet your goals. A bit further away is Benz Aviation in Ionia, MI. http://www.benzaviation.com/glider_training.html. There are some good glider clubs nearby; Chicago Glider Club and Sky Soaring are a couple. I don't know about available course weeks at those, you'll need to check with them.



Good luck,



Frank Whiteley

David,

I'm going to reply to myself here. As you now know, there are quite a number of commercial operations that will satisfy your requirements and include great, capable staff and facilities. A few include extreme heat, humidity, weather, winds, and altitude. Some of those factors may affect your training. I've known people to sit out a week waiting for the winds to drop. Pushing it in extreme heat is not on, nor conducive to fulfilling your goals, nor is suffering from the effects of high altitude. Currently my state, Colorado, is having quite a monsoon season, so currently daily instruction is doubtful. You have two ratings, which you admit are not currently using. That said, if you get the soaring bug (and I hope you do), you will want to remain a regular participant. Therefore, I suggest you get involved locally, get rated, then visit Florida, Texas, or Arizona after winter sets in. Also check out the Chicago Gliderland Council for off season meetings and their annual seminar. It keeps the juices flowing in that region during the winter. If you really do get the bug, plan now to attend the SSA Convention in Reno during February, 2014. If you still have questions, call me..

Best regards,

Frank Whiteley
Secretary, Soaring Society of America
970-330-2050 7am-10pm MDT
www.ssa.org
www.letsgogliding.com