On Sunday, August 25, 2013 8:09:02 AM UTC-5, son_of_flubber wrote:
On Sunday, August 25, 2013 1:15:02 AM UTC-4, Echo wrote:

Commercial, indeed. $60/hr for the CFI and $35 for a 1500ft winch launch in YOUR OWN GLIDER? Holy smokes...



Maybe these prices are not affordable for you, but they seem reasonable for a commercial operation that wants to break even in the long run.



Most clubs charge too little. If they had charged slightly higher rates for the last 30 years, they would now have the money in the bank to buy a new glass two-seater to replace their venerable 2-33.

So arguably the best club in the country that currently owns a K21, LS6, LS4, L23, L33, two towplanes...but has the lowest dues and tow rates around.....

Basic economics here. They have a lot of members, because it is affordable.. The majority of them aren't very active, but they pay dues because they can justify the relatively low cost. This lowers the overhead for everyone, thus reducing dues and keeping tows affordable. They've had a great history of great people which has allowed them to build this membership as well.. When people ask me where to get a glider rating, I send them to a club, every time. Clubs like that are the engine that jump starts the professional and sport aviation careers of people like myself and countless others.

E