Marfa was at the top of my Soaring Bucket List. Although the site of the U.S. and World Championships won by George Moffat is closed, the entrance gate to the old Marfa Army Airfield is still there. The Marfa plains and hills are the same sights seen by the great glider pilots when they flew there. The soaring conditions were just GREAT. Burt Compton provides first rate instruction in virtually brand new equipment at the nearby Marfa Airport. Can't wait to go back.

Next on my list is Bishop, California. The Base of Operations for the Sierra Wave Project. For a great read on this subject get ahold of Bob Whelan's book, Exploring the Monster Mountain Lee Waves: the Aerial Elevator. I've read my copy so many times it is getting worn out.

Third on my list would be Hemet Ryan in California. My Dad took me for a ride in a Blanik L13 there one day when I was home on leave from the Army. We were up for an hour and 45 minutes and the conditions were so good that he had to fight it to get it down. That was such a memorable day it probably planted the seed that eventually made be pursue my Glider Rating.

Finally, Minden, Nevada offers a lot of advantages to rental pilots seeking advanced Soaring Badges and those who desire to try Wave Flights. One of my goals is to become a second generation Lennie Pilot and that makes Minden a must.

Great topic!

Brian Lott