Another informative article about the "Marfa Dry Line", my soaring operation and pilot training at "Marfa Gliders" in southwest Texas, in the February 2014 "Big Bend" print and web issue of "Texas Highways" magazine at:

http://texashighways.com/travel/item/7281-gliding-high

This travel article was written by Chet Garner, the "Day Tripper" who also produced a video segment on Marfa Gliders in 2012, which has enjoyed wide distribution and repetitive broadcasts on PBS television stations.

How was I so lucky? More than buying an advert in a magazine and waiting for the response, over the years I have actively contacted editors of travel magazines, aviation publications and newspaper and television "lifestyle" writers. I've been mentioned in Pilot Getaways, Flying, AAA Travel, Texas Monthly, the travel sections of the Dallas, Austin and Houston newspapers, the New York Times and more.

You can do it too. Offer a short, comfortable ride (don't make them sick with an extended "soaring flight" or acro. Perhaps do that on the second flight.) Welcome everyone who shows up at your airport. They may be a published writer, TV producer, movie location scout, film director, Oscar winning actor or famous musician. Those are just a few of the people who have contacted me in recent years, along with the lovely not-so-famous and wonderfully ordinary folks, to ask about a glider ride. Respond to their calls and e-mails promptly and "ask for the sale."

Brief your staff or club members to be ready to meet and greet your potential customers and our future glider pilots. Let's lose the "elitist", "cold-shoulder", "clique" mystique that some of us have unknowingly created as our public image.

So I've got another shot of free publicity with this new "Texas Highways" magazine and web article. Happy to report that my e-mail inbox is filling up with more-than-usual inquires for rides and flight instruction (year-round) at Marfa, the 15th National Landmark of Soaring as designated by the National Soaring Museum.

Come soar with me soon at this historic site, because "someday" is now!
(Ask about your FREE glider rating checkride with me at Marfa, now to March 31, 2014.)

Burt Compton, Master Flight Instructor / FAA Designated Pilot Examiner
Marfa Gliders Soaring Center, in southwest Texas USA
www.flygliders.com