Accelerated license course?

Deane,

You shouldn't really need 40 trips to get your license.

I can't remember if you ever flew power, but if you have flown more
that 40 hours (dual counts) then you only need 3 hours of glider
flight, including 10 solo flights to satisfy the FAA requirements.

If you have not flown power, then it is 20 glider flights including 10
solo flights totaling at least 2 hours.

Since you are used to flying the swift with a stick, that's not new,
neither is aero tow. The rudder pedals might be new, but should not be
a problem. Overall I would expect your learning curve to be quick.

Still, you should learn in a concentrated push at a commercial
operation. The closest a
Sugarbush, VT (http://www.sugarbush.org/)
Knauff's in PA (eglider.org)
Bermuda high in South Carolina
Seminole Lakes in florida (http://www.soarfl.com/) right up the road
from Quest.

I have never taken instruction at any of these sites, so I can't really
comment on quality of instruction.

Todd Smith (aka Toad)