Publicity for Soaring in Texas

On Sunday, January 19, 2014 3:00:26 PM UTC-5, Sean F (F2) wrote:
Burt,



Please consider hosting a contest at Marfa someday soon. After watching the Sunship Game 100 times (along with 99% of the soaring community), I would absolutely LOVE the opportunity to fly at Marfa. What a blast that would be!



Thoughts?



Sean



On Sunday, January 19, 2014 9:16:01 AM UTC-5, Burt Compton - Marfa Gliders, west Texas wrote:

On Sunday, January 19, 2014 12:18:28 AM UTC-6, John A wrote:



I have wanted to visit Marfa in the past with the thought of learning soaring, but the impression I get from your website is that your operation is for non-beginning pilots, except for the rides you provide.







How are you converting the uptick in inquiries into business, is it mainly rides?







Thanks for asking. Business is very good year-round, both with rides and helping glider students or transition airplane pilots finish their glider ratings by taking some final training and then the FAA checkride with me. Note that I keep "Marfa Gliders" relatively small for safety and profitability. I will take beginner, non-pilot students but since it would takes many days of training at my relatively remote location in southwest Texas it isn't often I get the opportunity (and the satisfaction as a flight instructor) to teach someone to soar, from the beginning. Contact me directly to discuss the possibilities by e-mail at marfagliders at aol dot com







You can also research the many soaring sites and glider flight schools around the USA at the Soaring Society of America website, www.ssa.org Click on the interactive "Where To Fly" map.

After looking at the website I am not sure one needs crew over there.

Quote from the website
"I do not provide any aerotow retrieves or drive your trailer out to find you.

Why?

Reasons include the rough terrain, lack of landable fields, few suitable airports or ranch airstrips (wide enough for your wingspan — see the El Paso Sectional Aero Chart.)"

Does not sound too exciting ...