Best California Soaring Schools

On Sunday, April 21, 2019 at 4:32:21 PM UTC-7, wrote:
Hi,

Looking for a nice site to take soaring add on training in Ca.
Best area would be a little south close to SFO or LAX but not mandatory.
Have found these options so far,
Soaring Academy, Williams, Skylark.

Any suggestions?

Brgds,

Manuel Ortiz
ATP

I just finished my training about a year ago at Southern California Soaring Academy and love it! Great place to soar all kinds of lift (thermals, wave, ridge) all year round, and really great instructors. Can't go wrong with Soaring Academy!

I was surprised to recently hear from one pilot that the best place to get the add-on rating in California is in Hawaii. http://higlideracademy.com/ No smoke. DPE on staff. Winch and Aerotow. Sustainable flight off of 1000 AGL tow/launches. Five mile ridge adjacent to the airport. Thermals over the pineapple plantations. Total cost including airfare and accommodations was comparable to training on the mainland. (Caveat: this person rented a car and 'car camped' across the street from the airport).

I've also heard good reports about Williams for add-on ratings.

Keep in mind that if you want to actually fly gliders, you will want to take additional training beyond the add-on rating. But doing some concentrated training to get started is highly recommended. The add-on rating will 'make you a better pilot' even if you don't pursue gliding, and training in glider is great fun!

Many thanks to all of you!

Looks like I will have to move to Ca. and try them all Wohooo!
Exited about starting this new air adventure.


Brgds,

Manuel
C-180
DC-3--------A-320
Guatemala C.A.