If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Accelerated license course?
In Australia I have heard there are places where you can get your
sailplane license in a week of continuous training. I already have much aviation experience (HG) and would like to get my sailplane license but balk at driving the 4 hours round trip to the closest sailport, about 40 times to get the license. Is there anyplace in the US that offers an accelerated course? Anyone have any comments, good or bad, about this arrangement? Deane |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Accelerated license course?
The two places in the USA that I think specialize in accelerated courses - mostly due to good weather are Estrella, AZ, and Marfa, TX. Most commercial FBOs such as Boulder, CO, Caracole, CA, Keystone, PA and Minden, NV should also suit your purpose. -Tom |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
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) |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Accelerated license course?
In my opinion an accelerated course is the most efficient way to obtain your rating It is a bit pricey, but in the long run, with the price of fuel and so on, it shouldn't cost much more than a club that is a 2 hrs drive from your location. .. Soar Minden (800 3457627) will dedicate an instructor to you, and it is possible to obtain your rating in a week. You will be trained in modern glass ships by a professional friendly staff. Check out their wed site www.soarminden.com. |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Accelerated license course?
I'm sure Don would be very willing to help you out:
http://www.crosscountrysoaring.com/welcome1.html He's based about 1/2 hour south of the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport in a medium sized town with plenty of motel and restaurant options. The equipment is _pristine_ and he's a really nice guy to boot. On 5/31/2006 9:17 AM, Deane wrote the following: In Australia I have heard there are places where you can get your sailplane license in a week of continuous training. I already have much aviation experience (HG) and would like to get my sailplane license but balk at driving the 4 hours round trip to the closest sailport, about 40 times to get the license. Is there anyplace in the US that offers an accelerated course? Anyone have any comments, good or bad, about this arrangement? Deane |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Accelerated license course?
Deane wrote:
In Australia I have heard there are places where you can get your sailplane license in a week of continuous training. Solo in a week is possible but not a licence. Oz doesn't actually issue licences for gliders, it has a British club-based system with no formal piece of paper - just a logbook. Six students soloed from our last course but they would not have been to US licence standard. Our 5 day course guarantees 40,000 feet of launches - usually 20-30 flights. I already have much aviation experience (HG) and would like to get my sailplane license but balk at driving the 4 hours round trip to the closest sailport, about 40 times to get the license. Is there anyplace in the US that offers an accelerated course? Anyone have any comments, good or bad, about this arrangement? It results in quicker learning than weekends only but consistent followup practice over the next month or two is needed or there is marked regression in skills in the weeks following the course. This may be less marked if you have previous experience. GC Deane |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Accelerated license course?
Thanks for all the suggestions guys! I have some research to do now.
D |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
Accelerated license course?
I did my Commercial add on in 4 days with Burt at Marfa Gliders. It
was great! Very good training with high standards plus lots of fun. Deane wrote: Thanks for all the suggestions guys! I have some research to do now. D |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Accelerated license course?
Tony wrote: I did my Commercial add on in 4 days with Burt at Marfa Gliders. It was great! Very good training with high standards plus lots of fun. Yes Tony, but you had done your ground-school homework ahead of time, had solid airmanship skills and had dual with your excellent home-club CFIG, Matt Michael. Remember our landings on tow - including the touch & goes? How about that simulated off-airport landing? I might have surprised you, but you nailed it perfectly. Yep, we had a mighty good time adding on your glider rating. By the way, congrats on buying your first sailplane and your recent XC flights! Anyhow, I tell everyone to allow a week at Marfa (anytime of year) with us to acquire the new skills (above the FAA minimums), and be a competent, confident pilot when you take the checkride with me. Some do it in less time, but that's not the point, is it? Burt Compton, CFIG / FAA Designated Pilot Examier Marfa Gliders, west Texas www.flygliders.com cell: 800-667-9464 |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Canadian PPL transition to USA | Jase Vanover | Piloting | 3 | November 27th 05 01:44 AM |
Sport Pilot license | keepitrunning | Home Built | 48 | July 25th 05 05:21 PM |
Should the USA have a soaring license, not a glider license? | Mark James Boyd | Soaring | 0 | August 6th 04 07:16 PM |
Get your glider license and you can fly the Wright Flyer | Mark James Boyd | Soaring | 0 | December 17th 03 04:46 PM |
What is this sports pilot license about? | Frequent_Flyer | Piloting | 6 | August 2nd 03 10:51 AM |