Free Checkride / Free Room at Marfa, southwest Texas

I just finished a 1 week stay at Burt’s soaring center in Marfa, and just wanted to thank Burt for generously sharing his time and knowledge, and assistance in helping me get my glider certificate.

I took up Burt’s offer partly because of the free checkride, but mainly because it was time for me to just do it – get my glider certificate and avoid having work , family, whatever, get in the way of enjoying flying gliders.

So I scheduled a full week in Marfa to allow extra time to take some lessons to improve some of my weaker techniques, and Burt more than delivered. He helped me gain confidence in planning and establishing the approach to land, setting up for off-field landings, learning the merits of using the ‚modified’ (vice rectangular) traffic pattern, establishing and using turning and forward slip, setting the final approach using the ‚mailslot’ technique, etc.

The actual flying was really instructive and helpful, but the education continued off the flight line as well, as Burt was extremely generous in sharing his 40 + years experience flying gliders and other aircraft.

New equipment and facility, great ground staff, wonderful flying weather and scenary (No Country for Old Men, and Giant were filmed here), clean and free accomodations...

My visit was much more than just a check ride, so if you’re fortunate enough to get on Burt’s calendar, I suggest you pad your schedule to allow some extra time with Burt.

Marfa and soutwest Texas are a worth a trip on their own. But the flying made it a particularly great experience that should not be missed. (send me an email if you want additional info or have any questions about my trip.

Thank you Burt!