Free Checkride / Free Room at Marfa, southwest Texas

[Burt Compton - Marfa]

From now to March 31, 2013, I'm offering free checkrides for FAA Glider (Private / Commercial applicants, add-on or initial) and CFI-Glider add-on's, renewals and reinstatements.

It occurs to me that many student pilots and transition pilots need to simply FINISH what they started, so here is the offer: FREE checkride means FREE tows and ASK-21 glider rental for the checkride flights. NO examiner fee. This offer does NOT involve any shortcuts. Your checkride (Practical Test) will be comprehensive and by the book -- the FAA Practical Test Standards for the rating sought. You can take additional training with us at Marfa or arrive with the FAR part 61 requirements met and your endorsements -- or we can help you finish here.

Applicants for the checkride can stay for FREE in my two bedroom guest house with kitchen and dining/study area, next to my home, just 3 miles from Marfa Airport (KMRF.) Total savings for the checkride and room could be about $1,000.

I'm hoping that my offer may help grow soaring and motivate you to finish that glider rating or renew your CFIG. Offer begins December 1 and expires March 31, 2013. First come-first served. Marfa is located southeast of El Paso on a grassy plateau (5,000' above sea level) near the scenic Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park. Airlines serve El Paso (ELP) and Midland (MAF) airports.

Send me your contact information and I'll respond PRIVATELY with more details and answers to your questions. "Someday" is NOW.

Burt Compton
Marfa Gliders Soaring Center, Texas

[Mike C]

On Friday, November 30, 2012 5:45:32 PM UTC-7, Burt Compton - Marfa wrote:
> From now to March 31, 2013, I'm offering free checkrides for FAA Glider (Private / Commercial applicants, add-on or initial) and CFI-Glider add-on's, renewals and reinstatements.
>
>
>
> It occurs to me that many student pilots and transition pilots need to simply FINISH what they started, so here is the offer: FREE checkride means FREE tows and ASK-21 glider rental for the checkride flights. NO examiner fee. This offer does NOT involve any shortcuts. Your checkride (Practical Test) will be comprehensive and by the book -- the FAA Practical Test Standards for the rating sought. You can take additional training with us at Marfa or arrive with the FAR part 61 requirements met and your endorsements -- or we can help you finish here.
>
>
>
> Applicants for the checkride can stay for FREE in my two bedroom guest house with kitchen and dining/study area, next to my home, just 3 miles from Marfa Airport (KMRF.) Total savings for the checkride and room could be about $1,000.
>
>
>
> I'm hoping that my offer may help grow soaring and motivate you to finish that glider rating or renew your CFIG. Offer begins December 1 and expires March 31, 2013. First come-first served. Marfa is located southeast of El Paso on a grassy plateau (5,000' above sea level) near the scenic Davis Excellent!

The rubber meets the road in Marfa.



Mountains and Big Bend National Park. Airlines serve El Paso (ELP) and Midland (MAF) airpor>
>
>
> Send me your contact information and I'll respond PRIVATELY with more details and answers to your questions. "Someday" is NOW.
>
>
>
> Burt Compton
>
> Marfa Gliders Soaring Center, Texas

[Craig R.]

Burt,

An incredibly kind offer.

Thank you for your efforts to support soaring.

Craig R.

[aerodyne]

Awesome! Way to go Burt!

aerodyne

[noel.wade]

Burt - is contact information posted somewhere, for those who want to take you up on your very kind offer?

--Noel

[Burt Compton - Marfa]

On Saturday, December 1, 2012 8:45:45 AM UTC-8, noel.wade wrote:
> Burt - is contact information posted somewhere, for those who want to take you up on your very kind offer?
>

I guess this new version of r.a.s. doesn't have the "reply to author" feature.

marfagliders at AOL dott com will work.
Send your contact info for a private response or telephone call from me.
BC

[son_of_flubber]

On Saturday, December 1, 2012 12:30:03 PM UTC-5, Burt Compton - Marfa wrote:
> I guess this new version of r.a.s. doesn't have the "reply to author" feature.

Reply to Author by clicking on the little down pointing triangle next to the Post Reply button

[[email protected]]

OKAY, now, all you wannabe-CFIG's, here's your opportunity! What a generous offer!

AND,DID YOU KNOW?

Yes, You can become a CFIG-Light Sport without having a Commercial-Glider rating! Yes, it's true! AND many two-place trainers, including L-23, 2-33 fit within the LSA criteria (1320# max. gross, 120K cruise speed)

If I didn't already have my ratings, I'd sure be going for this!

SteveF (CFI-AI&G, AGI & IGI)

[Tony[_5_]]

On Monday, December 3, 2012 1:32:45 PM UTC-6, wrote:
> OKAY, now, all you wannabe-CFIG's, here's your opportunity! What a generous offer! AND,DID YOU KNOW? Yes, You can become a CFIG-Light Sport without having a Commercial-Glider rating! Yes, it's true! AND many two-place trainers, including L-23, 2-33 fit within the LSA criteria (1320# max. gross, 120K cruise speed) If I didn't already have my ratings, I'd sure be going for this! SteveF (CFI-AI&G, AGI & IGI)

I wouldn't.

Commercial training dovetails nicely into the CFI-G checkride anyway. Plus as a CFI-G Light Sport only you will only be able to spawn Light Sport glider pilots. I have found absolutely no benefit to being a Light Sport glider pilot over a Private or Commercial. Only negatives.

[[email protected]]

Burt, we applaud your leadership to get more people to complete the process of become glider pilots.

Williams Soaring Center pledges alongside Burt in his quest to get more pilots finishing up their ratings.

For the next three months, December-February, Rex will waive his DPE fee and Williams Soaring Center will provide the glider and tows at no charge for the check ride. We also have free lodging at the airport. We have two CFIG's to work with you (at our published rates) to get you ready for either a Private, Commercial or CFIG check ride.

We are about a one hour drive North of Sacramento or two hours North of San Francisco.

Now we need someone from the East coast join in Burt's commitment to grow the population of glider pilots this winter.

[[email protected]]

On Friday, November 30, 2012 7:45:32 PM UTC-5, Burt Compton - Marfa wrote:
> From now to March 31, 2013, I'm offering free checkrides for FAA Glider (Private / Commercial applicants, add-on or initial) and CFI-Glider add-on's, renewals and reinstatements.
>
>
>
> It occurs to me that many student pilots and transition pilots need to simply FINISH what they started, so here is the offer: FREE checkride means FREE tows and ASK-21 glider rental for the checkride flights. NO examiner fee. This offer does NOT involve any shortcuts. Your checkride (Practical Test) will be comprehensive and by the book -- the FAA Practical Test Standards for the rating sought. You can take additional training with us at Marfa or arrive with the FAR part 61 requirements met and your endorsements -- or we can help you finish here.
>
>
>
> Applicants for the checkride can stay for FREE in my two bedroom guest house with kitchen and dining/study area, next to my home, just 3 miles from Marfa Airport (KMRF.) Total savings for the checkride and room could be about $1,000.
>
>
>
> I'm hoping that my offer may help grow soaring and motivate you to finish that glider rating or renew your CFIG. Offer begins December 1 and expires March 31, 2013. First come-first served. Marfa is located southeast of El Paso on a grassy plateau (5,000' above sea level) near the scenic Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park. Airlines serve El Paso (ELP) and Midland (MAF) airports.
>
>
>
> Send me your contact information and I'll respond PRIVATELY with more details and answers to your questions. "Someday" is NOW.
>
>
>
> Burt Compton
>
> Marfa Gliders Soaring Center, Texas

Way to go Burt!!!!
I wish you were still in Miami!!!
Again thanks for your kind offer it goes above and beyond!
Best regards from your old neighborhood!
Enrique
KO

[[email protected]]

In the summer of 2011 my wife and I travelled from our home in Florida to a wedding in Kansas City followed by a week in the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Since Michelle had never been to the Southwest U.S. I convinced (connived?) her to head south to El Paso on our route home. Once she bought into that idea I was able to schedule some dual with Burt at Marfa. I had an absolutely wonderful time flying with Burt. I have flown power since 1983 and gliders only recently but have flown with a number of instructors over the years and will tell you that Burt is an OUTSTANDING Instructor. He was fun to fly with and his sailplanes were either brand new or appeared to be brand new, they were so well maintained. If an unsolicited testimonial from a fellow pilot carries any weight, I hope this while be helpful to you. If I didn't already have my rating, I would jump on this opportunity.

[[email protected]]

On Friday, November 30, 2012 5:45:32 PM UTC-7, Burt Compton - Marfa wrote:
> From now to March 31, 2013, I'm offering free checkrides for FAA Glider (Private / Commercial applicants, add-on or initial) and CFI-Glider add-on's, renewals and reinstatements. It occurs to me that many student pilots and transition pilots need to simply FINISH what they started, so here is the offer: FREE checkride means FREE tows and ASK-21 glider rental for the checkride flights. NO examiner fee. This offer does NOT involve any shortcuts. Your checkride (Practical Test) will be comprehensive and by the book -- the FAA Practical Test Standards for the rating sought. You can take additional training with us at Marfa or arrive with the FAR part 61 requirements met and your endorsements -- or we can help you finish here. Applicants for the checkride can stay for FREE in my two bedroom guest house with kitchen and dining/study area, next to my home, just 3 miles from Marfa Airport (KMRF.) Total savings for the checkride and room could be about $1,000. I'm hoping that my offer may help grow soaring and motivate you to finish that glider rating or renew your CFIG. Offer begins December 1 and expires March 31, 2013. First come-first served. Marfa is located southeast of El Paso on a grassy plateau (5,000' above sea level) near the scenic Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park. Airlines serve El Paso (ELP) and Midland (MAF) airports. Send me your contact information and I'll respond PRIVATELY with more details and answers to your questions. "Someday" is NOW. Burt Compton Marfa Gliders Soaring Center, Texas

Hello Burt. I am an 800 hour private pilot, I am 56 years old, retired and working as an appretince aircraft mechanic here in Canon Colorado. I fly a 1947 Piper Super Cruiser PA-12 that I restored. I have towed sailplanes for two seasons with my Cruiser. I also own a 1976 Cirrus Standard sailplane and have been trying to get my glider endorsement with Mile High Gliding as well as The Black forrest Glider club. I have soloed a 233 Schwiezer sailplane at least 25 times and am ready to get that checkride. If you can help me obtain it I would be very grateful. Thanks for your consideration. Randy White

[Burt Compton - Marfa]

Greetings from west Texas. I've received dozens of inquiries and I now have a response file to e-mail that lays out the checkride details and my availability now to March 31. I'm getting booked up although I will take two applicants a week. My offer is targeting folks that are very close to finishing their training and almost ready for their PVT/COM glider rating check ride or CFIG "add-on"/renewal/reinstatement. I'll also take students that are not so close to finishing but that will require extra training days at my regular rates.

A few folks thought the entire training course was free, but the offer simply waives my examiner fee and allows for free glider rental and free tows for the FAA Practical Test (aka "checkride.") Plus a free room for the checkride days you are here in Marfa, Texas. Saves you about $1,000 and hopefully motivates applicants to FINISH and earn their pilot certificate / glider rating. Don't be shy, e-mail your questions and we'll work together to get your glider rating done!

Burt
marfagliders at Aol dott comm
Marfa, Texas, USA


On Friday, November 30, 2012 4:45:32 PM UTC-8, Burt Compton - Marfa wrote:
> From now to March 31, 2013, I'm offering free checkrides for FAA Glider (Private / Commercial applicants, add-on or initial) and CFI-Glider add-on's, renewals and reinstatements.
>
>
>
> It occurs to me that many student pilots and transition pilots need to simply FINISH what they started, so here is the offer: FREE checkride means FREE tows and ASK-21 glider rental for the checkride flights. NO examiner fee. This offer does NOT involve any shortcuts. Your checkride (Practical Test) will be comprehensive and by the book -- the FAA Practical Test Standards for the rating sought. You can take additional training with us at Marfa or arrive with the FAR part 61 requirements met and your endorsements -- or we can help you finish here.
>
>
>
> Applicants for the checkride can stay for FREE in my two bedroom guest house with kitchen and dining/study area, next to my home, just 3 miles from Marfa Airport (KMRF.) Total savings for the checkride and room could be about $1,000.
>
>
>
> I'm hoping that my offer may help grow soaring and motivate you to finish that glider rating or renew your CFIG. Offer begins December 1 and expires March 31, 2013. First come-first served. Marfa is located southeast of El Paso on a grassy plateau (5,000' above sea level) near the scenic Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park. Airlines serve El Paso (ELP) and Midland (MAF) airports.
>
>
>
> Send me your contact information and I'll respond PRIVATELY with more details and answers to your questions. "Someday" is NOW.
>
>
>
> Burt Compton
>
> Marfa Gliders Soaring Center, Texas

[Burt Compton - Marfa]

Happy to announce that Mr. Atul Chopra of the Soaring Club of Houston passed his FREE Private Glider practical test at Marfa, Texas, yesterday.

As promised, all 4 of his checkride tows, the ASK-21 glider rental and my examiner fee were FREE. He and his wife Haley enjoyed the free accommodation offered in our guest house along with the nice restaurants, shops and galleries in Marfa.

"Someday" is NOW. FINISH your glider rating at Marfa, site of the National Soaring Museum's 15th Landmark of Soaring and the "Sun Ship Game" film! My free check ride/free room offer ends March 31, 2013. Contact me for detailed information at marfaglidersATaol.com

Burt
www.flygliders.com

[Burt Compton - Marfa]

Hello y'all, Happy New Year! We did some soaring today at Marfa, Texas (USA). Just small thermals to bracket for essential "character building" skills. Always a hoot to fly on New Year's Day! Finished another free checkride. Offer ends March 31, 2013.

[Burt Compton - Marfa]

Already a fun winter and spring in west Texas!
Twelve applicants signed up for my "Free Checkride / Free Room" offer at Marfa.
Contact me for details -- I have some days available before the "free" offer ends March 31, 2013. Let's finish your glider rating or renew / reinstate your CFIG. "Someday" is NOW.

[Burt Compton - Marfa]

Three Private applicants, one Commercial applicant finished their glider ratings since JAN 1, seven more inbound to Marfa, Texas from across the USA, including some CFIG renewals and reinstatements. Free offer good to March 31. E-mail Burt for more details and available dates. marfagliders at aol dott comm

[NEED LS3 TRAILER]

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!

[dbrunone]

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!

Sounds like a great time. Paul I do quite like your screen name...its not desperate or anything haha

[Burt Compton - Marfa]

Four glider pilot checkrides completed so far this month and the beautiful weather continues in southwest Texas. Soft winter thermals to 10,400' msl and 100 mile visibility past the Davis Mountains into Big Bend National Park. (Marfa airport field elevation is about 5,000' msl.)

Happy to see that three applicants here this month were "initial" Private Pilots. Looking ahead in the next two months, I note that four more applicants are "initial" Private Pilots (glider only), plus several glider category add-ons and CFIG reinstatements.

These "initial" applicants were not pilots a year or so ago. Little or no previous flying experience but they accomplished their training at their home clubs to solo, found the time to study hard and pass the "written" FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test, then arranged more ground and flight training in preparation for the Practical Test ("checkride") with me at Marfa. This is more challenging for the ab initio students than the transition power pilots adding the glider category rating, and I applaud you! All are SSA members and all are seriously considering buying a glider, individually or in partnerships. I've asked what motivates these total beginners and they express that soaring is closer to pure flight. They like the mental challenge and some see the parallel to sailboats and powerboats. (Wow, they "get it.")

Message to CFIG's: Most applicants arrive at Marfa with very little "ground training" logged in their pilot logbooks. This is mandatory and is in the part 61 glider training requirements. Please log all ground training and take time to give formal ground school sessions, or at least a pre and post flight session. Newer glider pilot logbooks have a column for "ground training."

Some CFIG's are sending students solo without the mandatory part 61.31(j) endorsement for method of launch. Please make sure you are making this launch endorsement. As their Designated Pilot Examiner, I must review their logbooks for completeness in the endorsements, ground and flight training.

Weakest area observed in the flying: Slips, including no airbrake patterns with turning slips.

If you would like more details about my free glider pilot checkrides, please respond to me privately at marfagliders at aol dott com

Burt
Marfa, Texas USA

[MNLou]

On Friday, November 30, 2012 6:45:32 PM UTC-6, Burt Compton - Marfa wrote:
> From now to March 31, 2013, I'm offering free checkrides for FAA Glider (Private / Commercial applicants, add-on or initial) and CFI-Glider add-on's, renewals and reinstatements.
>
>
>
> It occurs to me that many student pilots and transition pilots need to simply FINISH what they started, so here is the offer: FREE checkride means FREE tows and ASK-21 glider rental for the checkride flights. NO examiner fee. This offer does NOT involve any shortcuts. Your checkride (Practical Test) will be comprehensive and by the book -- the FAA Practical Test Standards for the rating sought. You can take additional training with us at Marfa or arrive with the FAR part 61 requirements met and your endorsements -- or we can help you finish here.
>
>
>
> Applicants for the checkride can stay for FREE in my two bedroom guest house with kitchen and dining/study area, next to my home, just 3 miles from Marfa Airport (KMRF.) Total savings for the checkride and room could be about $1,000.
>
>
>
> I'm hoping that my offer may help grow soaring and motivate you to finish that glider rating or renew your CFIG. Offer begins December 1 and expires March 31, 2013. First come-first served. Marfa is located southeast of El Paso on a grassy plateau (5,000' above sea level) near the scenic Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park. Airlines serve El Paso (ELP) and Midland (MAF) airports.
>
>
>
> Send me your contact information and I'll respond PRIVATELY with more details and answers to your questions. "Someday" is NOW.
>
>
>
> Burt Compton
>
> Marfa Gliders Soaring Center, Texas

My clubmate Ben and I decided to escape the MN winter and take advantage of Burt's offer. Ben is a very experienced aviator seeking his commercial endorsement and I am a new pilot who started flying with the MN Soaring Club last April.

We have completed two days of flying and learning. The new airport, landmarks,and operation are all challenging. We are both learning great flying skills. Lots of work to do before our check rides later this week.

Stay Tuned:)

[MNLou]

On Monday, February 4, 2013 8:08:33 AM UTC-6, MNLou wrote:
> On Friday, November 30, 2012 6:45:32 PM UTC-6, Burt Compton - Marfa wrote:
>
> > From now to March 31, 2013, I'm offering free checkrides for FAA Glider (Private / Commercial applicants, add-on or initial) and CFI-Glider add-on's, renewals and reinstatements.
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > It occurs to me that many student pilots and transition pilots need to simply FINISH what they started, so here is the offer: FREE checkride means FREE tows and ASK-21 glider rental for the checkride flights. NO examiner fee. This offer does NOT involve any shortcuts. Your checkride (Practical Test) will be comprehensive and by the book -- the FAA Practical Test Standards for the rating sought. You can take additional training with us at Marfa or arrive with the FAR part 61 requirements met and your endorsements -- or we can help you finish here.
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > Applicants for the checkride can stay for FREE in my two bedroom guest house with kitchen and dining/study area, next to my home, just 3 miles from Marfa Airport (KMRF.) Total savings for the checkride and room could be about $1,000.
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > I'm hoping that my offer may help grow soaring and motivate you to finish that glider rating or renew your CFIG. Offer begins December 1 and expires March 31, 2013. First come-first served. Marfa is located southeast of El Paso on a grassy plateau (5,000' above sea level) near the scenic Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park. Airlines serve El Paso (ELP) and Midland (MAF) airports.
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > Send me your contact information and I'll respond PRIVATELY with more details and answers to your questions. "Someday" is NOW.
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > Burt Compton
>
> >
>
> > Marfa Gliders Soaring Center, Texas
>
>
>
> My clubmate Ben and I decided to escape the MN winter and take advantage of Burt's offer. Ben is a very experienced aviator seeking his commercial endorsement and I am a new pilot who started flying with the MN Soaring Club last April.
>
>
>
> We have completed two days of flying and learning. The new airport, landmarks,and operation are all challenging. We are both learning great flying skills. Lots of work to do before our check rides later this week.
>
>
>
> Stay Tuned:)

Ben and I are sitting in an El Paso hotel waiting for our flights home tomorrow. The week was action packed and fast paced - somewhat like drinking from a fire hose. We were both successful in getting our ratings. Burt is tough, demanding, and a font of knowledge. His fellow instructor, Roger Amis, is also an outstanding CFI-G. Our exams, both oral and flying, were comprehensive and by the book. We are both much better glider pilots from the experience - with a strong emphasis on safety. A million thanks to Burt Compton and his lovely wife Kathie for the opportunity.

[[email protected]]

So encouraging to see people more concerned about promoting soaring instead of "controlling" the sport....

[Burt Compton - Marfa]

Quoting Ben and Lou: The week was action packed and fast paced - somewhat like drinking from a fire hose. We were both successful in getting our ratings. Burt is tough, demanding, and a font of knowledge.

Well, I may be demanding but we also had some fun. Soft winter thermals to 10,000' msl, 100 mile visibility, lennies over the Davis mountains, gathering for breakfast and dinner in Marfa's new restaurants, enjoying my soaring posters, books and memorabilia collection in my hangar, touring my vintage Ludwig drum museum and the annoying but free drum solo with every checkride . . . yes, it was a good time for for all last week. Two more applicants arrive for checkrides this week, from Idaho and Pennsylvania. Then I'm off to Houston for the FEB 23 SSA meetings, the gathering of the soaring tribe, SSA awards dinner and a SSF seminar. (More info at www.ssa.org)

[MNLou]

On Monday, February 11, 2013 12:13:49 PM UTC-6, Burt Compton - Marfa wrote:
> Quoting Ben and Lou: The week was action packed and fast paced - somewhat like drinking from a fire hose. We were both successful in getting our ratings. Burt is tough, demanding, and a font of knowledge.
>
>
>
> Well, I may be demanding but we also had some fun. Soft winter thermals to 10,000' msl, 100 mile visibility, lennies over the Davis mountains, gathering for breakfast and dinner in Marfa's new restaurants, enjoying my soaring posters, books and memorabilia collection in my hangar, touring my vintage Ludwig drum museum and the annoying but free drum solo with every checkride . . . yes, it was a good time for for all last week. Two more applicants arrive for checkrides this week, from Idaho and Pennsylvania. Then I'm off to Houston for the FEB 23 SSA meetings, the gathering of the soaring tribe, SSA awards dinner and a SSF seminar. (More info at www.ssa.org)

Roger that Burt!

Come to think of it, Ben got his free drum solo. You still owe me mine:)

Here was the key phrase for me in that post "We are both much better glider pilots from the experience - with a strong emphasis on safety"

I expect the new arrivals will feel the same way in about a week:)

[soartech[_2_]]

Darn it Burt? Why didn't you offer this last winter when I needed it??
Seriously, a great promotion.

[Burt Compton - Marfa]

On Wednesday, February 13, 2013 9:51:31 AM UTC-8, soartech wrote:
> Darn it Burt? Why didn't you offer this last winter when I needed it??
>
> Seriously, a great promotion.

Yep, I might make the same offer next winter, unless I retire to fly my DG-1000T more often!
I've given 10 checkrides so far, with 10 more to go this spring at Marfa. Nice thermals today made for longer (and funner) training flights.

I'll take a break next weekend to attend our SSA meeting / awards dinner / safety seminar at Houston, Saturday FEB 23. More info at www.ssa.org See you there!

[Burt Compton - Marfa]

My free glider rating checkrides/ free room offer wrapped up today with 12 checkrides completed at Marfa, west Texas. Many were "add-on" glider ratings plus three "ab initio" certificates and a couple of reinstatements of expired CFIG's. Checkrides are still available year-round.

As an examiner, I learn a lot from the applicants due to their different levels of preparation and previously learned skills. I'm a better instructor and examiner after these experiences (I've done over 140 glider checkrides..)

Now I'll take some time to fly my DG-1000T and then trailer my restored ASK-13 to the vintage/classic sailplane rally at Tehachapi, CA in May. Then to Germany and France (St. Auban) in August. "Someday" is now, and the fun never ends!

[Bill T]

Burt, thanks for a great service to the soaring community.
Enjoy your summer, sounds lke fun!

Bill T

[Burt Compton - Marfa]

Re. 12 checkrides since December. I received an e-mail asking if there were really that many glider rating applicants in our remote town of Marfa, TX (population 2,000 plus a transient swarm of visiting artists, musicians and writers.)

Those who traveled to Marfa (usually via airline to El Paso) since last December and completed their free glider rating checkrides with me were from: Minnesota 3, Illinois 2, Pennsylvania 2, New York 1, Texas 4 (from Dallas, Austin, Houston, 400-600 miles east of Marfa.)

I am currently mentoring 3 local students who will be ready for their checkrides in May and June. More applicants are inbound to finish their training and checkrides with me throughout 2013.

Burt
www.flygliders.com
Marfa, west Texas
"Where yesterday's 'USA TODAY' arrives tomorrow."

[Burt Compton - Marfa]

From June 15 to July 15, 2013, I'm offering free checkrides and a free room in my guest house for FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR (Glider) Renewals and Reinstatements at Marfa in southwest Texas.

Using my new ASK-21, you can likely enjoy some rippin' Texas soaring with me (see "The Sun Ship Game" film.) For your checkride, my time as your DPE, glider rental and 3 tows are FREE. Pre-checkride ground and flight training are at my regular rates (unchanged since 2010.)

Please arrive prepared to PASS. "Free" does not mean any shortcuts.

Note: A "recommendation" is not required on the FAA Application 8710-1 for CFI renewals and reinstatements, but if you are rusty on giving dual, teaching ground school or writing the endorsements, get up to speed before coming to Marfa with the new FAA Regs, Bob Wander's "CFIG Checkride Made Easy", Tom Knauff's update of the FAA "Glider Flying Handbook", and the Soaring Safety Foundation recommended procedures at www.soaringsafety.org,

This offer is not for new CFIG's at this time -- just for the 24 month renewals of current CFIG's and reinstatements of expired CFIG's. Our SSA members need you back in the game to give them basic and recurrent training to a high level of proficiency!

Find Marfa (MRF) at 5,000' MSL near the Davis Mountains and Big Bend National Park. Nearest airline terminals are El Paso (ELP) and Midland (MAF), Texas, then a scenic 3 hour drive to Marfa.

Email me for my availability, details and rates at marfagliders AT aol DOT com

"Someday" is now!

Burt Compton, FAA Designated Pilot Examiner
Marfa Gliders Soaring Center
www.flygliders.com

[[email protected]]

Last night there was a very nice news piece about the charm of the town of Marfa, but sadly no mention of soaring. They portrayed it as just about the best place in the U.S. to live.

[Burt Compton - Marfa]

Well, the artists / musicians / writers community of Marfa, Texas, is known to be more quirky than charming. I did my best to get some coverage of the historical and present soaring activities at Marfa. I offered free media glider rides in my new ASK-21 to the CBS 60 Minutes production crew, the producer and to host Morley Safer. They politely declined, said it was interesting but they had no time to spare.

You can send feedback on the Marfa program of April 14, a "letter to the editor" at
http://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/feedback/fb_news_form.shtml

You can also see the Marfa segment video on the cbsnews.com/ 60 minutes website.

Since I've been giving rides for many decades I realize that a glider flight is not for everybody, but when Dan Rather was in Marfa a few years ago to inaugurate Marfa Public Radio (you can stream the KRTS broadcasts on the internet) he mentioned to me that a glider is the only category of aircraft he had not flown in, and would return someday to take a flight.

Visitors to Marfa in recent years have been Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Tommy Lee Jones, Randy Quaid, Beyonce, Robert Plant, Michael Nesmith, Sean Lennon, David Byrne, Will Ferrell. Marfa is a remote getaway / hideaway destination. The Weather Channel's Jim Cantore was offered a glider ride. Our Mayor (one of my towpilots) and the Big Bend newspaper editor often suggest a glider ride to visitors although it might be an issue about insurance for the famous ones. (They ride Harleys, don't they?) Or maybe they don't "get it." I'll keep trying to educate and promote it as we need one of these "names" to become associated with soaring. However the hip aspect of Marfa requires that you gotta be cool about bugging the famous person sitting next to you in the Paisano Hotel bar.

The recent publicity for Marfa is definitely good for our already booming tourist town and therefore my glider business. We no longer have a "slow season" in our new restaurants and the renovated hotels (privately owned, no "chains" here.) Since I'm originally from Florida I like to say "A High Tide Floats All Boats" in Marfa! (Find Marfa on your El Paso aero chart to get that joke.)

So I'm cultivating the glider "brand" in Marfa . . . but maybe soaring is not "quirky" enough for the rich and famous. Gotta see what I can do about that. Maybe Salvadore Dali paint jobs on my gliders, dye my shaggy hair purple. Dig it.

Quirky Burt
-- dropping names in Marfa, southwest Texas USA

[son_of_flubber]

> So I'm cultivating the glider "brand" in Marfa . . . but maybe soaring is not "quirky" enough for the rich and famous. Gotta see what I can do about that.

Maybe you can tap into your artsy side and do something with Blanik L-13s like this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadillac_Ranch

[Nyal Williams[_2_]]

Burt, might it be useful to develop a list of the famous Hollywood types
who took up gliding, and be ready to drop their names around these
high-profile visitors? They seem to respect one another. It is
interesting that a bunch of them participated and kept it quiet.


At 05:09 18 April 2013, Burt Compton - Marfa wrote:
>Well, the artists / musicians / writers community of Marfa, Texas, is
>known=
> to be more quirky than charming. I did my best to get some coverage of
>t=
>he historical and present soaring activities at Marfa. I offered free
>medi=
>a glider rides in my new ASK-21 to the CBS 60 Minutes production crew,
the
>=
>producer and to host Morley Safer. They politely declined, said it was
>in=
>teresting but they had no time to spare. =20
>
>You can send feedback on the Marfa program of April 14, a "letter to the
>ed=
>itor" at=20
>http://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/feedback/fb_news_form.shtml
>
>You can also see the Marfa segment video on the cbsnews.com/ 60 minutes
>web=
>site.
>
>Since I've been giving rides for many decades I realize that a glider
>fligh=
>t is not for everybody, but when Dan Rather was in Marfa a few years ago
>to=
> inaugurate Marfa Public Radio (you can stream the KRTS broadcasts on the
>i=
>nternet) he mentioned to me that a glider is the only category of
aircraft
>=
>he had not flown in, and would return someday to take a flight. =20
>
>Visitors to Marfa in recent years have been Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger,
>To=
>mmy Lee Jones, Randy Quaid, Beyonce, Robert Plant, Michael Nesmith, Sean
>Le=
>nnon, David Byrne, Will Ferrell. Marfa is a remote getaway / hideaway
>des=
>tination. The Weather Channel's Jim Cantore was offered a glider ride.
>Ou=
>r Mayor (one of my towpilots) and the Big Bend newspaper editor often
>sugge=
>st a glider ride to visitors although it might be an issue about
insurance
>=
>for the famous ones. (They ride Harleys, don't they?) Or maybe they
>don't=
> "get it." I'll keep trying to educate and promote it as we need one of
>t=
>hese "names" to become associated with soaring. However the hip aspect
>of=
> Marfa requires that you gotta be cool about bugging the famous person
>sitt=
>ing next to you in the Paisano Hotel bar.
>
>The recent publicity for Marfa is definitely good for our already booming
>t=
>ourist town and therefore my glider business. We no longer have a "slow
>se=
>ason" in our new restaurants and the renovated hotels (privately owned,
no
>=
>"chains" here.) Since I'm originally from Florida I like to say "A High
>Ti=
>de Floats All Boats" in Marfa! (Find Marfa on your El Paso aero chart to
>g=
>et that joke.)
>
>So I'm cultivating the glider "brand" in Marfa . . . but maybe soaring is
>n=
>ot "quirky" enough for the rich and famous. Gotta see what I can do
>abou=
>t that. Maybe Salvadore Dali paint jobs on my gliders, dye my shaggy
>hai=
>r purple. Dig it.
>
>Quirky Burt
> -- dropping names in Marfa, southwest Texas USA
>

[Burt Compton - Marfa]

On Thursday, April 18, 2013 5:44:19 PM UTC-7, Nyal Williams wrote:
> Burt, might it be useful to develop a list of the famous Hollywood types
> who took up gliding, and be ready to drop their names around these
> high-profile visitors?

I'm not sure the present generation of the "Hollywood types" that visit Marfa would remember "famous" glider pilots Mel Torme', John Denver, Cliff Robertson, Christopher Reeves and Hugh Downs, but it is worth a try!

Maybe dropping Steve Morse' name might help - he's a glider pilot and the lead guitarist in "Deep Purple" for the past 15+ years, formerly of the "Dixie Dregs" and "Kansas". I met Steve at the University of Miami, where I was in the business school and he was rippin' the jazz-rock riffs over at the music school. The U.of M. music school was a cool place to hang-out in the early 1970's, but as a musician I decided that business courses would serve me better, and they did.