View Full Version : I'm Looking for a new location SW USA?
WAVEGURU
May 21st 17, 05:26 PM
With the passing of Roy Coulliette, the management here at Pleasant Valley Airport Arizona has changed and it is now unworkable for me. I think I would like to stay here in the Desert Southwest somewhere, but I'm willing to move if need be. Does anybody have any suggestions for where I might be able to set up a commercial glider operation near a good sized population these days?
Boggs
Ron Gleason
May 21st 17, 05:41 PM
On Sunday, 21 May 2017 10:26:45 UTC-6, Waveguru wrote:
> With the passing of Roy Coulliette, the management here at Pleasant Valley Airport Arizona has changed and it is now unworkable for me. I think I would like to stay here in the Desert Southwest somewhere, but I'm willing to move if need be. Does anybody have any suggestions for where I might be able to set up a commercial glider operation near a good sized population these days?
>
> Boggs
Hope about Utah? Nephi and/or Logan come to mind
On Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 12:41:48 PM UTC-4, Ron Gleason wrote:
> On Sunday, 21 May 2017 10:26:45 UTC-6, Waveguru wrote:
> > With the passing of Roy Coulliette, the management here at Pleasant Valley Airport Arizona has changed and it is now unworkable for me. I think I would like to stay here in the Desert Southwest somewhere, but I'm willing to move if need be. Does anybody have any suggestions for where I might be able to set up a commercial glider operation near a good sized population these days?
> >
> > Boggs
>
> Hope about Utah? Nephi and/or Logan come to mind
How about Flagstaff, AZ? I observed great conditions there plus there is a large college (NAU) in town with lots of potential students.
Uli
'AS'
On Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 10:26:45 AM UTC-6, Waveguru wrote:
> With the passing of Roy Coulliette, the management here at Pleasant Valley Airport Arizona has changed and it is now unworkable for me. I think I would like to stay here in the Desert Southwest somewhere, but I'm willing to move if need be. Does anybody have any suggestions for where I might be able to set up a commercial glider operation near a good sized population these days?
>
> Boggs
Sorry to hear this Gary. Nephi only is within an hour's drive of 1.5 million people. Millions more pass through for vacation every year. Is that enough? ;) Let's talk my friend. Would love to help where I can.
Bruno - B4
howard banks
May 22nd 17, 01:33 AM
I got to this thread a bit late, but Nephi. It cries out for a full-time operation. And the local govt seems really cooperative. Ask Bruno or Ron for guidance. Go see this year's camp.
Renny[_2_]
May 22nd 17, 03:07 AM
On Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 6:33:45 PM UTC-6, howard banks wrote:
> I got to this thread a bit late, but Nephi. It cries out for a full-time operation. And the local govt seems really cooperative. Ask Bruno or Ron for guidance. Go see this year's camp.
Gary,
I agree with Howard on Nephi, but another location you may want to consider would be Durango, CO. I know that Val-Air is gone, but perhaps another airport could be used (there are two in the area). The business at Val-Air was primarily rides and there are definitely a lot of folks who visit the area, especially during the summertime, that could be potential ride customers. It may be another "candidate" location in which you might want to take a close look!
Good luck on your search! Renny
Dan Marotta
May 22nd 17, 04:04 AM
There's an airport along the river just south of Durango which would be
a great location. I'm currently in Nephi and it, too, is a terrific
location and listen to Bruno - he knows what he's talking about.
Finally, I understand Soaring NV in Minden is for sale. Having flown at
all three locations, I'd vote for Nephi for the stunning scenery and
friendly people and fields so close to the mountains. Only down side is
the lack of good beer (or so I've been told).
On 5/21/2017 8:07 PM, Renny wrote:
> On Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 6:33:45 PM UTC-6, howard banks wrote:
>> I got to this thread a bit late, but Nephi. It cries out for a full-time operation. And the local govt seems really cooperative. Ask Bruno or Ron for guidance. Go see this year's camp.
> Gary,
> I agree with Howard on Nephi, but another location you may want to consider would be Durango, CO. I know that Val-Air is gone, but perhaps another airport could be used (there are two in the area). The business at Val-Air was primarily rides and there are definitely a lot of folks who visit the area, especially during the summertime, that could be potential ride customers. It may be another "candidate" location in which you might want to take a close look!
> Good luck on your search! Renny
--
Dan, 5J
Tim Taylor
May 22nd 17, 04:37 AM
On Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 10:26:45 AM UTC-6, Waveguru wrote:
> With the passing of Roy Coulliette, the management here at Pleasant Valley Airport Arizona has changed and it is now unworkable for me. I think I would like to stay here in the Desert Southwest somewhere, but I'm willing to move if need be. Does anybody have any suggestions for where I might be able to set up a commercial glider operation near a good sized population these days?
>
> Boggs
While I like Nephi, you might consider Hurricane, UT for a ride operation. 20 miles west Zion National Park. Becoming a pretty good tourist destination.
If you can work with the airport management and ATC, Aspen Colorado.
I Flew for Dieter Bibbig at Gliders Aspen for 5 seasons and the ride business was outstanding. Immediately adjacent to town, jaw-dropping scenery and tons of tourists with large sums of fun-money. We were booked pretty much solid two gliders, 7 days a week, 6 hrs a a day, for 3 months.
Very busy, tower-controlled airport, 8700' msl and real-deal alpine soaring.. LOA with the airport was to never take landing precedence over power traffic and especially the airlines. Not a trivial place to operate but there is lots of money to be made, fantastic soaring, and a world-class place to spend the soaring season.
We flew a Blanik and a 2-33 but glass would be far more suitable.
Also agree about Durango, Hurricane, and anywhere on the Wasatch Front.
A few no one mentioned: Moab, Vail, Telluride, Cody, Mammoth, Taos, Bisbee.. Sedona if you do not value your life too much....,
Sadly no snakes in ASE to entertain your friends with, Gary....😎
gkemp
May 22nd 17, 01:45 PM
On Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 9:26:45 AM UTC-7, Waveguru wrote:
> With the passing of Roy Coulliette, the management here at Pleasant Valley Airport Arizona has changed and it is now unworkable for me. I think I would like to stay here in the Desert Southwest somewhere, but I'm willing to move if need be. Does anybody have any suggestions for where I might be able to set up a commercial glider operation near a good sized population these days?
>
> Boggs
How about something around Tucson?
gkemp
May 22nd 17, 01:45 PM
On Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 9:26:45 AM UTC-7, Waveguru wrote:
> With the passing of Roy Coulliette, the management here at Pleasant Valley Airport Arizona has changed and it is now unworkable for me. I think I would like to stay here in the Desert Southwest somewhere, but I'm willing to move if need be. Does anybody have any suggestions for where I might be able to set up a commercial glider operation near a good sized population these days?
>
> Boggs
Nephi has pretty long winters.
Mike the Strike
May 22nd 17, 05:10 PM
On Monday, May 22, 2017 at 5:45:14 AM UTC-7, gkemp wrote:
> On Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 9:26:45 AM UTC-7, Waveguru wrote:
> > With the passing of Roy Coulliette, the management here at Pleasant Valley Airport Arizona has changed and it is now unworkable for me. I think I would like to stay here in the Desert Southwest somewhere, but I'm willing to move if need be. Does anybody have any suggestions for where I might be able to set up a commercial glider operation near a good sized population these days?
> >
> > Boggs
>
> How about something around Tucson?
If you want both good weather and a supply of tourists, either you need a big city or nearby other attractions. Tucson has the weather, but not the population or tourists.
I agree with other posters that you should take a serious look at Utah. Every small town has an airport and many of them are close to I-15 and all the tourists heading to the local National and State parks. If Nephi is too far north (cold winters), maybe something closer to Zion or St. George would work?
You'll have to cut back the beer and switch to green jello, though!
Mike
Tony[_5_]
May 22nd 17, 05:29 PM
On the Utah vein...how about Moab? Active airport with skydiving and hot air balloons as the main aviation attractions. Great views of arches national Park and canyonlands. Gobs of tourists.
I delivered a Libelle there a few years ago but I'm not sure if they ever set up a towplane.
On Monday, May 22, 2017 at 9:29:36 AM UTC-7, Tony wrote:
> On the Utah vein...how about Moab? Active airport with skydiving and hot air balloons as the main aviation attractions. Great views of arches national Park and canyonlands. Gobs of tourists.
>
> I delivered a Libelle there a few years ago but I'm not sure if they ever set up a towplane.
And in Utah they probably haven't seen the floating card trick.
Jim
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r74dkrMiLY
bumper[_4_]
May 22nd 17, 06:27 PM
Nevada is considered "Southwest", though maybe at the fringe, huh?
Anyway, you can't get much better than Minden for beauty, soaring conditions, off season other activities, population center while in keeping with its rural western heritage, and there's a ready made nice glider operation here that is available.
bumper
Jonathan St. Cloud
May 22nd 17, 06:29 PM
How long are the winters? What is Utah scoring like in the months other than summer? How long is the season.
Nice thing about Minden is the year around soaring.
On Monday, May 22, 2017 at 5:45:33 AM UTC-7, gkemp wrote:
> On Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 9:26:45 AM UTC-7, Waveguru wrote:
> > With the passing of Roy Coulliette, the management here at Pleasant Valley Airport Arizona has changed and it is now unworkable for me. I think I would like to stay here in the Desert Southwest somewhere, but I'm willing to move if need be. Does anybody have any suggestions for where I might be able to set up a commercial glider operation near a good sized population these days?
> >
> > Boggs
>
> Nephi has pretty long winters.
Frank Whiteley
May 23rd 17, 12:01 AM
On Monday, May 22, 2017 at 11:27:36 AM UTC-6, bumper wrote:
> Nevada is considered "Southwest", though maybe at the fringe, huh?
>
> Anyway, you can't get much better than Minden for beauty, soaring conditions, off season other activities, population center while in keeping with its rural western heritage, and there's a ready made nice glider operation here that is available.
>
> bumper
The definition of the US Southwest is pretty nebulous. Had a discussion when the US Southwest Soaring Museum was considering a Hall of Fame. Plenty to quibble about.
Frank Whiteley
Frank Whiteley
May 23rd 17, 12:02 AM
On Monday, May 22, 2017 at 10:10:49 AM UTC-6, Mike the Strike wrote:
> On Monday, May 22, 2017 at 5:45:14 AM UTC-7, gkemp wrote:
> > On Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 9:26:45 AM UTC-7, Waveguru wrote:
> > > With the passing of Roy Coulliette, the management here at Pleasant Valley Airport Arizona has changed and it is now unworkable for me. I think I would like to stay here in the Desert Southwest somewhere, but I'm willing to move if need be. Does anybody have any suggestions for where I might be able to set up a commercial glider operation near a good sized population these days?
> > >
> > > Boggs
> >
> > How about something around Tucson?
>
> If you want both good weather and a supply of tourists, either you need a big city or nearby other attractions. Tucson has the weather, but not the population or tourists.
>
> I agree with other posters that you should take a serious look at Utah. Every small town has an airport and many of them are close to I-15 and all the tourists heading to the local National and State parks. If Nephi is too far north (cold winters), maybe something closer to Zion or St. George would work?
>
> You'll have to cut back the beer and switch to green jello, though!
>
> Mike
Many are enroute to/from Las Vegas. Need to get them on the way there.
Frank
In Northern Utah we fly April 1st through Thanksgiving, typically. Thermals in the Spring and Summer, and ridge/wave in the Spring and Fall.
Pick ASE! I want to fly and enjoy the place some more!
On Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 9:26:45 AM UTC-7, Waveguru wrote:
> With the passing of Roy Coulliette, the management here at Pleasant Valley Airport Arizona has changed and it is now unworkable for me. I think I would like to stay here in the Desert Southwest somewhere, but I'm willing to move if need be. Does anybody have any suggestions for where I might be able to set up a commercial glider operation near a good sized population these days?
>
> Boggs
How about Sunriver Airport, Oregon?
Romeo Zulu
May 24th 17, 04:05 AM
On Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 10:26:45 AM UTC-6, Waveguru wrote:
> With the passing of Roy Coulliette, the management here at Pleasant Valley Airport Arizona has changed and it is now unworkable for me. I think I would like to stay here in the Desert Southwest somewhere, but I'm willing to move if need be. Does anybody have any suggestions for where I might be able to set up a commercial glider operation near a good sized population these days?
>
> Boggs
Somebody mentioned Durango and, while I would love to have an operation in Durango, there is no suitable airport in Durango. Animas Airpark (OOC)has a 50' runway with elevated runway lights. Durango LaPlata (DRO)has 13 to 15 scheduled flights coming and going each day. The first time a towing operation held up an RJ they would throw you out. You should have heard the stink a proposed skydiving operation caused. It was instantly crushed.
Moab (CNY) would be an excellent choice. They have a nice runway that's aligned with the prevailing winds. I also bet that they have 100 times the tourist traffic that Nephi has. You could sell a lot of rides. They are very recreation oriented at the airport with active skydiving operations.
Sign me
Self Launching in Durango
Frank Whiteley
May 24th 17, 05:49 AM
On Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 8:28:35 PM UTC-6, 2G wrote:
> On Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 9:26:45 AM UTC-7, Waveguru wrote:
> > With the passing of Roy Coulliette, the management here at Pleasant Valley Airport Arizona has changed and it is now unworkable for me. I think I would like to stay here in the Desert Southwest somewhere, but I'm willing to move if need be. Does anybody have any suggestions for where I might be able to set up a commercial glider operation near a good sized population these days?
> >
> > Boggs
>
> How about Sunriver Airport, Oregon?
Sunriver Soaring bellied up a few years ago. Big Yellow Bird is currently privately owned and flying at my club. It was purchased from a bank auction of equipment. Of course, that may have been poor management, lousy market, and bad market timing.
Frank Whiteley
Frank Whiteley
May 24th 17, 04:46 PM
On Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 10:26:45 AM UTC-6, Waveguru wrote:
> With the passing of Roy Coulliette, the management here at Pleasant Valley Airport Arizona has changed and it is now unworkable for me. I think I would like to stay here in the Desert Southwest somewhere, but I'm willing to move if need be. Does anybody have any suggestions for where I might be able to set up a commercial glider operation near a good sized population these days?
>
> Boggs
I already spoke with Gary about Boulder, CO. Mile High Gliding has been for sale, but now the owner is willing just to sell the business without the equipment or whatever. They brag on being open 364 days a year. The gift certificate market seems good also.
The real drawback is that people are paying up to $750K for a house and razing it to build anew.
Some pilots have sold out of Boulder and moved a town or two away.
Cost of living is a problem in several places mentioned and especially Aspen.
son_of_flubber
May 25th 17, 03:08 PM
Salida Colorado? Tourist and Retirement Town with a nice underutilized airport and a reputation for 'Adventure Sports'. A couple of self-launch gliders live there already.
Dan Marotta
May 25th 17, 03:46 PM
I recall landing there one day with winds 32 G 50 kts across the runway
(don't know the exact angle). Sporty to say the least. But it's a
terrific place to fly!
On 5/25/2017 8:08 AM, son_of_flubber wrote:
> Salida Colorado? Tourist and Retirement Town with a nice underutilized airport and a reputation for 'Adventure Sports'. A couple of self-launch gliders live there already.
--
Dan, 5J
How about Minden? Silvio and I have been looking for a buyer for SoaringNV.
Laurie
Dan Marotta
May 26th 17, 04:39 PM
I've heard Rick at Sundance hinting that he'd like to retire. Look them
up ONLINE <http://www.soarsundance.com/> and give him a call. BTW, that
was me flying the tug. 8-)
Sundance Aviation, Moriarty Municipal Airport, New Mexico - a hotbed of
gliding activity.
On 5/26/2017 8:12 AM, wrote:
> How about Minden? Silvio and I have been looking for a buyer for SoaringNV.
>
> Laurie
--
Dan, 5J
Bret Hess
May 27th 17, 06:49 AM
When I was there 2 yrs ago Moab had a plane and pilot that towed a local glider once in a while.
Boulder City, NV near Las Vegas has a paved glider runway on the airport that has never been used. My understanding is their old airport had a glider operation but he passed away before the new airport opened after getting them to include a glider runway. It already has a few ride operators and a skydiving op there it seems.
Steve Koerner
May 27th 17, 10:38 PM
Gary, That last suggestion, Boulder City, NV is the best idea. That location will have a much longer soaring season than anywhere in UT, CO or northern NV and there would be a plentiful supply of potential ride takers from nearby Sin City. The 7000 ft class B ceiling is a potential nuisance for soaring pilots but wouldn't be much of a factor for your ride business. Boulder City does make a nice destination for us Phoenix pilots; so I guess I have a little self interest if you really have to leave Pleasant Valley.
Waveguru
June 4th 17, 03:39 PM
Well, I've decided to give Cottonwood Arizona a try. It's close enough to Phoenix that I'll still be able to tap into that market of 6 million, and the soaring should be better than it was here at Peoria. All of the customers I've talked to said a trip north to Cottonwood was no problem. Elevation of 3550' and the peak of Mingus Mountain is about 7800' about 5 miles SW. There should be thermal, ridge, and wave lift. I'm still looking for a place to live and I've got some good leads. Should be giving flights there very soon. Call if you have any questions. Six-oh-two two-eighty-four ninety nine seventy seven
Boggs
Dan Marotta
June 4th 17, 04:52 PM
That looks like a really nice location to fly gliders. Good luck!
On 6/4/2017 8:39 AM, Waveguru wrote:
> Well, I've decided to give Cottonwood Arizona a try. It's close enough to Phoenix that I'll still be able to tap into that market of 6 million, and the soaring should be better than it was here at Peoria. All of the customers I've talked to said a trip north to Cottonwood was no problem. Elevation of 3550' and the peak of Mingus Mountain is about 7800' about 5 miles SW. There should be thermal, ridge, and wave lift. I'm still looking for a place to live and I've got some good leads. Should be giving flights there very soon. Call if you have any questions. Six-oh-two two-eighty-four ninety nine seventy seven
>
> Boggs
--
Dan, 5J
On Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 10:39:41 AM UTC-4, Waveguru wrote:
> Well, I've decided to give Cottonwood Arizona a try. It's close enough to Phoenix that I'll still be able to tap into that market of 6 million, and the soaring should be better than it was here at Peoria. All of the customers I've talked to said a trip north to Cottonwood was no problem. Elevation of 3550' and the peak of Mingus Mountain is about 7800' about 5 miles SW. There should be thermal, ridge, and wave lift. I'm still looking for a place to live and I've got some good leads. Should be giving flights there very soon. Call if you have any questions. Six-oh-two two-eighty-four ninety nine seventy seven
>
> Boggs
Good choice! I have observed stunning skies in that area. Will you be giving tows to visiting pilots as well?
Good luck in your new location!
Uli
'AS'
Blake Seese 3Y
June 5th 17, 03:57 PM
On Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 9:37:53 PM UTC-6, Tim Taylor wrote:
> On Sunday, May 21, 2017 at 10:26:45 AM UTC-6, Waveguru wrote:
> > With the passing of Roy Coulliette, the management here at Pleasant Valley Airport Arizona has changed and it is now unworkable for me. I think I would like to stay here in the Desert Southwest somewhere, but I'm willing to move if need be. Does anybody have any suggestions for where I might be able to set up a commercial glider operation near a good sized population these days?
> >
> > Boggs
>
> While I like Nephi, you might consider Hurricane, UT for a ride operation.. 20 miles west Zion National Park. Becoming a pretty good tourist destination.
As much as I would like to see a full time tow plane at Hurricane, I think Nephi makes more sense from a commercial standpoint. Also, I don't think the city would be as cooperative as Nephi.
Waveguru
June 5th 17, 09:47 PM
Yes, we will welcome all the support we can get. Call me and we'll make tows available.
Boggs
Ron Gleason
June 5th 17, 11:35 PM
On Monday, 5 June 2017 14:47:49 UTC-6, Waveguru wrote:
> Yes, we will welcome all the support we can get. Call me and we'll make tows available.
>
> Boggs
There is a active Hang Gliding and Paragliding club that utilizes Mingus Mountain and has worked out procedures for landing at the Cottonwood airport. Great group of folks, would not hurt to reach out to them, comparing soaring notes and airport procedures.
http://azhpa.org/mingus/
Best of luck
Waveguru
June 6th 17, 02:28 AM
I met one of the hang glider guys there the other day. Hope to share some lift with them soon!
Waveguru
June 6th 17, 02:32 AM
In the midst of this move, I was rammed by a road rage attacker. My buddy suffered a broken neck. He's out of the hospital but not out of the woods. The guy took off and we have almost nothing to help us find him. This is going to be quite a setback. Here's some pictures of my totaled '65 Rambler. https://m.facebook.com/gary.boggs.54/posts/10213261031150043?comment_id=10213263225764907&ref=m_notif¬if_t=feed_comment¬if_id=1496695701600249¬if_ref=m_beeper
Waveguru
June 6th 17, 02:51 AM
My car was full of boxes of stuff I was moving. 5 aircraft radios, destroyed. All of my stuff looked like it had been run thru a cement mixer.
Charlie M. (UH & 002 owner/pilot)
June 6th 17, 02:20 PM
Glad you're OK, I can sympathize with your buddy having a CF of T10 34 years ago and a CF of L1 7 months ago myself.
Hope they find the other guy.
Dan Marotta
June 6th 17, 04:31 PM
WTF???
Glad you're OK and best wishes for your friend.
Dan
On 6/6/2017 7:20 AM, Charlie M. (UH & 002 owner/pilot) wrote:
> Glad you're OK, I can sympathize with your buddy having a CF of T10 34 years ago and a CF of L1 7 months ago myself.
>
> Hope they find the other guy.
--
Dan, 5J
Waveguru
June 7th 17, 02:19 AM
I appreciate the support. I want you all to come to Cottonwood and spend some dough.
Boggs.
What.....smack under the class Bavo?
Waveguru
June 9th 17, 03:01 PM
****What.....smack under the class Bavo?****
What???? We have no class bavo.... Not even a class bravo close to P52. What are you lookin at?
Boggs
6PK
June 10th 17, 08:00 PM
Boulder NV what I was referring to.....
JS[_5_]
December 18th 17, 03:55 AM
On Saturday, June 10, 2017 at 12:00:39 PM UTC-7, 6PK wrote:
> Boulder NV what I was referring to.....
Gary you've been at Sampley's... What happened to Cottonwood?
Jim
Waveguru
December 18th 17, 03:45 PM
The city of Cottonwood was impossible to work with...
Call me for details... 602-284-9977
Boggs
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