Going back into flying the glider way

[ripacheco1967]

I have a couple thousand hours flying GA single engine. I have owned two aircraft in the past. (Piper Warrior & Saratoga)
Haven't flown for almost 10-years.
Decided to go back into flying but only gliders.
Will join local club to get my license upgraded to include a glider rating.
Then will be the agonizing over what glider to buy ... ;)
nice problem to have huh?

[Paul Agnew]

Welcome to the soaring world! Where will you be flying? When it comes time to start thinking about getting your own ship, wyu'll find no shortage of opinions here on RAS.

Heads-up on getting the glider add-on to your dormant aircraft rating. As I understand it, you will run into some issues if you don't have a current flight review when you take your flight exam. It's a reverse loophole (adds restrictions, rather than adds relief), if you ask me, and is an unnecessary burden for someone who doesn't want to continue flying powered aircraft.

Perhaps one of our DPEs on RAS has the latest ruling and can clarify what to do. I've read all kinds of workarounds, but don't know the details on which is currently acceptable.

Paul A.
Jupiter, FL

[Paul Agnew]

On Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 12:39:38 PM UTC-4, ripacheco1967 wrote:
> I have a couple thousand hours flying GA single engine. I have owned two aircraft in the past. (Piper Warrior & Saratoga)
> Haven't flown for almost 10-years.
> Decided to go back into flying but only gliders.
> Will join local club to get my license upgraded to include a glider rating.
> Then will be the agonizing over what glider to buy ... ;)
> nice problem to have huh?

Welcome to the soaring world! Where will you be flying? When it comes time to start thinking about getting your own ship, you'll find no shortage of opinions here on RAS.

Heads-up on getting the glider add-on to your dormant aircraft rating. As I understand it, you will run into some issues if you don't have a current flight review when you take your flight exam. It's a reverse loophole (adds restrictions, rather than adds relief), if you ask me, and is an unnecessary burden for someone who doesn't want to continue flying powered aircraft.

Perhaps one of our DPEs on RAS has the latest ruling and can clarify what to do. I've read all kinds of workarounds, but don't know the details on which is currently acceptable.

Paul A.
Jupiter, FL

[ripacheco1967]

On Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 1:10:33 PM UTC-5, Paul Agnew wrote:
> On Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 12:39:38 PM UTC-4, ripacheco1967 wrote:
> > I have a couple thousand hours flying GA single engine. I have owned two aircraft in the past. (Piper Warrior & Saratoga)
> > Haven't flown for almost 10-years.
> > Decided to go back into flying but only gliders.
> > Will join local club to get my license upgraded to include a glider rating.
> > Then will be the agonizing over what glider to buy ... ;)
> > nice problem to have huh?
>
> Welcome to the soaring world! Where will you be flying? When it comes time to start thinking about getting your own ship, you'll find no shortage of opinions here on RAS.
>
> Heads-up on getting the glider add-on to your dormant aircraft rating. As I understand it, you will run into some issues if you don't have a current flight review when you take your flight exam. It's a reverse loophole (adds restrictions, rather than adds relief), if you ask me, and is an unnecessary burden for someone who doesn't want to continue flying powered aircraft.
>
> Perhaps one of our DPEs on RAS has the latest ruling and can clarify what to do. I've read all kinds of workarounds, but don't know the details on which is currently acceptable.
>
> Paul A.
> Jupiter, FL

I am debating about which club to join. There are three clubs within reasonable driving distance (weekend outings)

In my area the choices are:

Pensacola:
Coastal Soaring Association
(1) Grob G-102, (1) Grob G-103, (1) Schweizer SGS 2-33

Jacksonville: North Florida Soaring Society
Aircraft: (1) LET L-23 Super Blanik-16.2, (1) Pilatus B-4, (1) Schweizer SGS 1-26, (1) Schweizer SGS 2-33, (1) Towplane Pawnee PA-235

Valdosta, GA: Rose City Soaring Association LLC
(2) Schweizer SGS 2-33A, (1) Schweizer SGS 1-26E, (1) Schleicher ASK-13, (1) Grob G-103 Twin Acro, (1) Schleicher Ka-8

[ripacheco1967]

On Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 1:10:33 PM UTC-5, Paul Agnew wrote:
> On Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 12:39:38 PM UTC-4, ripacheco1967 wrote:
> > I have a couple thousand hours flying GA single engine. I have owned two aircraft in the past. (Piper Warrior & Saratoga)
> > Haven't flown for almost 10-years.
> > Decided to go back into flying but only gliders.
> > Will join local club to get my license upgraded to include a glider rating.
> > Then will be the agonizing over what glider to buy ... ;)
> > nice problem to have huh?
>
> Welcome to the soaring world! Where will you be flying? When it comes time to start thinking about getting your own ship, you'll find no shortage of opinions here on RAS.
>
> Heads-up on getting the glider add-on to your dormant aircraft rating. As I understand it, you will run into some issues if you don't have a current flight review when you take your flight exam. It's a reverse loophole (adds restrictions, rather than adds relief), if you ask me, and is an unnecessary burden for someone who doesn't want to continue flying powered aircraft.
>
> Perhaps one of our DPEs on RAS has the latest ruling and can clarify what to do. I've read all kinds of workarounds, but don't know the details on which is currently acceptable.
>
> Paul A.
> Jupiter, FL

You are right... Its gonna be silly to have to rend a cessna 172 from time to time to do a flight review ... gonna have to figure this out well.

[son_of_flubber]

Some ideas for your consideration:

1)Take some time off and do concentrated training at Seminole Lake https://www.soarfl.com/ 3-5 days a week or at another commercial glider flight school until you get the glider rating. You will progress much faster than you will at a weekend only club. Cash flow may be higher, but total cost to get the rating may be less.

2)Once you get the rating, join a club and take the time needed to learn how to soar in club ships with an instructor. This is the hard part and your previous experience in power planes is largely irrelevant. Be realistic in your expectations about how long it will take to learn how to soar.

3)Wait until you're basically competent at soaring before you buy a glider.

4)Start training immediately. April is a prime soaring month in FL. Summer is not so prime.

[[email protected]]

On Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 1:10:33 PM UTC-5, Paul Agnew wrote:
>
> Heads-up on getting the glider add-on to your dormant aircraft rating. As I understand it, you will run into some issues if you don't have a current flight review when you take your flight exam. It's a reverse loophole (adds restrictions, rather than adds relief), if you ask me, and is an unnecessary burden for someone who doesn't want to continue flying powered aircraft.
>
....
> Paul A.
> Jupiter, FL

I did the add-on rating two years ago, and was 20 years out of currency. In order to satisfy the biannual review I did the Wings program. Once you complete one level that satisfies your biannual review and the glider check ride was no problem.

Rich L.

[Paul Agnew]

On Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 11:05:30 AM UTC-4, wrote:
> On Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 1:10:33 PM UTC-5, Paul Agnew wrote:
> >
> > Heads-up on getting the glider add-on to your dormant aircraft rating. As I understand it, you will run into some issues if you don't have a current flight review when you take your flight exam. It's a reverse loophole (adds restrictions, rather than adds relief), if you ask me, and is an unnecessary burden for someone who doesn't want to continue flying powered aircraft.
> >
> ...
> > Paul A.
> > Jupiter, FL
>
> I did the add-on rating two years ago, and was 20 years out of currency. In order to satisfy the biannual review I did the Wings program. Once you complete one level that satisfies your biannual review and the glider check ride was no problem.
>
> Rich L.

As I always tell my kids...every problem has a solution.

PA

[ripacheco1967]

On Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 10:05:30 AM UTC-5, wrote:
> On Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 1:10:33 PM UTC-5, Paul Agnew wrote:
> >
> > Heads-up on getting the glider add-on to your dormant aircraft rating. As I understand it, you will run into some issues if you don't have a current flight review when you take your flight exam. It's a reverse loophole (adds restrictions, rather than adds relief), if you ask me, and is an unnecessary burden for someone who doesn't want to continue flying powered aircraft.
> >
> ...
> > Paul A.
> > Jupiter, FL
>
> I did the add-on rating two years ago, and was 20 years out of currency. In order to satisfy the biannual review I did the Wings program. Once you complete one level that satisfies your biannual review and the glider check ride was no problem.
>
> Rich L.

The Wings Program? I will have to research on that. I do not recall that program from my days flying the Saratoga. Live and learn!

[Paul Agnew]

FAA Advisory Circular for Wings Program

https://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/media/advisory_circular/ac%2061-91j.pdf

PA

[Frank Whiteley]

On Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 11:39:38 AM UTC-6, Paul Agnew wrote:
> FAA Advisory Circular for Wings Program
>
> https://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/media/advisory_circular/ac%2061-91j.pdf
>
> PA

Do register as there are a couple of SSA webinars coming up that are eligible for Wings credit. May 7 and May 21. You have to attend live to get credit. Archives are here https://www.ssa.org/Webinars.

Frank Whiteley

[ripacheco1967]

I’ll take a week of work to get my glider rating at a good school
I read the reviews on google maps of the gliderport in central Florida ... a bit disappointing :(

[ripacheco1967]

I'm a bit disappointed that only the pensacola glider club answered to my emails about attempting to get my glider rating in a week of concentrated study/flying.

the clubs in jacksonville and seminole glideport must be too busy to want new pilots

[[email protected]]

On Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 6:27:14 PM UTC-4, ripacheco1967 wrote:
> I'm a bit disappointed that only the pensacola glider club answered to my emails about attempting to get my glider rating in a week of concentrated study/flying.
>
> the clubs in jacksonville and seminole glideport must be too busy to want new pilots

Soaring operations(including some of the commercial ones) operate on a different wavelength than your typical airplane pilot mills. Takes more effort on your side. If you don't have the moxie to chase down the rating you probably aren't going to survive all the futzing about in soaring.

[ripacheco1967]

Bit surprised that the "small operation" in pensacola has been way more responsible that the "bigger outfits"


On Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 8:15:26 PM UTC-5, wrote:
> On Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 6:27:14 PM UTC-4, ripacheco1967 wrote:
> > I'm a bit disappointed that only the pensacola glider club answered to my emails about attempting to get my glider rating in a week of concentrated study/flying.
> >
> > the clubs in jacksonville and seminole glideport must be too busy to want new pilots
>
> Soaring operations(including some of the commercial ones) operate on a different wavelength than your typical airplane pilot mills. Takes more effort on your side. If you don't have the moxie to chase down the rating you probably aren't going to survive all the futzing about in soaring.

[Paul Agnew]

On Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 10:18:04 PM UTC-4, ripacheco1967 wrote:
> Bit surprised that the "small operation" in pensacola has been way more responsible that the "bigger outfits"
>
>
> On Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 8:15:26 PM UTC-5, wrote:
> > On Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 6:27:14 PM UTC-4, ripacheco1967 wrote:
> > > I'm a bit disappointed that only the pensacola glider club answered to my emails about attempting to get my glider rating in a week of concentrated study/flying.
> > >
> > > the clubs in jacksonville and seminole glideport must be too busy to want new pilots
> >

Clubs aren't great about answering emails very quickly.

Not defending anyone, but Seminole Lake is a full-time commercial operation.. Pick up the phone and call them. Citrus Soaring is still operating in Pierson (near Daytona) for now. They are going to close up soon when Franklin Burbank (DPE) moves to Bermuda High Soaring in SC, but can probably accommodate your plans if you call them. (Franklin did my commercial add-on training.)

Most clubs only operate on weekends and are not in the business of banging out fast ratings. Your best bet for that is find a commercial operation or join the closest club and get the rating over a couple of weekends as you get involved with club activities.

Good luck!

Paul A.
Jupiter, FL

[Tango Eight]

Even at "Commercial" Soaring operations, the help is essentially volunteer. At a club, those guys helping you get your rating are probably dipping into their own pockets to be there helping you. One instructor / tow pilot I know well drives about 200 miles a day to instruct or tow for free. Soaring develops that sort of dedication (think about that).

As an experienced pilot, a glider rating is an easy add on. Then you can spend as much of the rest of your life learning about soaring as you want, or can afford. The subject matter exceeds the learning capacity of one human lifetime (think about that, too).

The upside here is pretty big, but glider flying necessarily involves a lot of moving parts, it's a community effort.

best,
Evan Ludeman / T8

On Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 10:18:04 PM UTC-4, ripacheco1967 wrote:
> Bit surprised that the "small operation" in pensacola has been way more responsible that the "bigger outfits"
>
>
> On Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 8:15:26 PM UTC-5, wrote:
> > On Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 6:27:14 PM UTC-4, ripacheco1967 wrote:
> > > I'm a bit disappointed that only the pensacola glider club answered to my emails about attempting to get my glider rating in a week of concentrated study/flying.
> > >
> > > the clubs in jacksonville and seminole glideport must be too busy to want new pilots
> >
> > Soaring operations(including some of the commercial ones) operate on a different wavelength than your typical airplane pilot mills. Takes more effort on your side. If you don't have the moxie to chase down the rating you probably aren't going to survive all the futzing about in soaring.

[Dan Marotta]

If you don't mind traveling, come to sunny New Mexico (it's snowing
today but that will end).Â* Give Sundance Aviation (505-832-2222) a
call.Â* They have a nice website but are mostly too busy to reply to
emails.Â* If you leave a phone message they will get back to you. The
owner is also a DPE.

On 5/10/2019 6:39 AM, Tango Eight wrote:
> Even at "Commercial" Soaring operations, the help is essentially volunteer. At a club, those guys helping you get your rating are probably dipping into their own pockets to be there helping you. One instructor / tow pilot I know well drives about 200 miles a day to instruct or tow for free. Soaring develops that sort of dedication (think about that).
>
> As an experienced pilot, a glider rating is an easy add on. Then you can spend as much of the rest of your life learning about soaring as you want, or can afford. The subject matter exceeds the learning capacity of one human lifetime (think about that, too).
>
> The upside here is pretty big, but glider flying necessarily involves a lot of moving parts, it's a community effort.
>
> best,
> Evan Ludeman / T8
>
> On Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 10:18:04 PM UTC-4, ripacheco1967 wrote:
>> Bit surprised that the "small operation" in pensacola has been way more responsible that the "bigger outfits"
>>
>>
>> On Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 8:15:26 PM UTC-5, wrote:
>>> On Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 6:27:14 PM UTC-4, ripacheco1967 wrote:
>>>> I'm a bit disappointed that only the pensacola glider club answered to my emails about attempting to get my glider rating in a week of concentrated study/flying.
>>>>
>>>> the clubs in jacksonville and seminole glideport must be too busy to want new pilots
>>> Soaring operations(including some of the commercial ones) operate on a different wavelength than your typical airplane pilot mills. Takes more effort on your side. If you don't have the moxie to chase down the rating you probably aren't going to survive all the futzing about in soaring.

--
Dan, 5J

[Rich Owen[_2_]]

On Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 12:39:38 PM UTC-4, ripacheco1967 wrote:
> I have a couple thousand hours flying GA single engine. I have owned two aircraft in the past. (Piper Warrior & Saratoga)
> Haven't flown for almost 10-years.
> Decided to go back into flying but only gliders.
> Will join local club to get my license upgraded to include a glider rating.
> Then will be the agonizing over what glider to buy ... ;)
> nice problem to have huh?

Welcome back to the world of aviation. This is Rich Owen from Seminole-Lake Gliderport. We normally do not find prospective pilots looking for glider ratings on Rec Aviation Soaring. However, Son_of_Flubber said it best. If you come down to our operation we will get you back in the saddle really quick. The three clubs you have highlighted are great operations and could provide you excellent instruction. As a commercial operation we have the ability to complete you faster and with less hassle. We can also help you narrow down the type of glider for you to purchase based on your soaring goals. Call our office Tuesday thru Sunday from 9am to 5pm to schedule your training or speak with one of our instructors. I'm at a family wedding out of town but will be back in the office Tuesday. You can email me at . Hope to see you soon. Best Regards, Rich

[ripacheco1967]

Thanks for replying ... i talked with your office ... As soon as i get my medical next week and complete BFR in our local airport here in Destin (gotta get one hour on that cessna)... I will schedule a trip down there. Hopefully we can come up with a week were i can get my rating add on. I'll appreciate advice to narrow down glider choices... this was more involved than i thought about it... good i like the challenge.

--robert

On Friday, May 10, 2019 at 10:50:47 AM UTC-5, Rich Owen wrote:
> On Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 12:39:38 PM UTC-4, ripacheco1967 wrote:
> > I have a couple thousand hours flying GA single engine. I have owned two aircraft in the past. (Piper Warrior & Saratoga)
> > Haven't flown for almost 10-years.
> > Decided to go back into flying but only gliders.
> > Will join local club to get my license upgraded to include a glider rating.
> > Then will be the agonizing over what glider to buy ... ;)
> > nice problem to have huh?
>
> Welcome back to the world of aviation. This is Rich Owen from Seminole-Lake Gliderport. We normally do not find prospective pilots looking for glider ratings on Rec Aviation Soaring. However, Son_of_Flubber said it best. If you come down to our operation we will get you back in the saddle really quick. The three clubs you have highlighted are great operations and could provide you excellent instruction. As a commercial operation we have the ability to complete you faster and with less hassle. We can also help you narrow down the type of glider for you to purchase based on your soaring goals. Call our office Tuesday thru Sunday from 9am to 5pm to schedule your training or speak with one of our instructors. I'm at a family wedding out of town but will be back in the office Tuesday. You can email me at . Hope to see you soon. Best Regards, Rich