Expat Retirement with soaring?

[Jeff Bures]

Hi all,

First post here (at least in 20 years).

I'm a US citizen with private power and sailplane ratings. I'm contemplating retirement in a few years. One possible plan is to spend several years of it as an expat somewhere the cost of living is less than the USA. Parts of Europe, Asia, Central or South America are options.

These years should include lots of recreational (not competition) soaring. I'm curious about different locations with good soaring. I don't want to be the strange American with the weird airplane, but rather live where soaring is known and I could make some friends. Would people make some suggestions please?

I'm also interested in knowing how difficult it is for a visiting pilot to buy, register, and fly a sailplane locally. Are the requirements different if I become a resident? I've read that my USA certificate is valid in many countries if I'm passing through, but as a resident I might need to take additional tests (possibly in the local language). Is this true?

Are there any Expat Pilots out there?

Thanks for any advice!

[[email protected]]

On Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 4:17:53 PM UTC-5, Jeff Bures wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> First post here (at least in 20 years).
>
> I'm a US citizen with private power and sailplane ratings. I'm contemplating retirement in a few years. One possible plan is to spend several years of it as an expat somewhere the cost of living is less than the USA. Parts of Europe, Asia, Central or South America are options.
>
> These years should include lots of recreational (not competition) soaring.. I'm curious about different locations with good soaring. I don't want to be the strange American with the weird airplane, but rather live where soaring is known and I could make some friends. Would people make some suggestions please?
>
> I'm also interested in knowing how difficult it is for a visiting pilot to buy, register, and fly a sailplane locally. Are the requirements different if I become a resident? I've read that my USA certificate is valid in many countries if I'm passing through, but as a resident I might need to take additional tests (possibly in the local language). Is this true?
>
> Are there any Expat Pilots out there?
>
> Thanks for any advice!
I have friends that soar in the Philippines, don't know much about the conditions. I would probably take off to Western Australia, although China is putting the squeeze on them and the GDP is down about 7%, looks like they are facing their first recession in 30 years. Who cares about the GDP and the recession, we just want to fly gliders and live happily ever after! The country of California is too expensive and way too liberal. South Africa might be on my map, but my life would probably be in danger. Looking South, maybe Argentina, the beef is good and the ladies are beautiful and the soaring is very good. I would stay away from Europe, although Norway or the Swiss Alps might be inviting, yet expensive.
Now here is the closer, you cannot take it with you, dead men don't spend money! Find a place where you can enjoy the rest of your life, fly your glider, find peace at mind and disconnect the Direct TV. Only watch Newsmax on the computer, live modestly, fly often and enjoy the rest of your life. Bob

[Roy B.]

On Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 4:17:53 PM UTC-5, Jeff Bures wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> First post here (at least in 20 years).
>
> I'm a US citizen with private power and sailplane ratings. I'm contemplating retirement in a few years. One possible plan is to spend several years of it as an expat somewhere the cost of living is less than the USA. Parts of Europe, Asia, Central or South America are options.
>
> These years should include lots of recreational (not competition) soaring.. I'm curious about different locations with good soaring. I don't want to be the strange American with the weird airplane, but rather live where soaring is known and I could make some friends. Would people make some suggestions please?
>
> I'm also interested in knowing how difficult it is for a visiting pilot to buy, register, and fly a sailplane locally. Are the requirements different if I become a resident? I've read that my USA certificate is valid in many countries if I'm passing through, but as a resident I might need to take additional tests (possibly in the local language). Is this true?
>
> Are there any Expat Pilots out there?
>
> Thanks for any advice!

[Roy B.]

Jeff:
I have just returned from 2 months in South Africa - which was my 23d trip there. Wonderful flying, great people, fascinating country, cost of living about 65% of the USA's. Right now everything is a little screwed up because of Covid but where isn't it? It would be my first choice.
ROY

[Mark Grubb]

On Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 2:44:11 PM UTC-8, Roy B. wrote:
> Jeff:
> I have just returned from 2 months in South Africa - which was my 23d trip there. Wonderful flying, great people, fascinating country, cost of living about 65% of the USA's. Right now everything is a little screwed up because of Covid but where isn't it? It would be my first choice.
> ROY


Thoughts on Naimbia?

[Jeff Bures]

On Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 2:30:18 PM UTC-8, wrote:
> On Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 4:17:53 PM UTC-5, Jeff Bures wrote:
> > Hi all,
> >
> > First post here (at least in 20 years).
> >
> > I'm a US citizen with private power and sailplane ratings. I'm contemplating retirement in a few years. One possible plan is to spend several years of it as an expat somewhere the cost of living is less than the USA. Parts of Europe, Asia, Central or South America are options.
> >
> > These years should include lots of recreational (not competition) soaring. I'm curious about different locations with good soaring. I don't want to be the strange American with the weird airplane, but rather live where soaring is known and I could make some friends. Would people make some suggestions please?
> >
> > I'm also interested in knowing how difficult it is for a visiting pilot to buy, register, and fly a sailplane locally. Are the requirements different if I become a resident? I've read that my USA certificate is valid in many countries if I'm passing through, but as a resident I might need to take additional tests (possibly in the local language). Is this true?
> >
> > Are there any Expat Pilots out there?
> >
> > Thanks for any advice!
> I have friends that soar in the Philippines, don't know much about the conditions. I would probably take off to Western Australia, although China is putting the squeeze on them and the GDP is down about 7%, looks like they are facing their first recession in 30 years. Who cares about the GDP and the recession, we just want to fly gliders and live happily ever after! The country of California is too expensive and way too liberal. South Africa might be on my map, but my life would probably be in danger. Looking South, maybe Argentina, the beef is good and the ladies are beautiful and the soaring is very good. I would stay away from Europe, although Norway or the Swiss Alps might be inviting, yet expensive.
> Now here is the closer, you cannot take it with you, dead men don't spend money! Find a place where you can enjoy the rest of your life, fly your glider, find peace at mind and disconnect the Direct TV. Only watch Newsmax on the computer, live modestly, fly often and enjoy the rest of your life. Bob

Why stay away from Europe? Agreed for a lot of Western, just for the cost of living. But I've heard good things about Portugal, and maybe some of the former eastern block nations, such as Georgia and Croatia (as far as expat retirement).

[Roy B.]

Thoughts on Namibia?

Great place to fly - IF you have a self launcher (no tow planes). But what else is there to do?
SA has many large cities, shopping malls, restaurants, full amenities, first world medicine, reasonable roads, diverse culture and history and 11 official languages.
ROY

[[email protected]]

On Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 2:30:18 PM UTC-8, wrote:
Only watch Newsmax on the computer, live modestly, fly often and enjoy the rest of your life. Bob

That explains a lot. But not Info Wars? Or OAN or WND?

Steve

[Fox Sierra]

On Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 4:17:53 PM UTC-5, Jeff Bures wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> First post here (at least in 20 years).
>
> I'm a US citizen with private power and sailplane ratings. I'm contemplating retirement in a few years. One possible plan is to spend several years of it as an expat somewhere the cost of living is less than the USA. Parts of Europe, Asia, Central or South America are options.
>
> These years should include lots of recreational (not competition) soaring.. I'm curious about different locations with good soaring. I don't want to be the strange American with the weird airplane, but rather live where soaring is known and I could make some friends. Would people make some suggestions please?
>
> I'm also interested in knowing how difficult it is for a visiting pilot to buy, register, and fly a sailplane locally. Are the requirements different if I become a resident? I've read that my USA certificate is valid in many countries if I'm passing through, but as a resident I might need to take additional tests (possibly in the local language). Is this true?
>
> Are there any Expat Pilots out there?
>
> Thanks for any advice!
Hi Jeff,

I have flown in Argentina, Namibia, Poland and France.

Among these, I would encourage you to consider Argentina for its low-cost of living in US$ and a very active gliding scene.
The country has wonderful food, warm people, really strong gliding clubs with amenities (swimming pools, tennis courts, camping, etc.), good weather and very good Regional and National gliding championships. Many different locations to fly. Namibia has none of the above, except low cost of living and a relatively short season with European gliders shipped down there each year from November through January. Europe is Europe...what can I say...

Fernando Silva

[Eric Greenwell[_4_]]

Fox Sierra wrote on 1/28/2021 12:01 PM:
> On Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 4:17:53 PM UTC-5, Jeff Bures wrote:
>> Hi all,
>>
>> First post here (at least in 20 years).
>>
>> I'm a US citizen with private power and sailplane ratings. I'm contemplating retirement in a few years. One possible plan is to spend several years of it as an expat somewhere the cost of living is less than the USA. Parts of Europe, Asia, Central or South America are options.
>>
>> These years should include lots of recreational (not competition) soaring.. I'm curious about different locations with good soaring. I don't want to be the strange American with the weird airplane, but rather live where soaring is known and I could make some friends. Would people make some suggestions please?
>>
>> I'm also interested in knowing how difficult it is for a visiting pilot to buy, register, and fly a sailplane locally. Are the requirements different if I become a resident? I've read that my USA certificate is valid in many countries if I'm passing through, but as a resident I might need to take additional tests (possibly in the local language). Is this true?
>>
>> Are there any Expat Pilots out there?
>>
>> Thanks for any advice!
> Hi Jeff,
>
> I have flown in Argentina, Namibia, Poland and France.
>
> Among these, I would encourage you to consider Argentina for its low-cost of living in US$ and a very active gliding scene.
> The country has wonderful food, warm people, really strong gliding clubs with amenities (swimming pools, tennis courts, camping, etc.), good weather and very good Regional and National gliding championships. Many different locations to fly. Namibia has none of the above, except low cost of living and a relatively short season with European gliders shipped down there each year from November through January. Europe is Europe...what can I say...
>
> Fernando Silva
>
I know English (American, actually :^) ) and can read a menu in German. Would I be able to
function in Argentina?

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to email me)
- "A Guide to Self-Launching Sailplane Operation"
https://sites.google.com/site/motorgliders/publications/download-the-guide-1

[[email protected]]

On Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 3:01:29 PM UTC-5, Fox Sierra wrote:
> On Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 4:17:53 PM UTC-5, Jeff Bures wrote:
> > Hi all,
> >
> > First post here (at least in 20 years).
> >
> > I'm a US citizen with private power and sailplane ratings. I'm contemplating retirement in a few years. One possible plan is to spend several years of it as an expat somewhere the cost of living is less than the USA. Parts of Europe, Asia, Central or South America are options.
> >
> > These years should include lots of recreational (not competition) soaring. I'm curious about different locations with good soaring. I don't want to be the strange American with the weird airplane, but rather live where soaring is known and I could make some friends. Would people make some suggestions please?
> >
> > I'm also interested in knowing how difficult it is for a visiting pilot to buy, register, and fly a sailplane locally. Are the requirements different if I become a resident? I've read that my USA certificate is valid in many countries if I'm passing through, but as a resident I might need to take additional tests (possibly in the local language). Is this true?
> >
> > Are there any Expat Pilots out there?
> >
> > Thanks for any advice!
> Hi Jeff,
>
> I have flown in Argentina, Namibia, Poland and France.
>
> Among these, I would encourage you to consider Argentina for its low-cost of living in US$ and a very active gliding scene.
> The country has wonderful food, warm people, really strong gliding clubs with amenities (swimming pools, tennis courts, camping, etc.), good weather and very good Regional and National gliding championships. Many different locations to fly. Namibia has none of the above, except low cost of living and a relatively short season with European gliders shipped down there each year from November through January. Europe is Europe...what can I say...
>
> Fernando Silva
I totally agree, look at the US State Dept Travel Advisory and it gives you a pretty good idea as to what is going on. Argentina would be my first choice.

[Rakel]

And don't forget, there is some guy promoting Vero Beach, Florida. There are parts of Florida that are economical, safe and has other things to do.

[andy l]

On Thursday, 28 January 2021 at 03:09:08 UTC, wrote:
> On Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 2:30:18 PM UTC-8, wrote:
> Only watch Newsmax on the computer, live modestly, fly often and enjoy the rest of your life. Bob
> That explains a lot. But not Info Wars? Or OAN or WND?
>
> Steve

Is anyone going to sue Marjorie Taylor Greene for plagiarism?

Her suggestion that the wildfires in California were started by lasers in space, organised by Rothschilds and PG&E, seems to have been more than half stolen from Blofeld in Diamonds Are Forever

[Eric Greenwell[_4_]]

Rakel wrote on 1/28/2021 6:58 PM:
> And don't forget, there is some guy promoting Vero Beach, Florida. There are parts of Florida that are economical, safe and has other things to do.
>
But the OP was looking for soaring in retirement! Florida can be nice, but I wouldn't go there
for long-term soaring, because I'd miss the mountains too much.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to email me)
- "A Guide to Self-Launching Sailplane Operation"
https://sites.google.com/site/motorgliders/publications/download-the-guide-1

[[email protected]]

On Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 9:58:47 PM UTC-5, Rakel wrote:
> And don't forget, there is some guy promoting Vero Beach, Florida. There are parts of Florida that are economical, safe and has other things to do.

Yes Rakel, Vero Beach is a great place to retire, but year around soaring is so so. The fall and spring brings good soaring weather and at times the summer can be very interesting if you get up early and scoot home to avoid the thunderstorms. I guess the best retirement would be on the 3 or 4 month plan that one could travel to three or four great spots and reside there through the soaring season. Australia, the Western part near Perth, Argentina, South of Buenos Aires, Somewhere out west in the US, probably NM or UT. Rounding out the year in Vero Beach would be the icing on the cake. My honorable mention sites would be Spain, somewhere near Zaragoza, Africa, only the South, and NZ. I spent a lot of time in Spain, working there and I would often look at the sky and wish I had my sailplane there to enjoy those beautiful cloud streets. Well, I guess I better get to sleep so I can dream some more , although I must get up again at 5.30 so I can get online and once again try to get an appointment for a COVID shot, I think I have a better chance of winning Powerball !

[Tony[_7_]]

On Friday, January 29, 2021 at 1:49:21 AM UTC-5, wrote:
> On Thursday, January 28, 2021 at 9:58:47 PM UTC-5, Rakel wrote:
> > And don't forget, there is some guy promoting Vero Beach, Florida. There are parts of Florida that are economical, safe and has other things to do..
> Yes Rakel, Vero Beach is a great place to retire, but year around soaring is so so. The fall and spring brings good soaring weather and at times the summer can be very interesting if you get up early and scoot home to avoid the thunderstorms. I guess the best retirement would be on the 3 or 4 month plan that one could travel to three or four great spots and reside there through the soaring season. Australia, the Western part near Perth, Argentina, South of Buenos Aires, Somewhere out west in the US, probably NM or UT. Rounding out the year in Vero Beach would be the icing on the cake. My honorable mention sites would be Spain, somewhere near Zaragoza, Africa, only the South, and NZ. I spent a lot of time in Spain, working there and I would often look at the sky and wish I had my sailplane there to enjoy those beautiful cloud streets. Well, I guess I better get to sleep so I can dream some more , although I must get up again at 5.30 so I can get online and once again try to get an appointment for a COVID shot, I think I have a better chance of winning Powerball !

Bureacracy is/was ridiculous in Argentina not many years ago, don't think much has changed. Don't expect to wander in solo and get the same kind of greased-skids treatment as WGC competitors. Let us know what you learn!

[Hank Nixon]

On Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 4:17:53 PM UTC-5, Jeff Bures wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> First post here (at least in 20 years).
>
> I'm a US citizen with private power and sailplane ratings. I'm contemplating retirement in a few years. One possible plan is to spend several years of it as an expat somewhere the cost of living is less than the USA. Parts of Europe, Asia, Central or South America are options.
>
> These years should include lots of recreational (not competition) soaring.. I'm curious about different locations with good soaring. I don't want to be the strange American with the weird airplane, but rather live where soaring is known and I could make some friends. Would people make some suggestions please?
>
> I'm also interested in knowing how difficult it is for a visiting pilot to buy, register, and fly a sailplane locally. Are the requirements different if I become a resident? I've read that my USA certificate is valid in many countries if I'm passing through, but as a resident I might need to take additional tests (possibly in the local language). Is this true?
>
> Are there any Expat Pilots out there?
>
> Thanks for any advice!
It would be smart to consider Australia as an option. Multiple excellent soaring sites. Great people and culture.
UH

[[email protected]]

About Argentina:

Yes, great places to fly:
Bariloche, Chos malal, Mendoza, Jachal if you like the mountains.
Flatlands soaring is good too at south west of Buenos Aires province ( i strongly recommend not living in buenos aires city).
Very cheap to live if your income is in USD.

Bureaucracy is better than it was in 2012. More if you are planing to be here for a while.
Bring your own bird, it is way cheaper, you can sell it to a local when you return and everybody will be happy.
Lots of foreings come with their own glider to fly the Andes.

Like Hank said, you should look for Australia and maybe New Zeland, same language, great soaring places.

[Eric Greenwell[_4_]]

Jeff Bures wrote on 1/27/2021 1:17 PM:
> Hi all,
>
> First post here (at least in 20 years).
>
> I'm a US citizen with private power and sailplane ratings. I'm contemplating retirement in a few years. One possible plan is to spend several years of it as an expat somewhere the cost of living is less than the USA. Parts of Europe, Asia, Central or South America are options.
>
> These years should include lots of recreational (not competition) soaring. I'm curious about different locations with good soaring. I don't want to be the strange American with the weird airplane, but rather live where soaring is known and I could make some friends. Would people make some suggestions please?
>
> I'm also interested in knowing how difficult it is for a visiting pilot to buy, register, and fly a sailplane locally. Are the requirements different if I become a resident? I've read that my USA certificate is valid in many countries if I'm passing through, but as a resident I might need to take additional tests (possibly in the local language). Is this true?
>
> Are there any Expat Pilots out there?
>
> Thanks for any advice!
>
How about deferring the choice for a few years while you fly in Australia, New Zealand,
Argentina, Namibia, Europe, even places in the US that you may not have visited?

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to email me)
- "A Guide to Self-Launching Sailplane Operation"
https://sites.google.com/site/motorgliders/publications/download-the-guide-1

[2G]

On Friday, January 29, 2021 at 2:25:16 PM UTC-8, Eric Greenwell wrote:
> Jeff Bures wrote on 1/27/2021 1:17 PM:
> > Hi all,
> >
> > First post here (at least in 20 years).
> >
> > I'm a US citizen with private power and sailplane ratings. I'm contemplating retirement in a few years. One possible plan is to spend several years of it as an expat somewhere the cost of living is less than the USA. Parts of Europe, Asia, Central or South America are options.
> >
> > These years should include lots of recreational (not competition) soaring. I'm curious about different locations with good soaring. I don't want to be the strange American with the weird airplane, but rather live where soaring is known and I could make some friends. Would people make some suggestions please?
> >
> > I'm also interested in knowing how difficult it is for a visiting pilot to buy, register, and fly a sailplane locally. Are the requirements different if I become a resident? I've read that my USA certificate is valid in many countries if I'm passing through, but as a resident I might need to take additional tests (possibly in the local language). Is this true?
> >
> > Are there any Expat Pilots out there?
> >
> > Thanks for any advice!
> >
> How about deferring the choice for a few years while you fly in Australia, New Zealand,
> Argentina, Namibia, Europe, even places in the US that you may not have visited?
> --
> Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to email me)
> - "A Guide to Self-Launching Sailplane Operation"
> https://sites.google.com/site/motorgliders/publications/download-the-guide-1

Before you go check out the cost of gliders in the country you are considering. All have much higher duties than we have here (which are zero thanks to Boeing). In some it approaches 100%. The same goes for cars. This could really put a huge dent into COL savings. The alternative is to come back to the US during soaring season and live in an RV.

Tom

[Aldo Cernezzi]

I'd suggest Eastern Europe, such as Slovakia, Czech Republic. Soaring is extremely well known and very good conditions from the spring till late September. Cost are at the lowest in the EU. And still just a few hours driving time from there to Vienna or Germany. Romania for even lower costs. These countries' economies are growing fast and taxes are low (in EU terms). There may be programmes encouraging foreign residents to move. Things like fixed-cost taxes for a few years, etc.

In Western Europe, you may need to shop for the cheaper operations if you consider Germany (not really very expensive prices for a typical family), or France in the Alps, Spain, and Austria as well.
Namibia is only good for a few weeks at very expensive soaring lodges. South Africa would be very interesting, except you need to fly airlines to reach other "civilized" countries.
I'd be happy to see you coming to Italy. Central Italy around Rieti, L'Aquila, Pavullo, Arezzo offers great conditions and much cheaper living costs than Northern Italy.

Talking flyable days or hrs per year, it's hard to beat the French Alps.
You might use any of the former countries as base, then drive around with your sailplane and trailer to the best soaring places, all within 500->2000 kms.

Sure you can't fly a US registered sailplane in EU for long periods. You may probably get a temporary license.
You'd have to buy a share or a sailplane, registered in EU (any country will do) and convert your licence after a few flights and a written exam (after studying EASA rules). In some countries, you may find inspectors willing to allow you to give the exam in English.
I guess a long stay shall require you to register as a long-term resident.

ciao,
Aldo Cernezzi
www.voloavela.it



Il giorno mercoledì 27 gennaio 2021 alle 22:17:53 UTC+1 Jeff Bures ha scritto:

> These years should include lots of recreational (not competition) soaring.. I'm curious about different locations with good soaring. I don't want to be the strange American with the weird airplane, but rather live where soaring is known and I could make some friends. Would people make some suggestions please?
>
> I'm also interested in knowing how difficult it is for a visiting pilot to buy, register, and fly a sailplane locally. Are the requirements different if I become a resident? I've read that my USA certificate is valid in many countries if I'm passing through, but as a resident I might need to take additional tests (possibly in the local language). Is this true?

[Mike the Strike]

On Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 2:17:53 PM UTC-7, Jeff Bures wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> First post here (at least in 20 years).
>
> I'm a US citizen with private power and sailplane ratings. I'm contemplating retirement in a few years. One possible plan is to spend several years of it as an expat somewhere the cost of living is less than the USA. Parts of Europe, Asia, Central or South America are options.
>
> These years should include lots of recreational (not competition) soaring.. I'm curious about different locations with good soaring. I don't want to be the strange American with the weird airplane, but rather live where soaring is known and I could make some friends. Would people make some suggestions please?
>
> I'm also interested in knowing how difficult it is for a visiting pilot to buy, register, and fly a sailplane locally. Are the requirements different if I become a resident? I've read that my USA certificate is valid in many countries if I'm passing through, but as a resident I might need to take additional tests (possibly in the local language). Is this true?
>
> Are there any Expat Pilots out there?
>
> Thanks for any advice!
I started my glider flying career in the UK, then took it up seriously in South Africa. I emigrated to the USA in 1985 and have spent most of my flying career in the southwest USA. Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada have some of the best cross-country soaring conditions in the world and quite long soaring seasons.

Much as I enjoyed living in South Africa with its really great soaring and however much I love the country, I couldn't recommend it right now. Social unrest is becoming more of a problem and you might find that challenging. Namibia is safer than South Africa and has world-class soaring for a few months in the southern summer. If you go there, I recommend learning a bit of German and develop a taste for drinking beer by the liter! New Zealand is a great country - very friendly and the flying can be really good - especially if you're into wave flying. It's just a long way from everywhere and not the cheapest place in the world to live or fly!

Europe I can speak about with more authority, as my wife and I recently bought a cottage in England and I joined a local gliding club there. The license was no problem, - the US license is accepted almost anywhere. More of a problem is a medical. New civil aviation requirements in the UK and Europe will require some sort of medical documentation. I also found that owning a glider and getting insurance in the UK required a residential address, which means you'd likely have to arrange a long-term rental or other fixed abode. In the UK, once you get a long-term rental, you'll get hit with local property taxes and have to buy a TV license - things Americans take for granted! In most of Europe, including the UK, food is cheap and gasoline expensive. We found it a lot cheaper to buy a car rather than rent.

Continental Europe is quite open to pilots from other countries and glider rentals and reciprocal licensing are usually quite easily arranged. From colleagues, I have heard good things about flying in the more eastern countries - both from flying conditions to the cost of living. The UK and Germany have the most glider pilots per capita, but others are not too far behind..

In all countries, a local telephone is also a must - we use an iPhone with dual SIMS and have both US and UK numbers.

So, it's not trivial to overcome the bureaucratic problems associated with setting up residence in another country. I think you should decide where you really would like to go and then research it in detail by making as many local contacts as possible. I wouldn't discount another part of the USA, though. (Except Florida - full of toxic plants and critters that bite!)

Good luck!

Mike

[[email protected]]

Poland, Spain or the Czech Republic top my list.

[Jeff Bures]

Thanks everyone for all the great ideas. Part of the reason to go abroad is to enable early retirement. Some of the above suggestions are great, others probably wouldn't help the early retirement.

I've thought about the idea of spending winters in the Caribbean (Scuba Diving), and the summers in an RV towing a glider around the USA. I think this might be a great plan for the first 5-8 years of retirement, but the older one gets the harder it is to be a snowbird.

Keep the ideas coming!

[Phoenix]

On Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 7:45:18 PM UTC-5, Jeff Bures wrote:
> Thanks everyone for all the great ideas. Part of the reason to go abroad is to enable early retirement. Some of the above suggestions are great, others probably wouldn't help the early retirement.
>
> I've thought about the idea of spending winters in the Caribbean (Scuba Diving), and the summers in an RV towing a glider around the USA. I think this might be a great plan for the first 5-8 years of retirement, but the older one gets the harder it is to be a snowbird.
>
> Keep the ideas coming!

Get a sailboat. Live on it full time - part in the Carib and part in Fl. where you can fly :)

[Mark Mocho]

> Get a sailboat. Live on it full time - part in the Carib and part in Fl. where you can fly :)

"No man will be a sailor who has contrivance enough to get himself into a jail; for being in a ship is being in a jail, with the chance of being drowned... a man in a jail has more room, better food, and commonly better company."

Samuel Johnson

[Roy B.]

> "No man will be a sailor who has contrivance enough to get himself into a jail; for being in a ship is being in a jail, with the chance of being drowned... a man in a jail has more room, better food, and commonly better company."
> Samuel Johnson

Definition of boat: "A hole in the water into which you pour money" . . .
And then there is the one about the 2 happiest days in a boat owner's life. The day he buys it and . . .
ROY

[ProfJ]

On Wednesday, 27 January 2021 at 14:17:53 UTC-7, Jeff Bures wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> First post here (at least in 20 years).
>
> I'm a US citizen with private power and sailplane ratings. I'm contemplating retirement in a few years. One possible plan is to spend several years of it as an expat somewhere the cost of living is less than the USA. Parts of Europe, Asia, Central or South America are options.
>
> These years should include lots of recreational (not competition) soaring.. I'm curious about different locations with good soaring. I don't want to be the strange American with the weird airplane, but rather live where soaring is known and I could make some friends. Would people make some suggestions please?
>
> I'm also interested in knowing how difficult it is for a visiting pilot to buy, register, and fly a sailplane locally. Are the requirements different if I become a resident? I've read that my USA certificate is valid in many countries if I'm passing through, but as a resident I might need to take additional tests (possibly in the local language). Is this true?
>
> Are there any Expat Pilots out there?
>
> Thanks for any advice!
Take a look at Cape Town, South Africa. The gliding at FAWC / Worcester (Cape Gliding Club) is world class - it draws a lot of Northern Hemisphere competitive gliders for the southern summer, and you are a (very long) day's drive from Bitterwasser.

[Moto Hot Sauce]

On Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 10:17:53 PM UTC+1, Jeff Bures wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> First post here (at least in 20 years).
>
> I'm a US citizen with private power and sailplane ratings. I'm contemplating retirement in a few years. One possible plan is to spend several years of it as an expat somewhere the cost of living is less than the USA. Parts of Europe, Asia, Central or South America are options.
>
> These years should include lots of recreational (not competition) soaring.. I'm curious about different locations with good soaring. I don't want to be the strange American with the weird airplane, but rather live where soaring is known and I could make some friends. Would people make some suggestions please?
>
> I'm also interested in knowing how difficult it is for a visiting pilot to buy, register, and fly a sailplane locally. Are the requirements different if I become a resident? I've read that my USA certificate is valid in many countries if I'm passing through, but as a resident I might need to take additional tests (possibly in the local language). Is this true?
>
> Are there any Expat Pilots out there?
>
> Thanks for any advice!

[Moto Hot Sauce]

I moved CA to Spain and the soaring is fantastic in the Pyrenees. I have also flown in Argentina which is also top notch. Depends where you want to live. Here in Spain you have many choices to fly in Europe if you like road trips.




On Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 10:17:53 PM UTC+1, Jeff Bures wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> First post here (at least in 20 years).
>
> I'm a US citizen with private power and sailplane ratings. I'm contemplating retirement in a few years. One possible plan is to spend several years of it as an expat somewhere the cost of living is less than the USA. Parts of Europe, Asia, Central or South America are options.
>
> These years should include lots of recreational (not competition) soaring.. I'm curious about different locations with good soaring. I don't want to be the strange American with the weird airplane, but rather live where soaring is known and I could make some friends. Would people make some suggestions please?
>
> I'm also interested in knowing how difficult it is for a visiting pilot to buy, register, and fly a sailplane locally. Are the requirements different if I become a resident? I've read that my USA certificate is valid in many countries if I'm passing through, but as a resident I might need to take additional tests (possibly in the local language). Is this true?
>
> Are there any Expat Pilots out there?
>
> Thanks for any advice!

[Jeff Bures]

On Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 1:06:48 AM UTC-8, Moto Hot Sauce wrote:
> I moved CA to Spain and the soaring is fantastic in the Pyrenees. I have also flown in Argentina which is also top notch. Depends where you want to live. Here in Spain you have many choices to fly in Europe if you like road trips.

Do you use your USA certificate, or did you have to get one in the EU? Was it difficult? Did you need to learn any Spanish?

What about purchasing and registering a sailplane? Was that difficult?

[John Foster]

On Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 2:06:48 AM UTC-7, Moto Hot Sauce wrote:
> I moved CA to Spain and the soaring is fantastic in the Pyrenees. I have also flown in Argentina which is also top notch. Depends where you want to live. Here in Spain you have many choices to fly in Europe if you like road trips.
> On Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 10:17:53 PM UTC+1, Jeff Bures wrote:
> > Hi all,
> >
> > First post here (at least in 20 years).
> >
> > I'm a US citizen with private power and sailplane ratings. I'm contemplating retirement in a few years. One possible plan is to spend several years of it as an expat somewhere the cost of living is less than the USA. Parts of Europe, Asia, Central or South America are options.
> >
> > These years should include lots of recreational (not competition) soaring. I'm curious about different locations with good soaring. I don't want to be the strange American with the weird airplane, but rather live where soaring is known and I could make some friends. Would people make some suggestions please?
> >
> > I'm also interested in knowing how difficult it is for a visiting pilot to buy, register, and fly a sailplane locally. Are the requirements different if I become a resident? I've read that my USA certificate is valid in many countries if I'm passing through, but as a resident I might need to take additional tests (possibly in the local language). Is this true?
> >
> > Are there any Expat Pilots out there?
> >
> > Thanks for any advice!
How does Chile compare to Argentina?

[[email protected]]

> How does Chile compare to Argentina?
Because of the wind direction the wave system is on Argentinian side.

[john firth]

On Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 7:07:54 AM UTC-5, wrote:
> > How does Chile compare to Argentina?
> Because of the wind direction the wave system is on Argentinian side.
Ah but the ridge lift is on the Chilean side! How hig do you want to fly?
JMF

[Eric Greenwell[_4_]]

john firth wrote on 3/17/2021 12:39 PM:
> On Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 7:07:54 AM UTC-5, wrote:
>>> How does Chile compare to Argentina?
>> Because of the wind direction the wave system is on Argentinian side.
> Ah but the ridge lift is on the Chilean side! How hig do you want to fly?
> JMF
>
How far are their ridge flights?

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to email me)
- "A Guide to Self-Launching Sailplane Operation"
https://sites.google.com/site/motorgliders/publications/download-the-guide-1

[Ian Molesworth]

South Africa - I miss my 8 m/s thermals, 14000' cloudbase, mountains 10000' high and 1000km flights to be had for the asking. Stupendous food and wine, people, flying, scenery, geography but paint it however you like you are always a man flying a $250 000 toy in a country where 90% of the population have an annual HOUSEHOLD disposable income of $2333 and a human life is worth considerably less. We left, our families left, our friends and colleagues have all left, some never made it out. I know people who have gone over to settle and think it's paradise. It isn't.

I have spent a lot of time in Germany, France and Spain. Southern Germany and Austria are simply stunning. The flying is tremendous. The Alps are a lifetimes work. Greece and the Balkans have massive potential, Greece has to get over it's post military past though and that's going to take time. If you can swing it I'd plan a 5 to 7 year rolling tour of Europe. Winters in mountains in the UK, France, Spain, Austria, Italy, Scandanavia. Summers just about anywhere, touring and mixing European culture and flying. What a retirement!