A rather unfortunate event at the gliderport I frequent has prompted me to ask a few questions regarding renters insurance for gliders. The unfortunate individual whose flying (or lack thereof) resulted in the loss of a Schweizer 1-34 will, I understand, be responsible for the deductible portion...

I don't want to beat a dead horse here but there seems to be some conflict of opinion as to whose responsibility certain aspects of launching a glider might be. While I am not THE authority on the subject, I can only go with what I have been taught, what I have learned and observed and the...

I have seen a number of glider advertised and most tell you the total time. Unlike a powered airplane which has a tach or a Hobbs meter, gliders seldom have any built in way to determine the actually time on the air frame. While people might try to inflate their personal flying time, I would not...

Just curious as to how it's done elsewhere. I fly at a commercial operation and the priority for launch always goes to the school gliders....this makes sense...the student has scheduled for a specific time days in advance.... Next come the renal ships and glider rides and they too have been...

(I thought I had posted this but perhaps I was mistaken) Having decided that my next achievement in the world of soaring will the be the 5 hour Silver Duration flight, I have come to realize that I need to further investigate some of the potential obstacles to staying aloft such as butt and back...

I was looking for a good way to determine when my chute would need a repack and came across this. Always thought that it would be good if the rigger provided the date when the re-rig would be required but I don't see it on my card. Walt http://www.skydiveorange.com/wenamidoo.aspx

Okay, let's hear your views on what proper etiquette might be in a thermal. We all know the first man in decides the direction of the turn and we should all thermal at the same speed. The Glider Pilot Handbook seems somewhat unconcerned with the rules and etiquette and the internet information...

Reading all the posts about accidents and their causes, reasons and excuses has made me google my fingers off (I'm about to go blind) in an attempt to as completely as possible understand all that's happening physiologically regarding dehydration. Knowing the early warning signs of any problem is...

I found this on YouTube and I would be more interested in what the crowd on Aviation Banter/Soaring had to say. I am impressed that this individual would post his video, has to be a bit embarrassing. Lots of second guessing and backseat flying in the comments but I think he did the right thing. ...

Very unfortunate to read about accidents resulting in death or serious injury in any sport or endeavor. Without making a mountain out of a mole hill, as one who has spent a lot of time chasing rope and hooking up gliders in the past year and a half I would like to remind everyone that it's a lot...

I am trying to look at the tracking info for individual gliders at the recent Seniors Championship. I opened results and reports on the SSA web site and see a number of small squares with alpha numerics under them. Nothing indicating individual gliders. When I click on one I am informed that I...

I understand there is someone who for a fee allows a passenger to ride along in the back seat during competitions. I believe this was possible at the Senior Championships at Seminole Lake back in March. Anyone know who this is and how I would contact them? I would be interested in the...

Anyone wish to weigh in on the L-33 solo? I am in the market for a single seater. Metal is preferred because you can tie it down outside without the problems associated with glass. 1-34's are hard to find, not a lot of metal ships on the market these days it seems. Can anyone speak to the...

The question as to what trainer might be best for the future obviously hit a nerve with some people. As always, opinions are like rear ends, everyone has one and some carry more weight than others. For most of us, it didn't matter what the club or commercial operator had for training, we wanted...

I was wondering if there was a blue book of sorts for used gliders? Walt

Anyone have a good recommendation for a home study course for CFI-G. Seems that all there is available is books with the questions and answers. Working on the Fundamentals Of Instruction right now. Walt

Okay, I'm looking for a place to do some ridge soaring. Never done it, it doesn't exist where I fly. (Seminole Lake GP, Florida) Any suggestions as to the best ridge soaring and availability of instruction? Walt

Yesterday I was making a stab at doing a 5 hour duration flight in a 1-34. I was wearing a 303 back pack from Strong as the back cushion and used the bottom seat cushion. I had a lumbar pad in the chute and felt comfy for about 45 minutes after take off. At one hour I knew I was gonna be hurting...

The Senior Championships are coming up next week at Seminole Lake Glider Port and I am as excited as a virgin on her wedding night. I have the back seat of Karl Striedieck's Duo Discus reserved for Tuesday of the event and I am looking forward to this like a kid waiting for Christmas. I am sure...

Does anyone know of an aviation insurance company that writes liability only for tow pilots? I'm on the insurance policy of the operation but I have assets and wish to protect myself beyond the company's insurance.