On 23 Dec 2003 08:13:37 -0800, (Jim
Buckridge) wrote in Message-Id:
:

I got my glider private rating for less than $3000 including all costs...
books, exams, flights, etc.

During the early '70s, the Southern California Soaring Association ran
a glider operation at El Mirage Dry Lake (Antelope Valley) under the
guidance of Leonard Sharp. We had a 2-33, 1-26, and Blanik B-13 (?),
that we aero-towed to El Mirage Dry Lake, and an old Buick with a
1,500' cable for cheap auto-tow launches to well over a 1,000' all day
long. Dues in the club ran $10/month, and auto-tows were $2/each.
Instruction was provided (gratis) by many very experienced and
competent CFIG members.

The SCSA cub operation was inexpensive, and provided the camaraderie
and manpower that is characteristic of soaring.