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Old July 24th 06, 08:53 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Don Byrer
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Posts: 75
Default Newbie glider pilot finally got to fly

Hi all...

I've made a few misc posts here...but never asked what was really was
on my mind...

How (and where) the heck do I learn to fly gliders?
(this doesn't seem to be discussed...usually topics for experienced
pilots/owners)

I'm a 300-ish hour Commercial-SEL with aspirations of becoming a
single engine CFI.
But, ya know what? All the studying is getting old, and I really
wanna go DO something new...
Especially something I can do for a reasonable price. No more
financing my flying...ever!

I've always felt my stick-n-rudder skills and power-off landings could
be better, too.

I found Fun Country Soaring here in NE OH at 67D, Reader-Botsford
airport....About 40 mins SW of Cleveland.
Finally had a day off and a few extra $$ last Sunday.
Did two flights in an L-13. Aero-tow to 3000 AGL, CFI allowed me to
fly the tow from 1000' both times,
did OK the first time, got the line slack the second time and got
yanked.
He let me do the the full landing on the second trip. No lift, .3
and .4 per flight, but still fun and educational!.
(and still cheaper than a 172 at $125/hour)

Hung out the whole day and got to watch a long-time student solo.
His parents had come out to watch and were surprised that he
soloed...plus...he found some lift and was up almost an hour with a 3K
tow.
Not bad for NE Ohio...

I had a ball! Got a lot of sunburn too

I even rescheduled a Doc appt during the week so I can go fly.

How about hearing from some other newbies out there???

Don Byrer KJ5KB







Don Byrer KJ5KB
Radar Tech & Smilin' Commercial Pilot Guy
Glider student & CFI-SEL wannabe
kj5kb-at-hotmail.com

"I have slipped the surly bonds of earth; now if I can just land without bending the gear..."
"Watch out for those doves...smack-smack-smack-smack..."