On Dec 29, 3:20*am, " wrote:
Hi everyone:

I searched the archives for a discussion of this topic, but found
nothing recent, so here it goes.

I got my power license two years ago. *Shortly after I saw the light
and was converted to gliders. *I just passed my glider checkride a
week ago. Alas, now I am back in school in Eastern Washington state
where there are few gliders in the air and many inches of snow on the
ground. *The nearest things with wings are Cessnas at the local FBO.
So I am thinking of doing more power flying and perhaps an instrument
rating. *(There are no aerobatics or tailwheel instructors nearby.)

Here's my question to you all: to what extent can further training in
power flying, in particular the instrument rating, be of use in glider
flying? My personal goal is to pursue cross-country soaring. Would an
instrument rating broaden my horizons and sharpen my flying, or is it
better to conserve time, energy, and resources for gliders.

To those of you who have instrument ratings - how has the instrument
rating helped with your glider flying? * Also, how has power flying
helped with your glider flying?

Your comments and suggestions are much appreciated.

Happy new year!
-Teresa


Teresa,

I just added my single engine after 20 years in gliders and it was one
of the best things I could have done for my glider students, many who
are already power pilots. I'm persuing the instrument rating as well
and have noted many similarities between instrument flying and cross-
country soaring mostly in how one uses one's mind. That is a subject
in itself that I wont go into here. There are some very exciting
cross-country soaring possibilities that only instrument rated pilots
can consider. Most glider people think this is dangerous and insane
and I hesitate to even mention it here. If you are interested search
this group for posts on it or email me.

All that aside, probably the best thing you can do to progress as a
soaring pilot is to own your own glider. It doesn't have to be a
$20000 or more high performance machine. Just ask the Cherokee kid on
this forum. You can probably find something usable for the price of
an instrument rating if you look hard and network and are willing to
put a little TLC into it.

I would enjoy talking with you more about this. Any chance you can
make it to the convention? You will find a lot of great contacts,
info, and discussions there.

Matt Michael