wrote:

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.

Based on all the pilots (very, very few) that have suggested to me the
instrument rating aided their glider flying, I'd say it has very little
value. What it can do is open up airspace for what I call "extreme"
soaring: cloud flying and high altitude (Class A airspace) wave flying.
You don't sound like you are likely to pursue those for a long time.

I suggest you figure out how much the instrument rating will cost, and
consider spending the money on cross-country experiences and instruction
a with really good pilots. Two that come to mind Karl Striedieck and
Gavin Wills. A 4 or 5 hour contest flight with Karl would be a real
eye-opener, and the cost is only $200, plus whatever it costs to show up
at a contest. Gavin Wills will be offering US based instruction at
Minden and Parowan in 2008. I'm sure others can offer more suggestions.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
* Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly
* "Transponders in Sailplanes" http://tinyurl.com/y739x4
* "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation" at www.motorglider.org