In article Frank Whiteley writes:
On Sep 24, 11:04 pm, (Alan) wrote:
In article
.com HoUdino writes:

With the increase in costs of power flying, one would believe a
program focused on power pilots would see some positive results for
soaring. Thanks for the post!

You must be kidding. Gliding costs *lots* more than power flying --
by at least 3 to 1.

Alan

Not in my experience, ever. The cheapest power flying I ever did was
$19.50/hour wet for a C152 out of the Fort Lewis Flying Club, WA,
circa 1976.

Perhaps I should elaborate.

I slightly beat that in 1977, but I was talking about what it costs
now. C-152's rent for $89 at Palo Alto, about 10 miles from home.

About an hour of glider time cost me $378 last weekend, once it
was added up. That didn't count the 70 mile drive each way to get
there.


I have fond memories of 50pence ($1US) five hour flights from winch
launches (RAF clubs). In the early 1990's while in the UK, the number
of second launches off the winch I took to commit soaring could be
counted on one hand for the season. Of course 19m and longer wings
help one scratch away on a regular basis.

Tows cost $26/1000 feet + $7 connection. Lift is apparently a
5000 - 6000 foot tow away, due to the marine layer arriving midday.

No way we get 5 hours for $1.

I have owned a power plane. I have an idea what it must cost to
own/operate/maintain a tow plane. I believe the costs of running
a commercial operation add up. One has to expect to pay to have an
operation that continues to exist.

But, it is not less expensive than power flight. I wish it were
inexpensive; really I do.


Alan