On Nov 24, 9:59*am, wrote:
On Nov 24, 11:32*am, Burt Compton - Marfa wrote:

On Nov 24, 9:57 am, wrote:

Why would it take 4 days to complete the licence? Writing the test
should be fairly quick, and I think I can convince an instructor that
I know what I'm doing in fairly short order.

Interesting comment, which may send up a red flag in most CFI's
minds. *

Burt,

My comment was regards to the earlier posting about writing the exam
and doing some checkrides to get my U.S. certificate, it didn't seem
to me that I'd require a full course. *I'm currently a licenced glider
pilot and instructor in Canada, as well as holder of a Private Pilot -
Aeroplane. *I'm technically "low-time" at only 90 or so hours on
gliders, but I'm current and competently skilled (yes, there are
improvements to be done -- who can honestly say otherwise?). *It
should be quickly obvious to a CFI that I know what I'm doing with a
glider -- no red flags at all.

I just can't "wrap my head around" the seeming requirement that I take
a full course to gain a licence to exercise flying privileges that I
already have in my home country. *After all, the FAA would have no
problem if I brought my own ship (Kestrel 19) down to the States and
flew it... why the problem with getting even a temporary or restricted
licence to fly an N# glider? *I don't wish to instruct or even fly a
passenger while there; *I just want to enjoy the thermals for a few
hours.

I have no problems with doing a checkride or three to demonstrate to
the owner that I'm a competent pilot capable of safely flying and
returning the aircraft. *I would expect to be checked at any club that
I visit; I'm subject to a Spring proficiency check at my own club each
year, both front and rear seat. *I just don't know why I'd need a 4-
day course to demonstrate the skills that I would have been teaching
to my students in Canada the week before my trip.

John

John:

When I said 4 days, I actually mean 4 days given your prior experience
AND if you do a fair amount of study in advance. Four days is, in
truth, a short time for earning a certificate, and I have to agree
with Burt that it is a good time to take your time, enjoy yourself,
and learn things you might not get flying in Canada (like a nice wave
flight, or some western thermals with high tops but narrow cores).
Four days might sound to you like a long time, but even with your
experience we have to be satisfied that you are ready to answer ALL
the questions and do ALL the maneuvers before we endorse you and send
you to a DPE. Trust me, when we endorse you, you will be overprepared
for the check ride. But the alternative is not acceptable: it's the
stuff you DON'T know that will bite you later!

Oh, and tell the wife she will most decidedly enjoy herself here while
you're soaring at Minden: fantastic scenery, good tourism, nice
antiquing, wine tours, etc. We look forward to having you come fly at
SoaringNV.

Best,

Fred