On Saturday, November 2, 2013 9:07:22 AM UTC-5, HGXC wrote:
Shipping across country can get quite expensive. In the end I had to do it myself and it was a horror show. I got the glider and trailer back in one piece but it took 5 and a half days and I hit every weather condition possible sans tornado -. I was lucky and I would never do it again. Dennis

My most entertaining was the trip to Canada to pick up a glider. First day was really short. After work, get 200 miles down the road and overnight in a Motel 6. Early second day had heavy rains, 50+ MPH winds, probably inflow to a tornado along with hail. Radio said tornado had been sighted near where I had just been. Later in the day, picked up headwinds so strong that I was on the gas to maintain 70 MPH in the GMC Van going down a 5% grade.. That night, rain turned to freezing rain turned to snow. 20 MPH was about the max safe speed. Night two, Motel 6 number 2. Third day was a nice trip into Canada to pick up the glider. Delayed coming back across the border due to some sort of "radiation from the trailer". Only thing I can think of is the A-14 oxygen regulator and radium markings. Once back in the US, had more snow, slip sliding with the trailer, closed roads due to construction and a few stretches of one lane road that were long enough that since I missed the tail end of the line going my way, I had to sit for about 30 minutes before the "Follow Me" car came back. Night three, America's Best Value (Motel 6 was full). Day 4 had nice weather, but still windy. Spent the night with my Brother near Denver. Day 5 was an easy day from Denver back to Wichita. Round trip distance was only about 3000 miles. Left Thursday after work, was home in time for dinner on Monday.

And if the opportunity comes up to do it again, I would in a heartbeat!

But to the original question, if you know someone in the area that can take a look at the plane for you, go ahead and do that. They don't have to be a mechanic. Just an impartial set of eyes. Preferably another glider pilot. I have done this before and it helps in keeping you from being unpleasantly surprised. Eyes will see lots more than pictures will show.

Steve Leonard