I've been reading this thread with interest. You see.. I think I'm a prime candidate for this idea. I have my CFIG and commercial. I got it 20 years ago in college. Almost all of my soaring experience is 20 years ago. Almost the entirety of my experience is intro soaring, and acro rides when I was in college (that's was flying that someone else was paying for... good enough in my late teens)

I had some good flying in CSA's 1-36. I think my best ever was a 2.5 flight out of Bob Lee in Deland FL. I got beyond gliding range from the airport for the first time. Nothing serious... just one flight of.. oh... I gotta go here, then there then I can get back.

Now here I am in my early 40s. Time, and disposable income are both on my side for once. I joined a club late in the summer. I checked out to tow and teach. Knocking the rust off my skills was fun. I got some good instruction in ridge soaring, got a taste of wave too.

So, here I am.. What now!?

I decided that I need to learn. So after one false start ( tried Minden, but they decided they'd stay closed in March when I have vacation) I booked 4 days in Williams CA. Told them I want to learn how to thermal better, and get some cross country instruction.

I've been reading some soaring books. Started with 'the soaring engine'

I've got plans to go to Elmira. A college age friend grew up at contests, and he and his kids now are flying contest. I feel I'm so far away from being qualified to even show up!

I'm sure it's like anything.. I just have to DO it.

I bought a quarter share of a 1-35. I'm anxious to get out and learn the skill set. As of now, I'd say I wouldn't be interested in a contest until 2017. Is that realistic.. a whole year of getting ready? The 'on ramp' sure looks steep from where I'm sitting. I'm determined to keep going, and see if I enjoy this type of flying. But for someone who's never done it. It sure seems like a extraordinary amount of time, effort, and money getting into a new hobby. I'm game to try for a while and see how I like it.

Jason