On Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 2:30:18 PM UTC-8, wrote:
On Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 4:17:53 PM UTC-5, Jeff Bures wrote:
Hi all,

First post here (at least in 20 years).

I'm a US citizen with private power and sailplane ratings. I'm contemplating retirement in a few years. One possible plan is to spend several years of it as an expat somewhere the cost of living is less than the USA. Parts of Europe, Asia, Central or South America are options.

These years should include lots of recreational (not competition) soaring. I'm curious about different locations with good soaring. I don't want to be the strange American with the weird airplane, but rather live where soaring is known and I could make some friends. Would people make some suggestions please?

I'm also interested in knowing how difficult it is for a visiting pilot to buy, register, and fly a sailplane locally. Are the requirements different if I become a resident? I've read that my USA certificate is valid in many countries if I'm passing through, but as a resident I might need to take additional tests (possibly in the local language). Is this true?

Are there any Expat Pilots out there?

Thanks for any advice!
I have friends that soar in the Philippines, don't know much about the conditions. I would probably take off to Western Australia, although China is putting the squeeze on them and the GDP is down about 7%, looks like they are facing their first recession in 30 years. Who cares about the GDP and the recession, we just want to fly gliders and live happily ever after! The country of California is too expensive and way too liberal. South Africa might be on my map, but my life would probably be in danger. Looking South, maybe Argentina, the beef is good and the ladies are beautiful and the soaring is very good. I would stay away from Europe, although Norway or the Swiss Alps might be inviting, yet expensive.
Now here is the closer, you cannot take it with you, dead men don't spend money! Find a place where you can enjoy the rest of your life, fly your glider, find peace at mind and disconnect the Direct TV. Only watch Newsmax on the computer, live modestly, fly often and enjoy the rest of your life. Bob

Why stay away from Europe? Agreed for a lot of Western, just for the cost of living. But I've heard good things about Portugal, and maybe some of the former eastern block nations, such as Georgia and Croatia (as far as expat retirement).