Ely

I am considering a trip to Ely Nevada this week and was wondering if anyone can relate any recent experience with the FBO, Onsite Camping and the soaring. I have Googled the site and most of the results are dated. I seem to recall a story or two in Soaring that is more recent and these suggest the site may be best suited to open ships and self launchers. I fly only a 15M (ASW27) and will probably be without a crew. I spoke with a gentleman at Ely Jet Center and they currently provide tows (Except Sunday). Have also tried to find when a group or club safari might be there. Any help appreciated!

On Monday, July 14, 2014 7:54:37 PM UTC-7, K wrote:
I am considering a trip to Ely Nevada this week and was wondering if anyone can relate any recent experience with the FBO, Onsite Camping and the soaring. I have Googled the site and most of the results are dated. I seem to recall a story or two in Soaring that is more recent and these suggest the site may be best suited to open ships and self launchers. I fly only a 15M (ASW27) and will probably be without a crew. I spoke with a gentleman at Ely Jet Center and they currently provide tows (Except Sunday). Have also tried to find when a group or club safari might be there. Any help appreciated!

OK, I'll bite. ELY airport and the FBO (Ely Jet Center) is EXTREMELY glider friendly. The whole operation is owned by a glider pilot Lee Halliburg (spelling?), and managed by a steller human being James Adams.
It is an advanced soaring site. The distances between airports when flying from ELY is like nowhere else on Earth. Vast. And conditions at the airport can be very challenging. Best handled by people with a lot of experience. Ask around when there.
OK, that said, there really ARE lots of reasonable landing areas nearby, but so much airports. The airport facilities are amazing. Lots of motorhome camping with available hookups for power, a BBQ grille in the hangar, refrigerators and freezers for pilot use, picnic tables in the hangar for pilot use, air conditioned pilot lounge with good internet access. Washer/dryer in the hangar for pilot/crew use. They have golf carts and help available for towing your glider out and in before and after flight.
I was at ELY a couple of weeks ago, and there were TWO Pawnee tow planes operating. Let them know in advance, and you likely won't be disappointed with the availaiblity of tow plane.
Know your limitations, and you'll be fine. OH, and did I mention that the X-C soaring possibilities are nearly unbelievable?
Suggestion...WALK the closed cross runway, and be ready to LAND on the closed runway if wind conditions require it.
There are lots of motels in town. You can almost always get a room in town for a reasonable price anytime but the 4th of July weekend.
I've flown at ELY EVERY year (except one) for the last ten years. I've NEVER been disappointed. But I DO self-launch.
Try it. You'll like it
Russ
00 (Zero Zero)