Season Passes available from Soaring NV in Minden

Just to add a bit to what Eric said:Â* I've had two successful
partnerships in gliders which allowed me to fly way more glider than I
could afford.Â* Choose your partner wisely and put everything in
writing.Â* I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

On 12/14/2019 1:51 PM, Eric Greenwell wrote:
wrote on 12/14/2019 10:27 AM:
Yes Nick its a sad state of affairs and with the preponderance of
self launch
sailplanes, its gonna get worse. As for. club
participation/formation, its
completely dependant upon the mentality/atmosphere engendered . Some
clubs are
flourishing, many of which are not located in premier soaring
locations. But
they have a friendly, all inclusive atmosphere which helps them not only
maintain but grow.

I think self-launching sailplanes are a symptom of the problem, not
the cause.
Lots of motorglider pilots remain active in the SSA and in clubs as
officials,
workers, tow pilots, and instructors. They get a motorglider for
various reasons,
but a big one is they can't get tows when they want them. It sucks to
tow everyone
up, then be sitting on the ground because there isn't another towpilot
to launch
you, or sitting on the ground during the week when you could fly
because you
aren't busy doing tows or instruction, but - no tow pilots.

As you pointed out, there used to be 3X as many glider pilots at
Minden. What
happened to them? Obviously, 2X of them didn't get motorgliders, or
there would
still be 3X as many glider pilots at Minden. They drifted away, the
replacements
dwindled, and here we are.

I think motorgliders could help increase, or at least stop the loss of
pilots, if
more of them were owned by partnerships. Gliders like the Silent
Electro and
miniLAK FES offer good performance, easy operation, and relatively low
cost if you
had 2 or 3 person partnerships. The motor gives the owners the ability
to fly when
and where it's convenient for them, and more days are available
because the motor
makes poor or unpredictable days usable.

Even you might enjoy being a partner in an FES! And when a tow and
suitable
weather are available, hop into the 1-26 and dash off into the distance.


--
Dan, 5J

My $0.02 on the Minden post - At the ripe young age of 76 (who'd a thunk it?)I had an "opportunity" to get back into the sport that I truly loved. I bought a used LS3a that had been completely refinished by JJ. It sparkled. Yes the times have changed much to my chagrin. It took several weeks to get the new registration (previous owner let it lapse) and I needed this to get insurance coverage. Not wanting the time to go to waste - I spent days tweaking minor things with the trailer and panel. Really anxious to fly it - rude awakening -seeking help with the rigging - found out that almost all the glider pilots at least at Minden have gone to "power" -- show up uncover ignite engine, taxi and take off. My once strong body just could not handle the rigging and derigging. -After asking several pilots to help me and being refused, the one pilot on field that day was none other than Jim Payne and his lovely wife Jane who came to my rescue after seeing me land and attempting to take the wings off. Surely they had more important things to attend to BUT without hesitation they offered advice and man (and woman) power to help out.
Now for Minden - yes those were the "good old days" - Remember Hod "expose yourself to soaring" - fast forward to NOW - I have experienced the hired hands at NV Soaring - I got free advice, free help including towing me out to the launch area and bringing me back to derig. Yes the tow cost $$ but it was money well spent. Tim Gardner was my checkout pilot which I needed after so many years being a non pilot. Tim (Perlan pilot) was superb - yes those check rides cost many $$$ but I learned much more than money could buy.
If you whiners that can afford $200,000, $300,000 or more for your glider think about what Minden and NV Soaring has to offer. Its money well spent to keep the sport alive. "Ain't nothing FREE anymore.

On Sunday, December 22, 2019 at 8:20:25 AM UTC-8, Joel Flamenbaum wrote:
My $0.02 on the Minden post - At the ripe young age of 76 (who'd a thunk it?)I had an "opportunity" to get back into the sport that I truly loved. I bought a used LS3a that had been completely refinished by JJ. It sparkled. Yes the times have changed much to my chagrin. It took several weeks to get the new registration (previous owner let it lapse) and I needed this to get insurance coverage. Not wanting the time to go to waste - I spent days tweaking minor things with the trailer and panel. Really anxious to fly it - rude awakening -seeking help with the rigging - found out that almost all the glider pilots at least at Minden have gone to "power" -- show up uncover ignite engine, taxi and take off. My once strong body just could not handle the rigging and derigging. -After asking several pilots to help me and being refused, the one pilot on field that day was none other than Jim Payne and his lovely wife Jane who came to my rescue after seeing me land and attempting to take the wings off. Surely they had more important things to attend to BUT without hesitation they offered advice and man (and woman) power to help out.
Now for Minden - yes those were the "good old days" - Remember Hod "expose yourself to soaring" - fast forward to NOW - I have experienced the hired hands at NV Soaring - I got free advice, free help including towing me out to the launch area and bringing me back to derig. Yes the tow cost $$ but it was money well spent. Tim Gardner was my checkout pilot which I needed after so many years being a non pilot. Tim (Perlan pilot) was superb - yes those check rides cost many $$$ but I learned much more than money could buy..
If you whiners that can afford $200,000, $300,000 or more for your glider think about what Minden and NV Soaring has to offer. Its money well spent to keep the sport alive. "Ain't nothing FREE anymore.

I might say that Truckee is an outstanding place to fly from. Really friendly people, in a beautiful place.

On Sunday, December 22, 2019 at 11:20:25 AM UTC-5, Joel Flamenbaum wrote:
... Jim Payne and his lovely wife Jane

That's **Jackie Payne** (Jacqueline Payne)!! Unless I've missed something...

On Sunday, December 22, 2019 at 10:09:15 AM UTC-8, Dave Nadler wrote:
On Sunday, December 22, 2019 at 11:20:25 AM UTC-5, Joel Flamenbaum wrote:
... Jim Payne and his lovely wife Jane

That's **Jackie Payne** (Jacqueline Payne)!! Unless I've missed something...

I'm old and feeble - lucky I can tie my shoes -- you are absolutely correct it is (was) Jackie

Joel,

Didn't we meet at the new Black Forest back in the 90s?Â* I was partners
with Walt Lafford.

Dan

On 12/22/2019 11:49 AM, Joel Flamenbaum wrote:
On Sunday, December 22, 2019 at 10:09:15 AM UTC-8, Dave Nadler wrote:
On Sunday, December 22, 2019 at 11:20:25 AM UTC-5, Joel Flamenbaum wrote:
... Jim Payne and his lovely wife Jane
That's **Jackie Payne** (Jacqueline Payne)!! Unless I've missed something...
I'm old and feeble - lucky I can tie my shoes -- you are absolutely correct it is (was) Jackie

--
Dan, 5J

On Sunday, December 22, 2019 at 8:20:25 AM UTC-8, Joel Flamenbaum wrote:
My $0.02 on the Minden post - At the ripe young age of 76 (who'd a thunk it?)I had an "opportunity" to get back into the sport that I truly loved. I bought a used LS3a that had been completely refinished by JJ. It sparkled. Yes the times have changed much to my chagrin. It took several weeks to get the new registration (previous owner let it lapse) and I needed this to get insurance coverage. Not wanting the time to go to waste - I spent days tweaking minor things with the trailer and panel. Really anxious to fly it - rude awakening -seeking help with the rigging - found out that almost all the glider pilots at least at Minden have gone to "power" -- show up uncover ignite engine, taxi and take off. My once strong body just could not handle the rigging and derigging. -After asking several pilots to help me and being refused, the one pilot on field that day was none other than Jim Payne and his lovely wife Jane who came to my rescue after seeing me land and attempting to take the wings off. Surely they had more important things to attend to BUT without hesitation they offered advice and man (and woman) power to help out.
Now for Minden - yes those were the "good old days" - Remember Hod "expose yourself to soaring" - fast forward to NOW - I have experienced the hired hands at NV Soaring - I got free advice, free help including towing me out to the launch area and bringing me back to derig. Yes the tow cost $$ but it was money well spent. Tim Gardner was my checkout pilot which I needed after so many years being a non pilot. Tim (Perlan pilot) was superb - yes those check rides cost many $$$ but I learned much more than money could buy..
If you whiners that can afford $200,000, $300,000 or more for your glider think about what Minden and NV Soaring has to offer. Its money well spent to keep the sport alive. "Ain't nothing FREE anymore.

Yes it is (was) Jackie Payne - arthritic fingers on Keyboard

On Sunday, December 22, 2019 at 10:53:05 AM UTC-8, Joel Flamenbaum wrote:
On Sunday, December 22, 2019 at 8:20:25 AM UTC-8, Joel Flamenbaum wrote:
My $0.02 on the Minden post - At the ripe young age of 76 (who'd a thunk it?)I had an "opportunity" to get back into the sport that I truly loved. I bought a used LS3a that had been completely refinished by JJ. It sparkled. Yes the times have changed much to my chagrin. It took several weeks to get the new registration (previous owner let it lapse) and I needed this to get insurance coverage. Not wanting the time to go to waste - I spent days tweaking minor things with the trailer and panel. Really anxious to fly it - rude awakening -seeking help with the rigging - found out that almost all the glider pilots at least at Minden have gone to "power" -- show up uncover ignite engine, taxi and take off. My once strong body just could not handle the rigging and derigging. -After asking several pilots to help me and being refused, the one pilot on field that day was none other than Jim Payne and his lovely wife Jane who came to my rescue after seeing me land and attempting to take the wings off. Surely they had more important things to attend to BUT without hesitation they offered advice and man (and woman) power to help out.
Now for Minden - yes those were the "good old days" - Remember Hod "expose yourself to soaring" - fast forward to NOW - I have experienced the hired hands at NV Soaring - I got free advice, free help including towing me out to the launch area and bringing me back to derig. Yes the tow cost $$ but it was money well spent. Tim Gardner was my checkout pilot which I needed after so many years being a non pilot. Tim (Perlan pilot) was superb - yes those check rides cost many $$$ but I learned much more than money could buy.
If you whiners that can afford $200,000, $300,000 or more for your glider think about what Minden and NV Soaring has to offer. Its money well spent to keep the sport alive. "Ain't nothing FREE anymore.

Yes it is (was) Jackie Payne - arthritic fingers on Keyboard

Joel,

Invest in a one-man rigging dolly - you will never regret it. Also, you can get a "license" to drive your vehicle across the runways to the staging area. You will need to invest in a tow-out gear, but you probably have that already, a flag, handheld radio, an emergency beacon and pass a test (https://www.mindentahoeairport.com/access-waiver).

Tom

Dan?

what did you fly back in the day in Minden?

.............................
Yes Pasi, it was a magical place. Much of the problem today is the vast amount of posters here have never experienced what Minden used to be like. They are the new style of flier who’s entire perspective is a narcisistic one. They rail against clubs and simply want to come out, get their tow, do their independent thing and leave. They have never tasted of the type of camraderie we had even from a commercial operation like High Country Soaring. When HCS was operated there was another commercial operator there. We always gravitated to Tom and Bills op not due to cheaper prices but due to their attitude and their dedication to detail in helping us out when we needed it. Yes at times we just came out and did our own thing, but all the californians who flew out of there regularly, and the locals, with the exception of a few california snobs, looked out for each other, helped each other with their rigging, retrieves, and their knowledge of the area. I just wish other fliers could experience what we did.

My bro had a zuni then an A model ventus. I was a kid and flew the red-white-blue Pilatus that we eventualy put on lease back with HCS.