new to soaring

I am really interested in taking up soaring but the only problem is that the closest club is almost 550 miles away. That's alright to go to get my instruction but to go that far to fly is alittle much. What do you think about the self launching planes or motorgliders? And would I need to get another type of license (private pilot)

Thanks Tony

50 miles not 550 thanks

Search 'Where To Fly' on www.ssa.org There are 2 club and 2 commercial ops. listed in NC. In a state that's 250 or so miles wide-and you live in the middle-I'll bet you'll find something closer than 550 mi, like http://www.ece.ncsu.edu/erl/members/ncsa/more.html

Cheers,

Hey I was really impressed that you were willing to go that far for instruction! Prepare yourself for the onslaught of '50 miles is that all?' posts. A couple hours driving round trip relative to time spent flying and at the field isn't unusual. Me, I'm planning to move were the gliderport is in town. Priorities ya know. As for self launch, you don't need a seperate rating. After your training, you get a motorglider endorsement in your log book from the instructor.

Cheers,

Shucks, the average pilot lives at least that far from soaring. Find a place that lets you kip overnight and send the weekend, bring the family, friends, cancel the cable TV.

Soaring is not your regularly scheduled airline.

Frank Whiteley Colorado

Tony,

And of course you will find your driving time filled with 'Does that field look landable?' and 'I wonder how far it is up there to the next cu.' You will not find yourself bored at all along the way. Oh yes, be sure to look at the road occasionally.

Larry Goddard '01' USA www.goddard.to for Aero 15xx to GPS cables

Cancel the cable TV??? THEN how do you get the Weather Channel???

You want a weather forecast?

You've got a window?

OPEN IT...

Al

Visit the folks at NCSA at Harnett County Airport. A very good group of pilots. Then rejoice that you're so close. Glenn

You have Web access to weather information and you watch the Weather Channel?

Tim Ward

Tony.. I drive 45 miles each way to my club.. I'm on the north part town and the club is 20 miles south.. yes it's 25 miles just to get across town.

TIZ