New to Forum; Question on my Plan to Motor Glide

[BobG]

Hello BobG here. 

Wanted to get some advice on my plans to Touring motor glider flying.  Would appreciate any input.

1st Thoughts:

a.  SLA Cert.: Planning to get Sport Light Aircraft certification (private pilot licensing eventually), in year at nearby airport in Camarillo California (or other nearby), to learn basic skills, build flight hours and absorb knowledge, etc.  It is close an only 30 minutes away, and logistically very doable.

b.  Glider Lessons: Subsequently, lessons, after completing SLA certification, and learn additional knowledge for soaring.  In Palmdale  (Llano) 90 minutes away.  3 hrs. drive is limiting.

c.  TMG.  Subsequently, purchase a used Touring Motor Glider (TMG). Used 10-15 years, affordable - e.g., Pipistrel Sinus, Phoenix, Grob, Stemme, other.  Fly out Camarillo, or other.

Background

1.  Hang Gliding.  Started Hang gliding 20 years ago (dozen+ lessons; tandem) in Los Angeles .  Loved it but Risk-Reward too high and left hang gliding before leaping off mountain alone.

2.  Soaring.  Did Glider rides instead, as I loved the feeling of flight, but 90 minute ride each way (Palmdale, Llano, CA).  Soaring at Llano regularly, can be alot of driving.

3.  TMG.  Upon SLA certificate, glider lessons and enough flight hours, knowledge and skill then buy my used TMG.

4.  TMG/Local.  Final - Fly my TMG out of a local Southern California regional airport (Camarillo, etc); along with Tie down there.

Summary

It would seem that if I earn my SLA certificate (or private pilot), learn glider profiency (or whatever reg's require), I could fly a TMG into nearby mountain ranges (same as Palmdale nearby mountains) and even local desert, and return to local regional airport.

I am also a little surprised not more pilot do this.  I would appreciate any input.   Thank you in advance.

BobG

 

[aircowboy]

Hello Bob,

Sounds like a great idea.  I have both planes and a TMG and my Sinus is my favorite by far.   I would get on hangar lists today as it takes a while and these planes should not live outside if it can be avoided. 
 

We have a flight school in Monterey and  are located at Salinas Airport KSNS.  We have a Pipistrel Sinus that is in rental. www.soarmontereybay.com  Nick at Soar Paso www.soarpaso.com is closer and has a Virus glider.  Happy to help you out when you get to that point.  Once you have a LSA license adding sport Glider is very easy, no checkride required just fly with CFI to proficiency and then get a proficiency check from another CFI. 
 

let me know if we can help.

Clinton

[BobG]

Thank you for replying, and providing contact numbers so I can contact as look into TMGs.  Sorry for the later reply.  It's a sport I plan to get more into as I get closer to retirement in a few years.  In meantime, doing my homework during such time and then ready when my time is mine (retired).  Still researching between non-motorized gliders I can unpack at a soaring field, versus TMG.  But, the ease of being able to motor at local airport and fly, and have the combined soaring experience is very attractive. I'm not purist.  The drive to the soaring field/location are several hours from me. I'm guessing that will weigh in heavily, the convenience factor, as I get closer to deciding.  Thanks again for the reply.  I'll likely contact over next months or year as I cont. to dig it.