New pilot to the area

[peeetaaar]

Hello all,

My name is Peter and I recently moved to DC and joined CHGPA so I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm originally from Northern California and did all of my flight training out there. Trained at Ed Levin and flew there, Dunlap and Fort Funston before moving out here. I'm an H3 with around 15 hours of flight time at a combination of ridge soaring and mountain sites. I'd love to attend the Winter Bacchanal, but I'm going to be flying back to the west coast to pick up my wing and drive it across the country. Hopefully I'll get a chance to fly out here soon.

One question that I had for the group was glider storage. My apartment doesn't really have a good place to put the glider, and the basement access is small and windy, so there's no way I could get it inside. Does anyone know of any places to store a glider in or around DC? I'd be happy to contribute financially if anyone had an extra spot in their garage or anything.

Looking forward to flying with you all and learning this East Coast air!

-Peter

[dbodner]

Welcome to the area, Peter. Though you're already a H3, don't feel shy about asking for pointers at our sites. Any of the locals should be happy to help you out.

As to storage, you might want to buy the drainage tube someone's selling in the marketplace section. Find a willing host, and you can store your glider outside.

[heaviek]

What part of DC did you move to?
Kev

[davidtheamazing1]

I think our closest local flight park will rent space in their hanger: www.aerosports.net It's kind of far from the mountain sites but might be a good option for you initially while you are finding a way to keep your glider closer at hand.

[peeetaaar]

Hey all,

Thanks for the storage info. I will definitely be looking for some site intros as soon as I get all situated. I have no qualms about asking for lots of feedback about my flying.

And Kev, I moved to Capitol Hill over on Constitution and 6th NE. I've seen someone over here with a WW bag on their car, so I figure there's at least one pilot who's nearby!

-Peter

[hang_pilot]

I moved to Capitol Hill over on Constitution and 6th NE. I've seen someone over here with a WW bag on their car, so I figure there's at least one pilot who's nearby!

Likely that was Steve Kinsley who lives about one block from you. Be warned, you should approach that malcontent with caution.

Steve's actually a great guy: maybe he has some suggestions re glider storage. You can send him a private message if you want, his forum name is Stevek.

Welcome to DC and look forward to meeting you on a mountainside as soon as you bring back your wing.

Best,
Daniel
(I live in the Dupont Circle neighborhood condo, and store my gear in a non-flying friend's basement in Maryland.)

[callen]

Pete,
Highland is a good option for glider storage though its the opposite direction from all the mountain sites. However its a great site to fly and there is usually a solid group there almost every weekend with lots of good XC potential. They currently host the East Coast Championship and I'm hosting a weekend meet which you should consider joining https://sites.google.com/site/highlandc ... e2013/home.

Kevin you should join as well.

Best,
Charlie

[peeetaaar]

That event looks like a good time. Unfortunately gonna be busy for the next couple weekends. Step 1 is get my wing out here! Hopefully 2013 will bring some good flying.

[Dan T]

I believe Highland Aerosports is closed until the Spring. Although you might be able to reach someone who can arrange to store your glider for you. You can find them on the web.

Highland Aerosports is an aerotow park on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, not far from the Bay Bridge. Getting a tow rating, if you don't have one already, will significantly increase your airtime this coming summer. They are staffed by a great group of people too.

Dan