NEWCOMER@TL-20B.ARPA (07/16/84)
From: Joseph M. Newcomer <NEWCOMER@TL-20B.ARPA> I don't have any statistics, but I have flown at Black Forest in Colorado, Schweitzer in Elmira NY, Borderland south of San Diego, and Crystalaire north of LA. I would not recommend Crystalaire for rank beginners, as it is a tricky airport, but if you have any hours in power then it should pose no problems (this is a commentary on the geography and wind conditions, not the personnell or planes). All my experience at these places was an emphasis on safety. The people were responsible and had various degrees of fantacism about safety measures. I found the ground orientation excellent in all places. Crystalaire is the most fanatic on safety, having such problems as power lines off the end of the runway, limited options on rope break, and tricky winds (they have three or four ratings for field checks, and you must be checked out under the correct rating for that day's wind conditions or you don't fly). They were VERY careful. I have mixed feelings on the quality of the instructors at Black Forest. The one I had at Borderland was the best I've had, and Crystalaire was the second best. Basic instruction at Elmira is solid, but not as inspired as the other two places. Of course, instructors come and go and it has been several years since I have flown at any of these places. My problem with Black Forest was one of instructing style; if you like the style, OK, but I didn't. joe -------