SALSA-AVIATION-TOURING MOTOR GLIDER SPECIALISTS
What We Do
Our Core Services
From Flight training, Selling, Buying or help with Documentation we are here to help!
Glider Flight Training
Your aircraft or ours (Sinus FLEX Max in San Antonio, TX)
Broker for Sellers of Touring Motor Gliders and Light Sport Aircraft
Want to sell? We will help you find the right buyer
Broker for Buyers of Touring Motor Gliders
Want to buy, we’ll find you a good deal
Coordination with Title and Escrow Service
Proper transfers and documentation – Pre Buy Inspection
Meet the Man Behind the Scenes
Rand Vollmer always wanted to fly, though his 20/80 vision kept him out of Army Aviation. But, he saved his money while a cadet at the United States Military Academy and got his private pilot airplane license in 1971 – back then Cessna 150 rental was $13 / hour wet and instructor was $4. Rand spent 30 years active & reserve but time and money kept him from flying as much as he would have liked. In 2002 he attended the Sun n Fun airshow and was introduced to the modern all composite touring motor glider – he was hooked.
He and his SALSA Aviation Team have sold more than 150 new motor gliders and trained more than 300 glider pilots over the past 15 years. Now he continues to “Share the Passion” with aspiring pilots from age 14 to 84. Give him a call and see what you may be missing!
Touring Motor Gliders are Fun, Safe, Efficient, Fast and Affordable. In the aviation world, fast and affordable are relative terms, but these sleek two place aircraft offer:
- Pushrod flaperons and elevator offer precise control for both soaring and cross country flights.
- Whole plane Ballistic Parachute can be deployed up to VNE and at any altitude
- New TMG (Touring Motor Gliders) made from modern composites such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, and Kevlar.
- Glide ratios of up to 32:1 (Even higher for some Self-Launch Sailplanes)
- Cruise speeds from 110 knots – 147 knots!
- 40+ mpg
- Stall Speeds under 40 knots
- Range exceeding 800 miles using inexpensive mogas (ethanol free auto fuel)
- Delivered pricing for new aircraft under $190,000 – like I said, everything is relative.
Rand Vollmer
Owner at SALSA Aviation
CALL US (813) 774-2127
- Contact: Rand Vollmer
- 813-774-2127
- jrvoll@gmail.com
- Touring Motor Glider Dealer
- CFI-Glider, LSRM
Rand Vollmer
Owner at SALSA Aviation
CALL US (813) 774-2127
Do I need a Medical to fly a Glider?
Answer: No, never. Even if you your medical has been denied, you can still fly a glider, and even be a glider flight instructor. Naturally, every pilot is responsible for ensuring that they are fit and safe to fly before each flight, but that is up to the pilot to decide.
How much does it cost to become a glider pilot?
Answer: For Ab initio (new students without a pilot rating) expect to pay $4,500 to $6,000. If you are already an airplane pilot PPL or Sport Pilot, expect to spend a total of $2,000 – $3,500 for an “add on rating.”
How long will it take to get the glider rating?
For an Add on Rating, plan to schedule 3-4 days of training and then a check ride from the DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) – no written test is required. While FAA only requires 10 hours of flight training, most new students require closer to 20 hours. Plan to train for 10 days including ground school and passing the required written exam, then take check ride with DPE. Note: training will take twice as long or more if you are flying in towed or ground launch sailplanes.
My kids want to learn to fly, when can they solo?
They must have applied for Student Pilot Certificate through IACRA (online), Completed a Pre-Solo Test given by the Instructor, have a log book sign off from instructor, and have reached their 14th Birthday, and understandably, Mom has to say OK 😉
Does my glider flight time count toward other Airplane Ratings?
Yes, most hours count toward hours required for Airplane ratings, i.e., theoretically, one could get a glider rating in 10 hours, complete Commercial Glider and CFI Glider ratings within 37 total hours, and they could then fly 3 hours in an airplane with a CFI Airplane – under the hood, cross country, at night – and would be eligible to take the checkride for their PPL Airplane Rating (as long as they were at least 17 years of age). Note: PPG ratings can be attained at age 16.
Can I get an Instrument Rating in my glider?
No, credited Instrument Training must be accomplished in an Airplane.
Can I fly a glider under IMC?
Yes, if you are instrument rated, current, and have a glider which complies with 14 CFR 125-205
Is it smart to fly a glider in IMC?
NO!
Do I need a Tail Wheel Endorsement to fly a tailwheel glider?
No, unlike airplanes, you do not need an endorsement for tailwheel gliders, but you definitely should have extra training as all tailwheel aircraft require more finesse than do tricycle gear aircraft.