About the Author

Russell Holtz grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering.

He obtained his Private Pilot Certificate in gliders in 1995, in airplanes in 1996, his Commercial Certificate in Gliders in 1998, and his Certified Flight Instructor rating in gliders in 1999. He completed the FAI Silver Badge requirements in 1997, and the Gold and Diamond requirements in 1998.

In 2000, he helped to create the Youth Soaring Academy in Hollister, California, and was the volunteer instructor for the organization from 2000 until 2004. Most of the material in this book was first developed for presentation to the YSA students.

Russell has given over 1,200 hours of primary, cross-country, contest, and aerobatic flight instruction, and has over 2,500 hours total time in gliders. He is currently teaching at the Southern California Soaring Academy at the Crystalaire Airport in Llano, California.