Reading PPRuNe over the last few years, and from talking to PPLs who have joined the gliding club at which I fly, the selling points are:
- Feeling and experiencing pure flight without the distraction of an engine
- True power off stalls
- Something more than driving a cramped, noisy flying car to the next burger
- Exposure to aerobatics
- More sociable environment on the ground (perhaps)
- The challenge of staying airborne by skill instead of throttle setting
- Opportunities to fly in closer proximity to others
All obviously plus points for gliding, and perfectly understandable from a glider pilot who crossed the murky divide (or started 'dirty' flying as my flying instructor who is also a gliding man says) between GP and PP, but it would be interesting to see what proportion of GPs go on to get a PPL compared to the number of PPLs who go on to get a silver C for instance.
Don't get me wrong, I started PP as a different flying challenge and for the obvious benefits of throwing the wife and a bag (not interchangeable before someone leaps in) in and clearing off for the weekend but GP will always be where my flying heart lies.
Two completely different disciplines.