DO IT

Instructional programs for varying levels of experience and interest consist of a set of study materials, ground and flight instruction. If you are starting from the very beginning, from sitting quietly in the front seat of a glider that has just landed from your first-ever-ride, thinking, "Wow, that was very cool," we have a program of flight instruction for you. And if you decide to begin lessons, you'll be happy to know…

A) It will take less time than you probably think;

B) Soaring is an international sport, with sailplane rentals available all over the world in breathtaking locations; 

C) You can pursue this Sport of Kings right into your golden years. Some of the best pilots in the world are over 60 and consistently place among the top ten in National and World Competitions. Brains not braun!

If you already have your "Student Glider Sign-off" and want to get your Private Pilot Glider License so you can take friends up for beautiful pre-sunset flights, we can do that.

If you have a Private Pilot Glider License and want to move up to a Commercial or Instructor License, we can do that.

If you are a glider pilot who wants to begin flying cross-country, we have an advanced program for you that includes dual instruction with an experienced cross-country pilot. I even wrote a book about the un-nerving part of it! Click here--> Landing Out: The Final Four Minutes

And we especially welcome power pilots who are looking to try some long wings on for size. It's a good, fun way to satisfy your Flight Review or just to add another category to your ticket. Plus, once you’ve mastered energy management, if you ever lose your engine(s) you’ll be the only one in the cockpit actually excited to dead-stick the landing onto a soccer field. So there’s that. 

  • You must be under 242Lbs and speak English. You can take lessons at any age and/or medical condition. This leniency is because you will be with an instructor.

  • To fly solo, you must be at least 14 years old, have a student pilot’s license and an instructor’s endorsement.

  • Because a license allows you take up passengers. Sharing the soaring experience with others is very cool. Plus you insurance gets cheaper (insurance runs about $600 per year)

  • You must be at least 16 years old. You must have at least 20 solo flights in your log book, your instructor’s endorsement, pass a written exam and a then checkride (flight&oral).

  • Your age plus 25 flights often gets a student to solo - sometimes more, sometimes less. That’s a VERY general guideline, more aimed at highlighting what happens to our absorption rate as we age! BUT - I’d argue it’s just as fun at any age. So - how long?Well, two-hour lesson usually allows for three flights (and we talk the whole time). So - calendar-wise - it depends on how often you come down to fly. Coming more often usually results in fewer overall flights and fewer dollars spent.

  • The average training flight costs about $125.

    For example: a 3000ft tow, 20 minutes of glider rental and 20 minutes of instructor time comes to $85+$26+$26=$137

    A 2000ft tow , 15 minutes of glider rental and 15 minutes of instructor time comes to: $75+$20+$20=$115

    Training usually consists of a mix of these two types of flights.

    So if you are 25 years old, and it takes 50 flights, then 50 x 125 = $6250.