Contents
To Solo
To solo, you must demonstrate safe control of the sailplane and knowledge of soaring to your instructor. These areas include pre-flight, tow maneuvers, planning, flight maneuvers from take-off to landing, theory of flight, weather, regulations, and emergency procedures. This training requires approximately 25-35 flights which works out to be 7-9 hours of flight time. This varies with your own initiative, background and skill. Cost for solo ranges from $1800- $2500. The minimum age to solo in sailplanes is 14 years.
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From First Solo to License
To get your Private Pilot Glider License the FAA requires you to have seven hours of solo flight time. In accumulating these hours you should gain the skills and knowledge necessary to not only pass the flight test but also to pursue and enjoy the sport of soaring. After you have the minimum seven hours solo, passed the FAA written test and your instructor signs you off, you are ready for the flight test. Cost to Private License after solo is approximately $1300-2000. Minimum age for Private License in sailplanes is 16 years.
Top of PagePower Pilot Transition
If you are a rated power pilot it will take 12-15 flights to solo (approx 3-4 hours of flight time). You will have to demonstrate: tow maneuvers, planning, air work, emergency procedures. You must have knowledge of theory of flight, weather, and FAR's. The FAA requires you to have completed 10 solo flights for a private, or 20 for a commercial, before you take the flight test. There is no written test required for a transition rating, and this add-on rating updates your Biennial Flight Review in all categories. Cost for a transition rating ranges from $1800-$2200.
Top of PageFrom Solo to License (All Pilots)
Your first solo will be a circuit, once around the pattern. After your first solo you will fly again with your instructor to get signed off to fly solo high flights and practice the maneuvers on your own. You will also be checked out in other sailplanes. There is no physical exam required for a glider license but you will sign a statement that you have no known physical defects that would hinder your safe flying.
We hope this has answered your questions on cost and what it takes to learn to soar. If you have any other questions please feel free to call and ask us to explain in further detail.
Top of PageFlight tickets
Flight tickets are similar to Gift Certificates and are available for any of these lessons or any of our Ride. You may also buy a Flight Ticket block time. These certificates make very unique & appreciated gifts.
Top of PageSailplane Rental Rates (per hour)
Tow Rates
| Altitude | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1500' | $41.50 |
| 2000' | 48.00 |
| 3000' | 63.00 |
| Circuit | 25.00 |
Instruction Rates
Instruction rates are $48.00 per hour in our sailplanes.
$51.00 in your sailplane.
Discounts
You pay as you go or we offer block time discounts. For every $800 pre-paid we give you $880 credit, a 10% savings on your flying (books & supplies not included).
Tests
Written and flight tests are required to obtain the Private Pilot Glider License. No written test is required if you are a transition pilot.
Here
are a few hints that will save you some time and effort:
A) After your Introductory Flight pick an
instructor who is available
the same days you are. Try a
few different
instructors on your
first few flights to find one who meets your learning needs.
Then stick with that
instructor. B)
We suggest you fly no more than three times a week, one or two is
optimum. Consistency is also
important (example: if you are going to fly four times a month, try to
fly once a week) C)
Make a notebook for
flying. When you get home after a
flight write down what you did on your
flight, and any questions you have or things you didn't fully understand
about your flight.
Bring these
questions with you on your next lesson.
You won't remember the questions if
you don't write them down and we have found that they are usually very
important questions. This notebook does three things 1) It forces you to organize your thoughts,
which 2) Will formulate questions on
areas you
do not fully understand, and 3) It will give you something
to review before your next
flight.
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Sky Sailing, Inc. 31930 Hwy 79, Warner Springs, CA 92086
(760) 782-0404
Let Your Heart Soar
020408