Student's Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a lesson without committing to full club membership?

Yes. The BSS offers a one-month introductory membership. This is a great way to discover whether soaring is for you. If you later decide to become an active member, your $50 introductory membership fee is applied toward your club dues. Come to the field on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon between 1 and 2 PM and ask to speak with a club officer - no appointment is necessary. Since you'll be sharing the gliders with other club members, you may have a bit of a wait if the weather is good for soaring. Bring sun glasses, a hat and water to drink.

How long will it take to solo / get my license?

There is no easy answer to this question. It depends on how often you fly, your diligence in studying ground school materials and your aptitude for flying. The typical student, with no previous flying experience, will need 30 to 40 instructional flights to solo. Your instructor will allow you to solo only when he/she determines that you have the required skills and judgment.

As a solo student pilot, your primary goal is to become more proficient so that you can meet the standards required to pass the FAA license test. This will happen more quickly if you are disciplined and practice the required skills on every solo flight. A student with no previous flying experience who works diligently (and often) can get his/her license in about 6 months time.

How much will it cost to solo / get my license?

Because of the variable factors cited above, this is also difficult to answer. A typical training flight (3,000 ft high aero tow) costs $25. When close to solo, student pilots work mostly on take offs and landings. These flights cost less because you typically release the glider from the tow plane at a lower altitude.

Assuming that you make 35 training flights before solo, and then make 20 solo flights, the total cost to get your private pilot license for glider operation will run about $2,500. This estimate includes the cost of club membership, instructor fees, FAA exam fees and a few books.

I fly powered aircraft. Does that help my learning to soar?

Yes, experience in flying any kind of aircraft is a plus because much of your knowledge carries over. You will not be required to take the FAA knowledge (written) test. Licensed and current airplane pilots typically solo after around 10 to 20 flights. And if you've logged over 40 hours in heavier-than-air aircraft, the minimum number of solo flights required to take the FAA practical (flight) test is significantly reduced.

I'm thinking of getting my airplane license too. Which should I do first?

Opinions vary on this question.
Airplane first: Some of your time in powered aircraft will count toward your glider rating - not so the other way around.
Glider first: Doing your primary flight training in gliders will help you develop good stick and rudder skills and a precision approach to landing. However, if you do plan on getting both ratings, consider taking the FAA knowledge (written) test for airplanes rather than the test for gliders. A passing score on the airplane test qualifies you for both airplane and glider ratings while the converse is not true

I have trouble getting away on weekends. Is mid-week instruction available?

No, We are a club, run by volunteers, and operate mostly on weekends and some holidays.

I want to take a few weeks vacation and fly full time. How can I do that?

There are commercial flight schools that offer accelerated package deals. Most are located where there is favorable weather year round (Florida, Arizona, Nevada, and California). If you want to take a flying vacation, this may be for you. See the Soaring Society of America web page for school locations.

What happens when the wind stops?

Nothing! The short (but incomplete) answer is that, for flights in our area, wind is not needed for a glider to stay aloft. Instead, gliders use the vertical motion of the air to climb. In still air, and without any "lift", a typical dual seat training glider can glide almost 4 to 5 miles for every 1,000 feet of altitude. It is the job of the pilot to make sure that he or she stays within gliding range of a suitable field at all times. This is a skill that you will learn.

Absolutely. You're in an unfamiliar environment. You'll get more comfortable as you gain familiarity.

I'm concerned about air sickness. Should I be?

Gliders spend a lot of time turning and, when weather conditions allow you to climb without an engine, some turbulence is likely to be present. This is not a problem for most students and for the rest, time and experience usually cures any tendency toward air sickness. If you begin to feel uncomfortable during a lesson, just speak up and tell your instructor. He or she will fly "straight and level" and return to the field and land. If motion sickness is a significant problem for you, try starting out with short flights made early in the day, when the air is usually calm. This will likely enable you to build your tolerance for the sensations of flight.

I'm a bit on the heavy side, can I still learn to fly gliders?

The upper weight limit for the BSS's primary training glider is 230 to 245 pounds.

Do I need an FAA medical certificate?

No, that is only required for powered aircraft. However, you must be in reasonably good health and not be taking medications that may impair your judgment, alertness or physical ability.