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| Your First Flight
If you've been thiking about doing what it takes to become a glider pilot,
stop by BSS and see what it's all about. Experienced pilots and certified instructors are
available at the Gliderport after 1:00 PM on most weekend days. Prospective members can
join the BSS on an introductory basis, which enables them to try their hand at soaring for one
month. |
| Flight Instruction Three FAA-certified flight instructors currently teach and supervise the training of student pilots in the BSS. Instruction is available to members in the club's two-place trainer, a Schweizer 2-33A. No previous flight experience is required. |
| Solo On average, student pilots solo after about 30 dual-instruction flights; however, BSS flight instructors determine each student's readiness to solo on an individual basis. Student pilots who come to the field and fly regularly usually make the fastest progress. FAA regulations permit solo flight by qualified student pilots who are 14 years of age or older. |
| Private Pilot License
While conducting solo flights in a glider,
student pilots take a check ride with an instructor at least every 90 days. As
proficiency builds the student typically moves into the Schweizer 1-26 single-place
sailplane (photo at left). Once the student has made at least 20 solo flights, passed an FAA written examination, mastered the required piloting skills (and reached the age of 16), he or she flies with an instructor again to review the maneuvers to be tested in the Practical Test. An appointment is then made with an FAA Examiner for an oral examination and practical test of piloting skills and safe flying habits. The practical test typically consists of three flights in the Schweizer 2-33. Upon passage, the new glider pilot receives a Private Pilot Certificate with a Glider Rating, enabling him or her to fly independently and to carry passengers. |
| Power Pilot Transition to Gliders The club welcomes licensed pilots who wish to add a glider rating to their Private or Comercial Pilots Certificate. Power pilots go through the steps outlined above but usually progress faster than students new to aviation. Transition to solo flying may take many fewer flights with an instructor, especially for pilots with experience in tail-wheel aircraft. Licensed pilots with at least 40 hours total time in powered aircraft require a minimum of 10 solo flights in a glider before taking the FAA Practical Test for a glider rating (20 solo flights for commercial glider rating). |