Feeling strapped after finishing up your private pilot certificate? Want to keep flying, but unable to drop hundreds of dollars a month to keep current? Head to your nearest soaring club.
Learning to fly sailplanes is a fun and economical way to stay in the air. What’s more, a pilot used to 160 horsepower will soon discover the challenges of seeking lift, judging approaches and landings when there’s no opportunity to do a go-around, and much more. You don’t go far at first, but that’s the beauty of this type of flying.
And did we say economical? Club structures vary, but many offer free instruction and even free glider use; members pay monthly or yearly fees plus varying tow fees.
Checklist...
The Soaring Society of America (www.ssa.org) has a map of more than 140 soaring
locations across the United States.
A certificated pilot generally solos in fewer than 10 flights.
The add-on rating to a powered pilot certificate doesn’t require a knowledge test but
does require a practical test with FAA designated pilot examiner.
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