SCHOOL & TRAINING

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HSC Glider Training Program

The HSC training syllabus well exceeds the minimum FAA requirements for your Private Pilot Glider License and we train in high-performance Schweizer SGS 2-32 training gliders which have a 34:1 glide ratio. Our goal is not just to get you your glider pilot’s license as fast as we can but to give you the skills and confidence needed to join BASA. Once in BASA the flying cost are reduced and you will have access to their higher performance gliders to continue your advanced thermalling, cross-country and aerobatic training with HSC flight instructors or BASA mentors.

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Instruction Sessions

HSC instructors typically schedule one-on-one training sessions with their students except when a couple of friends want to train together. Training sessions are scheduled in 2 hour blocks although you can schedule multiple sessions during a day or even a full day with your instructor based on the training pace you desire. A training session includes preflight instruction, multiple flights with your instructor and a post flight debriefing. The cost of the training sessions will vary based on the height and number of the tows taken and the actual instructor and glider flight time for that days lesson plan. The frequency of your lessons is determined by you and your budget but we recommend a minimum of one session per week to prevent regression between lessons.

For you first glider flight lesson you can take one of our fixed rate "Introductory Lessons". You can choose either a half-day course with other students for $139 or a private 2-hour lesson with more flight time for $399. Please see the HSC price list for more details on these introductory lessons. Gift certificates are available for the introductory lesson options. Click here for more info on our introductory lesson.

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Accelerated Training

Accelerated training can help you achieve your goals quicker and  typically reduce the overall cost of your training. Our accelerated  training course still follows our comprehensive HSC training course syllabus but we move at faster pace. By taking advantage of our special instructor discount rates along with the efficiency of our 
accelerated training course you can significantly reduce your cost of learning to soar. One of our instructors will be glad to help you find the best training schedule to fit your goals and availability.

Typical accelerated course time requirements:

Please note the recommended time to complete the courses is because we feel that some time is needed between lessons for studying and reflection. Taking too long of a break between lessons though can require more flights to complete your goals. We are willing to work with you though at your desired pace.

New Student Pilot Accelerated Course
(recommend to be completed over a 6-8 week period)

(4-6) ½ days to complete basics of flight course
(3-4) full days to complete solo pilot course
(4-5) full days to complete post solo course
Study for and pass computer knowledge test
Pass the FAA private glider pilot check ride

Approximate cost: $6,000 to $10,000

Power Transition Pilot Accelerated Course
(recommend to be completed over a 2-3 week period)

(2-3) full days to complete solo course
(2-3) full days to complete post solo course
No computer knowledge test required
Pass the FAA private or commercial glider pilot check ride

Approximate cost: $3,000 to $5,000

• no computer knowledge test required for FAA licensed power pilots
• FAA commercial power pilots can add-on a commercial glider rating with just 10 more solo flights than required for the private

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Training Program Cost

We find the overall cost and time to complete our training program and be ready to join BASA varies greatly from one student to the next. To get an idea of what your overall cost will be please contact us. We will have one of our instructors talk with you and based on factors such as your previous aviation experience, age and frequency with which you plan to take lessons give you an estimate of what they think it will take for you to achieve your goals.

Click here for HSC contact information

Click here for Rate information

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Glider Pilot Prerequisites

There are only a few prerequisites you must meet to become a glider pilot. You must be at least 14 years old before you can fly solo (by yourself) but we can begin training as young as 12 years old. You must be 16 years old to earn a private pilots license which allows you to carry passengers. No medical is required but you must have no medical problems that would prevent you from safely operating a glider.

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Glider Training Manuals

The FAA Glider Flying Handbook is included with your introductory lesson course. This manual and your glider pilot log book are donated by the Soaring Society of America as part of their FAST program to help reduce the cost of your first lesson. You can also view and print a free pdf file of the FAA manual on the FAA website. (click here to download a PDF file of the FAA manual)

Our glider pilot training syllabus is designed to go with the very well written and organized training manuals by Russell Holtz. The free FAA manual can be used throughout our complete glider pilot training program, but most students choose to purchase Russell Holtz’s books. Russell’s books cost about $100 for the set but can typically save you that much in instructor fees because of how well written and organized they are. Russell’s books are available in our office or can be ordered off his web site.
http://www.gliderbooks.com

There are a few other manuals and study guides you will need to purchase as you progress in your training that will cost approximately an extra $75. Power pilots may already have some of these and also will not need the written test study guide.


Printable PDF files
HSC Glider Flight Training Syllabus .pdf
FAA Glider Training Manual.pdf

Looking to take a glider ride or buy a gift?
Please contact:




Learn to Soar $139 Special!

Get started today with our
Introductory Lesson Course.

Includes:
- Ground School Class
- Glider Training Manual
- Glider Pilot Log Book
- First Glider Flight Lesson

Classes run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m
Private 2-hour sessions and
gift options are available.
Click for more info


Accelerated Courses
The most economical way
to train and achieve your goals.