Member Instruction Costs

Understanding that everyone advances at their own personal rate, the cost for a beginner to become a certified private glider pilot with Hood River Soaring normally ranges between $4,000 - $6,000. The example detailed in the chart below illustrates the costs for an average beginner. Hood River Soaring membership dues are not included. (Note that glider rentals are discounted 50% for youth members.)

TO SOLO:

Student pilots may solo at a minimum age of 14 with a student certificate endorsed for solo flight at the discretion of an FAA-Certified Flight Instructor for Gliders (CFIG). Several Hood River Soaring members hold the CFIG rating and offer instruction to club members. To solo, you must demonstrate safe control of the glider 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 typically requires approximately 30-40 flights with an instructor which works out to be 10-12 hours of flight time. The number of flights and hours will vary depending on your own initiative, background and skill.

FROM FIRST SOLO TO LICENSE:

After solo, student pilots may qualify as a Private Pilot-Glider provided they:

• are at least 16 years of age;
• Have logged at least 10 hours of flight time in a glider including at least 20 total glider flights;
• have two hours of solo flight time in a glider;
• have passed the FAA written examination; and
• have passed the flight exam with an FAA Examiner.

In accumulating solo hours, you should develop the skills and knowledge necessary not only to pass the flight test but also to enjoy the sport of soaring. The following example allows for 4 hours of solo practice.