Training Progression and Onward

The general progression in training is shown below. The steps can be rearranged somewhat depending on your priorities (i.e., cross-country which requires xc instruction versus carrying passengers which requires a license).

Flight training through solo

Expect to have some ground schooling as well as flight training in preparation for your solo.  CSA requires you to complete the CSA Pre-Solo Quiz before you solo and review it with your Instructor.

You need a Student Pilot Certificate before you solo. For Gliders, you do not need a Medical Certificate.

  • Use the FAA IACRA website to apply for your Student Pilot (and other) Certificate.
  • Use the the 'Register" link in the top right corner of the website Login area to set up an account. (IACRA guide)
  • Once you have the account, login to apply for your Student Pilot Certificate. (IACRA guide) 
  • You will be given a FAA Tracking Number (FTN).  Your instructor and designee will need the FTN later.
  • You can only register once at IACRA - keep your FTN and IACRA login information in a safe place.
  • Your instructor will then login to IACRA to authorize your application using your FTN.

Until you get a Private Pilot certificate you will have to fly under the supervision of an Instructor. Your Instructor will describe the limitations you have while flying with a Student Pilot Certificate.

Study for the FAA Private Pilot (Glider) Written Test

Required and suggested study materials can be found on the Training and Checkouts page.

Private Pilot test preparation and test questions:

You will have ground school sessions with your Instructor and an Instructor sign-off is required before taking the FAA Written test. The FAA Written test is computer based and you will see your results immediately. To arrange the computer-based tests, contact PSI True Talent:

Solo Practice and Instruction for the FAA Private Pilot (Glider) Practical Test

When flying with a student pilot certificate you will need to be signed-off to continue solo flight every 90 days. This will include the sailplanes you can fly solo.

To take the Private Pilot (Glider) Practical Test test, you need a sign-off from an Instructor, evidence of passing the FAA Private Pilot (Glider) Written Test, and a logbook showing the required solo flight time.

The flight test is administered by an FAA Designated Examiner who can test glider pilots. Here are current local examiners:

  • Elliot Crawford (elliotcc at mac dot com)
  • Quay Snyder (asw-19pilot at comcast dot net)

Expect the flight test to cost around $350.

Checkout in Other Gliders

If your interest is in flying cross-country, get checked out in a single-place glider. If you want to take passengers as soon as you have your license, consider getting checked out in the G-103. CSA Flight Rules describe the requirements to fly CSA gliders and you will need a CSA instructor endorsement before flying any club glider as pilot in command (PIC).

Fly for Badges

Flying for badges will help you develop your soaring skills.  Instructors and other members of CSA who have more experience are usually very willing to help you advance.  Just talk to them and show your interest. (see Julia's slides for complete requirements)

Click Image to View Julia's Slides

The following badges are awarded by an SSA Instructor:

  • A-Badge: First solo
  • B-Badge: 30-minute flight
  • C Badge: 60-minute flight
  • Bronze Badge: 2 x 2-hour flights, written test, X-C flight instruction

The following badges are awarded by the Soaring Society of America on behalf of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale - FAI :

  • Silver Badge: 5-hour flight, 50-km flight, 1000 meter altitude gain
  • Gold Badge: 5-hour flight, 300-km flight, 3000 meter altitude gain
  • Diamonds for the Gold Badge: 300-km goal flight, 500-km flight, 5000 meter altitude gain
  • FAI Diplomas: 750-km and above

Fly in Competitions

Believe it or not, sailplane competition flying is a great way to learn and hone your cross-country skills, even if you really aren't a competitive type.  Contests have all the facilities set up to help support you in your adventure for a concentrated period of time.  Plus, a lot of passionate sailplane pilots who will be very willing to help and advise you.  SSA sanctioned competitions require some silver or gold badge legs to be held to ensure you have some experience soaring cross-country.

Most of all, have fun!!

 

Updated 03/01/2025