Learn to Fly

What is soaring?

Soaring is a safe, fun, cost-effective, and friendly form of recreational aviation.Soaring is different from other forms of aviation in that the sailplanes lack an engine. At first glance, this may seem like a serious limitation but a skilled sailplane pilot can fly for many hours and cover hundreds of miles by using subtle clues in their surroundings to locate updrafts. In other words, soaring is an ideal form of recreational sport aviation.

Who can learn to soar with the Illini Glider Club?

Soaring is one of the most accessible forms of recreational aviation available today. While flight instruction is open to anyone with the desire to to fly, pilots must meet the following criteria:

The Illini Glider Club invites student pilots of any age or experience level who want to learn and perfect airmanship skills. We would especially like to invite young people who may not have a chance to fly in other ways to join the club, along with anyone who has always wanted to experience the magic and the thrill of grass roots aviation.

We also invite pilots from other forms of aviation who would like add a glider rating to their certificate, as well as experienced glider pilots.

How long does it take to learn to fly?

Pilots transitioning from other kinds of aviation can train to solo in as few as 12 flights. Those who are new to flying can train to solo in as few as 23 flights (although 30 to 50 is typical).

Once you have reached solo status, you can complete your training by preparing for your written and practical exams. Transitioning pilots are not required to retake the written exam.

Once you have received you Private Pilot - Glider certificate, you can carry passengers, pursue achievement badges, and accumulate experience in cross-country flying. As you accumulate more flight time, you will be able to earn commercial and/or instructor ratings.

How much does it cost?

All of the associated costs (Dues, Tows, Materials, and Examinations) are discussed on our 'Membership' page. In addition, glider flight instructors who hold a Commercial rating may choose to charge a fee for flight instruction.

Total cost, from start to license will depend on your current status, skill level, abilities, and commitment.

Learning to fly sailplanes costs a fraction of private pilot training for powered aircraft, but it is still a substantial commitment. Be sure to discuss the costs with our instructors and with other members of the club when joining.

How to get started

Resources

Since it also has a good set of other links; Glider Flying Handbook, download all in one PDF or each chapter individually

Other links: 


Advisory Circular (AC) search and browse:

https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/


AC-91-92 Pilot’s Guide to a Preflight Briefing:

https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/1036892


Thermal forecast, Kevin Ford's site; also has link to Dr Jack's site.  READ THE EXPLANATORY MATERIALS.  Then ask questions:

http://www.soarforecast.com


Aviation weather forecasts:

aviationweather.gov


NOTAM search:

https://notams.aim.faa.gov/notamSearch/


Flight briefing - once you have student pilot license, you can create an account:

1800wxbrief.com


FAR part 61 (certification):

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=11af83fe1b1f1bef79ab8890c4d61cd8&mc=true&node=pt14.2.61&rgn=div5


FAR Part 91 (operating rules):

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=11af83fe1b1f1bef79ab8890c4d61cd8&mc=true&node=pt14.2.91&rgn=div5


Private Glider PTS:

https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/private_glider_pts_22.pdf


Commercial Glider PTS:

https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/commercial_glider_pts_23.pdf


Airmen certification page (shows where they are in processing applications), many links:

https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/


Following three you should create accounts on (each one is separate).


IACRA (applications for anything):

https://iacra.faa.gov


Airmen services - address change, temporary certificates, replacement certificates, etc.:

https://amsrvs.registry.faa.gov/amsrvs/


FAA WINGS program:

https://www.faasafety.gov