On Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 10:36:57 AM UTC-6, James Stauffer wrote:
Is it harder to get a first pilot certificate for glider - self launch vs.. normal powered aircraft near St. Paul, MN? It seems like a self launch glider certificate would be a great way to start because of better stick and rudder skills, lower age requirements (for my son), cheaper operating costs, glider hours apply toward power aircraft requirements, etc but I'm concerned that it might be a bad path because it appears to be rare and hard to find instruction near St. Paul, MN.

The MN Soaring Club (https://mnsoaringclub.com/) at Stanton, near Northfield, is a great place for a kid to learn how to fly. The MSC has a scholarship program for kids, and GREAT instructors. A really big benefit of a soaring club like this is the social aspect of soaring, where you get to meet a lot of different people, many of whom are airline or retired military pilots who can be great mentors for a kid who is interested in aviation. You miss out on a lot of that if you lean to fly in powered aircraft.

Another thing to look at in the Twin Cities is the ACE Camp that is sponsored by the MN Dept of Aeronautics (https://www.mnacecamp.org/). This is a week long summer camp for kids that includes glider rides, tours of ATC facilities, a ride in a C130, etc.

A big advantage of learning to fly gliders is the stick and rudder skills that really teach you how to fly. Another big plus is that you can solo in a glider when you are 14. The biggest challenge can be how to get to the airport when you aren't old enough to get a drivers license.