Jamie Shore, this is a good question so I dug out my log books and did some sorting and counting. Prospective members at our club usually ask about the costs and I must admit that I probably estimated too low at present costs.

I started my soaring journey in 1994 at the age of 54.

Soloed after 52 flights in SGS 2-33
Got my private license after 92 more flights.
The average tow height was 2,424 feet.
Total flights to license 144

102 flights in a SGS 2-33
38 Flights in a SGS 1-26
4 flights in a Blanik L13 (Our Club requires spin training before sign-off for license.)

Present Costs at our glider club for tows is $18/1000 ft and a $2.50 Hook up charge. This would amount to $6,643 for Tows. There is no charge for Glider Usage.

Initiation Fee $500
Monthly fees $55/mo (for 12 months in my case) = $660
Tows & Hookup Charges $6,643
Books and Study material $100
FAA Written Test - $150
FAA Practical Exam - $0 (Our Club had a DPE who didn't charge club members)

Total to license at present costs at our club would be $8,103.
(Tow Costs in 1994/1995 were about half of what they are presently)

Our present club fleet consists of an ASK21, Blanik L13AC, Grob 102 Astir, SGS 1-26A.

Presently flying a Hph 304CZ and have about 1,200 hours.

Charles Zabinski
Finger Lakes Soaring Club
Dansville, NY