On Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at 6:33:43 PM UTC-6, wrote:
Why do you have to wait for the FAA to mandate it? Can't clubs implement a similar policy of their own accord?

I can understand a commercial organisation employing any qualified instructor regardless of actual soaring experience, they're not interested in renting gliders for solo cross country.

True. Many instructors at commercial operation don't have XC qualifications. Unfortunately, commercial operations train more than 80% of US glider pilots simply because they are bigger and operate more days a year than clubs. To do much good, I think XC requirements have to be in the regulations.