Cost to earn a glider certificate?

At 21:39 08 June 2008, Alan wrote:

Much the same was true when I got my power license -- flying is
flying.

Does it
really
take 15 to 20 flights of dual before solo? What is covered in those,
and
how
can one take control of the process to make it more efficient?

The not-very-useful answer is that it takes as long as it
takes. If you're good at it, and catch on fast, it won't
take that long (took me 12 flights, as I recall). If you're
a little slow, it will take longer. Your instructor will know
when you're ready.

Largely, I expect it will depend on how quickly you catch
on to flying on tow - that's the part that is the most different
from flying power. Here's an interesting question that I
was asked during the questioning from the examiner before
I got my rating: Suppose you're flying along in a stable
straight glide, and you pull back on the stick - what happens
to your airspeed? Now suppose you're flying in normal
tow position behind the towplane, and you pull back on
the stick - what happens to your airspeed?

Also, if you've been flying taildraggers, you'll come along
a lot quicker, since you already know why God gave you
feet.

Jim Beckman (NJ)

Alan wrote:
... Does it really take 15 to 20 flights of dual before solo?


Pretty much. The airwork comes together pretty quickly but you need to
learn what those pedals on the floor are for. Without that, your tows
will be sloppy, at best. I did a demo flight for an experienced
tail-dragger pilot yesterday. He thought that he knew how to use the
rudder. He was wrong.

Your power instructor probably told you (as mine did) "if you don't like
your approach, go around". Well, guess what? :-) Before you solo you
need to convince your instructor that you can nail the landing every
time. And it's not quite the same as yo do it in power. You vary your
pattern and approach speed based on the wind speed and direction. You
have to anticipate and correct for wind gradients.

There's a lot to learn. It's fun.

Tony V. CFIG

"noel.wade" wrote:
Charts, learning materials, study guides, etc. will probably add up to
about $500. It'll happen in $20 - $50 increments, but it adds up
fast. And there's no such thing as "too much studying" in the world
of piloting!

Noted.

BTW for training materials, I'm a big fan of Bob Wander's books. He
has some great "Package Deals" on his website for around $100 - $150
that include all the books you need for training and basic soaring
flight. Good stuff! I'm not associated with him, but like his
writing and his lecturing style (if you ever get a chance to hear him
speak, he's pretty good): http://www.bobwander.com

The package deal looks pretty good - but it looks like I'll need to
supplement even that with a current copy of the FAR/AIM, among a couple
other items.

Herb wrote:
Unless I missed it, none of the previous posts mentioned the club
initiation fee which can be easily a one-time expense of $500-$1,000
or more.

The club near me has no initiation fee (they make a point of it on their
web site) - just an annual fee of US$164.

"01-- Zero One" wrote:
"Jim Logajan" wrote:
ContestID67 wrote:
However, you need to add in materials, FAA test fees (private),
sweat equity (it is a club after all) and the inevitable cost of
the "I-need- to-buy-my-own-glider" bug.

I-need-to-buy-my-own-glider? Better not feed that bug! I haven't even
gotten off the ground and the idea of owning a motor glider sounds
appealing. That would make the training costs "inconsequential". ;-)

Jim, let the idea of a motorglider go for a while. You need to
experience the simple pleasures of quiet flight, comraderie, and
becoming one with your machine.

I should have edited my response better - I really have no plans (or spare
funds) to acquire a motorglider now or anytime in the near future. Since
John mentioned it, I thought I'd respond and mention that the idea has a
certain appeal.

On Jun 6, 8:34*pm, Jim Logajan wrote:
Anyone have a rough idea of the amount to budget to earn a glider
certificate?

The glider training closest to me appears to be at this club:

http://www.kpflight.com/coburg.htm

Let see,
25 hours of dual with instructor.
25 hours solo
Club membership Initiation
Regular club dues
Radio
Club T-shirt
Floppy stupid looking hat
Sun Tan Lotion SPF 30+
Log book
Reference books
Exam study guide
Car to get to the field
Gas Money
Bragging rights at the local Pub(Buy a round)
Landout money for phone call & retrieve crews dinner.
Your own glider or a share of one
Upgrades to above glider
Upgrade to a 4 wheel drive car to tow above glider from farmers field
Gliding Holidays away to exotic places
Divorce & Settlement

I concur that about $2,500 should be enough to get started
;-)

At 16:21 09 June 2008, Jim Logajan wrote:

The club near me has no initiation fee (they make a point of it on their

web site) - just an annual fee of US$164.

Just out of curiosity, how does a club that operates that way
allow for expansion? For example, if they get a dozen or so
new members, they're going to want another glider, but
they won't have any money to buy it. Unless I'm missing
something obvious here.

What club is it, and what do they fly?

Jim Beckman (NJ)

Just out of curiosity, how does a club that operates that way
allow for expansion? For example, if they get a dozen or so
new members, they're going to want another glider, but
they won't have any money to buy it.

They will have additional monthly revenue which can be used to finance
equipment. Yes, it will be more complicated than just having cash, but
many potential members would never join if they had to pay a
significant sum of money before they even start.

Bartek

Jim Beckman wrote:
At 16:21 09 June 2008, Jim Logajan wrote:

The club near me has no initiation fee (they make a point of it on their

web site) - just an annual fee of US$164.

Just out of curiosity, how does a club that operates that way
allow for expansion? For example, if they get a dozen or so
new members, they're going to want another glider, but
they won't have any money to buy it. Unless I'm missing
something obvious here.

What club is it, and what do they fly?

This is the club:
http://www.kpflight.com/coburg.htm

I am not sure how many planes they have, but mention is made of a Schweizer
SGS 2-33.

I do not know how they manage their fiscal affairs - I'm still waiting for
a response to an e-mail I sent them. I may have to drop by on Thursday or
Saturday.

On Jun 10, 10:29*am, Jim Beckman wrote:
At 16:21 09 June 2008, Jim Logajan wrote:



The club near me has no initiation fee (they make a point of it on their
web site) - just an annual fee of US$164.

Just out of curiosity, how does a club that operates that way
allow for expansion? *For example, if they get a dozen or so
new members, they're going to want another glider, but
they won't have any money to buy it. *Unless I'm missing
something obvious here.

What club is it, and what do they fly?


My UK club doesn't charge an entry fee, but our number of members is
fairly stable - some come, some go. Also aftyer a while new members
get their own gliders, so the number flying club gliders doesn't
change much.