Harris Hill Soaring Center

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= Typical Fees Estimates for Obtaining a Glider License (Senior Member) =

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If you would like to talk to someone about the benefits and responsibilities of membership in HHSC, please contact our New Member Coordinator. Instructors at HHSC volunteer their time, but students must pay for tows and glider rental.

We are often asked how long it takes to become a glider pilot, and how much it costs. Below is a chart with a rough estimate for a typical ab initio glider pilot - one with normal skills and capabilities and no flying experience whatsoever. For this exercise, we will assume that the student pilot starts their training mid-summer one year and finishes it at the end of the next summer, perhaps sixteen months total. That is a typical length of training for a person devoting a moderate amount of time and effort.

Every student's flight training experience is different. Many flourish, but, sadly, a few don't. Aside from building flying skills and aeronautical knowledge, the flight instructor is looking for the development of judgement and maturity in the student pilot. Some students develop quickly and run the course without problems; a small few work at it very hard - and never make it. Encouragingly, most persistent student pilots will succeed in their quest for a glider license.

Bear in mind that some of our younger members start training at a very young age. FAA rules allow competent glider pilots to solo at age 14, and to acquire a Private Pilot/Glider license at 16. Their informal training may start even before age 14, while flying with family members, or others. Some people come to soaring later in life, in their 40's or 50's, or even older. Each student has their own capabilities and limitations, their own pace, their own energy and commitment level. At any age, the pathway to pilot certification can be rigorous, but not impossibly difficult.

Bear in mind the chart below represents a typical pilot's expenses, and constitutes neither a guideline, nor an expectation or a guarantee, that you (or any individual) might have this same experience. Rates and fees for the year 2008 are used.

Note: Due to special rates for Junior Members, typical Junior Member's total expenses average much less than for Senior Members. See note below.

Note: Due to special rates for Junior Members, typical Junior Member's total expenses average much less, about $1300, estimated.

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04/21/2008