Flight Training Programs Available

I.  Self-Launch (Motorglider) Endorsement

Current FAR Part 61 requires that each method of launch a glider pilot desires to utilize reflect appropriate ground and flight instruction, and demonstrated proficiency, and that such be annotated in their logbook. Advisory Circular 61-94 prescribes a recommended course of instruction for the Self-Launch, sometimes referred to as the Motorglider, Endorsement. While the actual flight time to accomplish this training varies with the experience, competency, and currency of the applicant, most pilots fulfill all requirements in 3-5 hours of flight time. The highlights of these requirements are summarized below:

      Ground Instruction

                           General Operating and Flight Rules

                           Aircraft Flight Manual, POH, Ops Limits, Markings, and Placards

                           Aircraft Systems

                           Aircraft Assembly/Disassembly

                           Preflight Inspection/Cockpit Familiarization

                           Ground Operation and Handling Safety

                           Performance Limitations; power on and power off

                           Off-airport landing area selection

                           Use of Spoilers, Dive Brakes, and Flaps

                           Emergency and Abnormal Operations

            Flight Instruction

                                 Starting/Taxiing

                                 Normal Takeoffs and Landings

                                 Flight at Minimum Controllable Airspeeds and Stalls

                                 Engine Operations: Shutdowns and Restarts (ground and flight)

                                 Operation of Aircraft Systems, including Fuel Management

                                 Short and Soft Field Takeoffs and Landings

         Normal Approaches/Steep Approaches using Spoilers, Dive Brakes, Flaps, and Sideslips.

         Soaring Techniques – Locating Lift and Avoiding Sink

         Ground Reference Maneuvers

         Cross-Country Procedures, including emergency landing area selection.

II.  Private Pilot Certificate, with Glider Rating: FAR 61.102-61.120
The applicant for a private pilot-glider certificate must meet requirements for aeronautical knowledge, experience, and demonstrate proficiency as defined in those sections of the FAR.

• Age requirement: at least 16 years of age.
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
• Pass a knowledge test on areas defined by FAR 61.105, including weather, aircraft operation, aerodynamics, and applicable FAR's. (Initial certificate issuance.)
• As per FAR 61.31(j), a logbook endorsement for the type of launch(s) proficiently demonstrated by the applicant will be made as part of the recommendation by the flight instructor for the applicant to take the practical test.
• During the practical flight test, demonstrate proficiency in areas described in FAR 61.107, including launches, performance maneuvers, emergencies, and landings.
• The experience requirements, as described in FAR 61.109 (f), vary according to previous flight experience.
• For applicants who have not logged at least 40 hours of flight time as a pilot;
  at least 10 hours of flight training in a glider, including;
1. 20 training flights; and,
2. 2 hours of solo flights in gliders with not less than 10 launches and landings; and,
3. 3 training flights in preparation for the practical test.

Simply put, the applicant must have logged at least 10 hours in gliders and made at least 30 flights.

• For applicants who have logged at least 40 hours of flight time as a pilot;
  at least 3 hours of flight time in a glider, including;
1. 10 training flights; and,
2. 10 solo flights; and
3. 3 training flights in preparation for the practical test.

III. Commercial Pilot Certificate, with Glider Rating: FAR 61.121-61.141

• Age requirement: at least 18 years of age.
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
• Hold at least a private pilot certificate (for heavier-than-air aircraft.)
• For initial certificate issuance, pass a knowledge test (FAR 61.125) and practical test (61.127). The launch method(s) endorsed in the pilot's logbook (61.31(j)) determines in which type of launch(s) the pilot has demonstrated proficiency.
• There are two levels of experience required for issuance of a commercial certificate;
1. At least 25 hours as a pilot in gliders, including;
1. 100 flights in gliders as pilot in command; and,
2. 3 hours of flight training or 10 training flights in gliders; and,
3. 2 hours of solo flight to include not less than 10 solo flights; and,
4. 3 training flights in preparation for the flight test.

Simply put, the applicant must have logged at least 25 hours in gliders and made at least 110 flights.

2. Have logged at least 200 hours in aircraft; including,
1. 20 flights in gliders as pilot in command; and,
2. 3 hours of flight training or 10 training flights; and,
3. 5 solo flights in a glider; and,
4. 3 training flights in preparation for the flight test.

IV.  Advanced Soaring Techniques

While every training flight can present the opportunity for learning and practicing basic soaring, this program is specifically oriented toward the advanced techniques of thermaling, cloud interpretation, and in-flight decision making. If local soaring conditions do not provide sufficient lift, then the motor can provide "iron thermals" to simulate actual lift.

V.  Off Airport Landing Training

The motorglider comes into it's own here, allowing cross-country training and off-airport landing training in a controlled manner.