Earning a License

NFSS is a private club, not a flight school. Flight instruction is reserved for full-time members (contingent on instructor availability) who volunteer their time in a variety of ways, including cleaning aircraft, flying our tow planes, and assisting with flight operations. It can take anywhere from several months to a year to earn a rating.

The process of obtaining a glider license comes with a few unique benefits.

  • No medical certificate is required;

  • Pilots as young as 14 may perform a solo flight;

  • The cost is significantly less then that of powered-flight;

  • The training aircraft are docile and easy-to-fly;

Download the NFSS application to apply for membership with our club.

FAA Requirements to Fly Solo

Student pilots may solo at a minimum age of 14 with a student certificate endorsed for solo flight at the discretion of a FAA-Certified Flight Instructor for Gliders (CFIG). Generally, 30 to 40 flights with a CFIG are required to solo. This is roughly equivalent to 10-12 hours of flight time and is dependent upon the progress of the student.

How Do I get Started?

First, reach out to one of our instructors. They’ll be happy to answer your questions and discuss the details of obtaining your license. You can also schedule a Soaring Experience with any of our qualified pilots to see if gliding is something you might enjoy. Deciding to pursue your rating will require a club membership, monthly dues, and a dedicated flight instructor to see you through to completion.

What Does It Cost?

The cost of your license depends on how often you fly and how committed you are to your learning. A consistent student can expect to take 3-4 months and spend around $4,000 for their training, checkride, and study materials. Your instructor will provide a breakdown of individual costs during your first lesson. Once licensed, an hour flight can cost less than $50. That’s less than half of what you’d pay for a powered aircraft!

Is it Safe?

Absolutely. Some of our pilots have over 50 years of flying experience, and others are as young as 14. However, aviation demands respect and is unforgiving of careless behavior. Much like a motorcycle rider, you must bring an attitude of responsibility and awareness to every flight. Our instructors will help you develop the appropriate mindset and safety habits to ensure you become a responsible aviator.

FAA Rating Requirements

 Private Pilot Glider License

  • Are at least 16 years of age; and

  • Have logged at least 10 hours of flight time in a glider and that flight time must include at least 20 total glider flights, and

  • Have 2 hours of solo flight time in a glider, and

  • Have passed the FAA written examination; and

  • Have passed the flight exam with a FAA Examiner.

Commercial Pilot Glider License

  • Be at least 18-years of age; and

  • Pass a written FAA examination; and

  • Hold a Private Pilot glider license with:

    • 25 hours of flight time in gliders; and

    • 100 glider flights as pilot-in-command; or

    • A total of 200 hours of flight time in heavier-than-air aircraft including 20 glider flights as pilot-in-command;

    • 3 hours or ten flights training in a glider, and five solo flights in a glider and pass a flight test;