Frequently Asked Questions
What is involved in learning to solo?
To solo means to fly by yourself. You must be at least 14 years old . We can begin training at the age of 12. A physical exam is not required, but you must have no medical problem that would prevent safe operation of the glider. Before you solo, your instructor must certify that you have learned everything necessary for safe flight and landing.
What is a private glider license?
A Private Glider license, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), allows you to carry passengers and act as pilot in command without being under the close supervision of an instructor. You must be at least 16 years old, pass a comprehensive written test and take and oral and flight test with a certified FAA examiner.
When can I fly?
We fly every weekend beginning on April 1st with our hours varying slightly depending on the season. We stop soaring prior to the 1st of December, as it simply gets just too cold! We do schedule lessons.
Lessons are conducted one-on-one with your instructor at your own pace.
Members are required to help with the flightline.
There are items that need work on such as waxing of the gliders, cutting of the grass at our tiedown areas, working on our golf cart, etc...
Please contact us if you are in the area and would like to visit us at Adirondack Soaring.
Is soaring safe?
Soaring can boast being one of the safest forms of aviation. We are proud of this safety record but also know that safety doesn't "just happen" and that it must be practiced with every flight and be carefully taught to each new pilot. The best answer is that soaring is as safe as you make it. We work hard to make it as safe as it can be.
What if I have experience in power planes?
Though there are important differences between glider and power flying, there are considerable similarities as well. If you already have a power license, obtaining a glider rating will be easy.
You do not need to take another written test and you can be recommended for your license after 10 solo flights.
It's worth noting that obtainining a glider rating is an acceptable substitue for a Biennial Flight Review (BFR) and that most pilots believe that glider flying improves their power flying.
If you have power experience but not a license, your course of instruction will be the same as a novice with your progress being helped by your experience.
What happens after I have my license?
After you have earned your license , the sky 's the limit! You'll certainly want to introduce some of your friends to this fascinating and beautiful sport by giving them rides.
Maybe you'd like to try for your Silver, Gold or Diamond badges awarded by the Soaring Society of America (SSA) for duration, distance and altitude achievements.
There are also local, regional, national and international racing competitions in which you can participate.
What are the costs once I get my license?
Once you are past the initial expense of earning your glider license, the cost of continuing the sport of soaring is very affordable. Most pilots enjoy flying the club ship or either buy or become part owner in a sailplane. Your aerotow will usually run about $25-$40 and can give you an entire day of flying in good soaring conditions.
The Adirondack Soaring Club is based at the Saratoga County Airport, we own (3) two seat training gliders.
Typically assume 50 flights for someone without any experience to solo. This will very based on progress.
For those who want to purchase their own sailplane, performance and age of the sailplane will determine the cost. Sailplanes in the low to medium performance category (glide ratio of 16:1 to 30:1) usually range in price from $5,000 to $15,000. High performance sailplanes usually range in price from $40,000 to $100,000. For those demanding the very best performance, sailplanes with wing spans over 80 feet and glide ratios approaching 60:1 can cost over $200,000.Weather and Safety
